Oct 22, 2018
In September, MSC Missons Office Director Fr Michael O’Connell MSC walked the Camino de Santiago for the first time. Walking approximately 113 km over five days, Fr Michael undertook the final stage of the Camino Francés, or the French Way. Here, he shares his daily diary with thoughts and reflections from the Way.
Wednesday, September 26th
Sarria to Portomarin
Distance: 22.1 km
“Walking the Camino was a new experience for me. This was the first time I had done it, and while it had come highly recommended by our Vocations Director Fr Alan, who walks the Way of St James every year, I can’t say that I wasn’t slightly apprehensive about the challenge that lay ahead.
The walk was a challenge in itself, in that it’s a long time since I took long walks, and this one averages approximately 20 km per day. I walked the final stage of the Camino Francés, from Sarria to Santiago, covering around 113 km in 5 days.
I must admit, I asked myself ‘Can I do that?’ Walking the distance is one thing, but will my knees hold me up? How will my joints cope? It was up hill, down dale at times, but it wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be, and that was a real positive.
What made me decide to do the walk this year? Well, I wanted to do something that was healthy for both body and soul. Fr Alan, had been saying how wonderful the Camino was after his trip earlier this year, and so I decided to give it a go.
I started the first day of my Camino journey waking up in an old monastery, and stepped out into a beautiful misty morning. I often found myself following in the path of other pilgrims, which was useful – it lessened the chances of getting lost along the way!
On the first day, I spotted this well-loved spot, where a local farmer obviously finds time for rest and recuperation after a busy day. He has all the essentials at hand – a comfy chair, a newspaper, and a bottle of wine! In a place where there is so much transition, it was nice to see a symbol of consistency from someone whose roots are in the land here.
I also happened upon a stall full of eco-produce, where I enjoyed a chat with the owner. He has no prices on his wares, but simply requests a donation from pilgrims. His sign was a welcoming one, promising tea, coffee, home-made food, a bathroom, and a good rest.
I had decided to walk the Camino on my own. If you’re walking with somebody, it does shorten the journey – we all know the old saying, ‘Tell me a story and half the journey!’. Actually, I found that walking by myself gave me time to think and to reflect, to see the world and what was around me. I only had myself for company, and the Lord. While it was a physical challenge, it wasn’t at all challenging mentally. It was like life really, just taking one day at a time and seeing where it brought me.”
Read more of Fr Michael’s Camino diary:
Fr Michael’s Camino Diary Day 2
Fr Michael’s Camino Diary Day 3
Fr Michael’s Camino Diary Day 4
Oct 20, 2018
Gospel Reflection
In Dialogue with Questions of the Day: The Servant Church
Gospel (Mark 10:35-45): The Son of Man came to give his life as a ransom for many.
The Church is often criticized today for being far removed from the teaching and model set by Jesus and put before us in Mark’s Gospel – and rightly so. In the first instance, Jesus’ words are addressed to his apostles. The model of the then civil government was not to be for them. Jesus’ teaching on service, and being servants to one another in the Christian community became common and is central, for instance, to Pauline teaching on the Christian community. Central to the message of today’s Gospel reading is Christ himself as model; self-promotion takes attention away from this.
But to return to the apostles and their successors: the model of service is central to Paul. For the sake of the Gospel he became the servant of all, to win all for Christ. As Jesus reminded his apostles, anyone wishing to become great was to be the servant of all. This did not take from the mission to preach the Gospel. As ministers of the Gospel, all were equal, with the same mission from God. The apostle Paul could present himself as the servant of all, but could make it clear that as apostle he preached the Gospel with the confidence that came from his apostolic calling. He could say: “Not I say, but the Lord”. He handed on what he himself had received from the Lord and from earlier Christian tradition.
Applying the Gospel message to the Church of our own day, we can certainly say that the message of being servants of one another applies to the successors of the apostles, and to all Christians. While criticizing the Church for deviation from the Gospel message, one may also note that this should not take from the Church’s prophetic mission to preach the full Gospel message as required in our own day, without fear or favour. In so doing the Church has the model of St Paul, all things to all people, as minister of the Gospel of God.
Fr Martin McNamara MSC
Oct 18, 2018
As the evenings draw in and the days get cooler, bring a little light to someone you love with a beautiful candle from our collection of inspirational gifts.
In today’s world, where it’s all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, taking part in the age-old ritual of lighting a candle is the perfect way to pause for a moment at the end of a hectic day. Whether we light a flame in reflection, in thanksgiving, or in prayer, lighting a candle is a time-honoured way of taking time out of our daily routine to take stock and rest our minds.
