Sep 8, 2017
Give the gift of eternal prayer with an enrolment in the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Blue Book.
What is the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Blue Book?
The Blue Book is an everlasting gift of perpetual enrolment in the prayers