You might choose to take a moment to light up your morning routine, to breathe and reflect before you dive into your day’s schedule. Perhaps you prefer to take that time at the end of the day, letting go of the day’s demands and stresses by the light of a flickering flame.
With two styles to choose from, the gold-embossed labels and attractive designs make these candles a special gift for yourself or for others. The pretty Faith, Hope, and Love design is a lovely reminder of the gifts that we give and receive daily. Our Serenity design features the beloved Serenity Prayer, surrounded by a charming autumn leaf motif. With four candles in every pack, you can share a little more light and love with those you hold dear.
Remember, when you choose one of our inspirational candles, you are lighting up the lives of people in need all over the world. Your support helps us to continue bringing the gift of hope to vulnerable families and communities across the globe. Our MSCs work in regions of extreme poverty and hardship, bringing vital aid to people who have nowhere else to turn, and every order we receive makes a real and valuable difference.
BROWSE OUR INSPIRATIONAL CANDLES
Oct 16, 2018
Kasparina Renwarin is a teacher and a former student at Siwa Lima St Joseph’s Technical School in Langgur, Indonesia. Built in 1970, the school is run by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart with the aim of educating young people in the region so “they can do something good for themselves and for their families”. In a region where poverty is a pressing issue, St Joseph’s provides the youth of the community with hope for the future. Here is Kasparina’s story:
“My name is Kasparina Renwarin and I am 53 years old. I have been a teacher in St Joseph’s Technical School since 1983.
When the school first opened, it was attended by male students only. Female students did not begin to attend St Joseph’s until 1979. I was one of six ladies who began studying in the school together.
I finished my studies in 1982. In 1983, the headmaster at the time invited me to teach in the automotive department and I was very happy to get this job, even though I was not an expert in the subject. I do my best for my students. Although my salary is low, I wish to dedicate myself and my skills to my beloved alma mater.
I realised that I needed to develop my knowledge and my ability in the automotive department further, so I continued my studies. In 2014, I became a civil employee as a teacher, and I remain teaching in my alma mater.
I hope that St Joseph’s Technical School remains constant, and continues to develop to become the best technical school in the Malucu Province. God bless us all, and our beloved St Joseph’s!”
PLEASE HELP US TO TRANSFORM LIVES IN INDONESIA
Oct 11, 2018
“Ever this day, be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide…”
We all draw comfort from our guardian angel, a peaceful presence on our shoulder that guides and guards us always.
Our beautiful range of guardian angel gifts are the perfect way to honour our angel guides, or to remind someone we love that they are never alone. In times of trouble or stress, when there’s a big decision to be made, or when we simply feel a little bit lost, we turn to the angelic messenger who guides our footsteps and leads us along the right path.
From an elegant silver-plated bracelet adorned with a delicate angel charm, to a collection of angelic statues featuring encouraging messages, our angel gifts are wonderful keepsakes to inspire and enchant.
When you choose one of our guardian angel gifts, your gesture goes further than you can imagine, bringing the gift of hope to vulnerable families and communities around the world. Our MSCs work in regions of extreme poverty and hardship, bringing vital aid to people who have nowhere else to turn. Every order we receive makes a difference, allowing our MSCs to continue their work in transforming lives across the globe.
Pick the perfect present for someone special, or find your own personal reminder that your guardian angel is never far from your side. This lovely collection of angel mementos will bring delight to all who hold their guardian angel dear.
EXPLORE OUR GUARDIAN ANGEL GIFTS
Oct 6, 2018
It is not good for man/woman to be alone
Gospel Reflection: Mark 10:2-16
God has created us as relational. It is not good for us to be alone. This is an important message for us in this very individualistic age.
Jesus is asked if divorce is OK. His response is to recall God’s original vision for us. God made us for one another. For most people, this takes the shape of finding one special person and forming a special relationship. Those who are single also live in relationship with other people. Without such connection people become sick, both physically and mentally.
In Romania, under communist rule, many orphans were kept in institutions where they were deprived of human touch. Even though these children were fed and given enough to drink they became sick and some died. For human beings to live and thrive, they need touch, love, relationship.
However, the kind of relationship that people need is deep rather than superficial. Unfortunately, today, many people see relationships as almost a commodity. Something to be taken off the shelf and replaced when it no longer suits. This is not how God made us. For relationships to grow, they must pass through difficulty and struggle, confusion and understanding, forgiveness and reconciliation. Without working through the problems, relationships never deepen.
Jesus invites us to accept our need of deep relationship. That is not to say that sometimes relationships end. However, God’s dream for us remains deep, long-lasting, and life-giving relationships.
Fr Con O’Connell MSC
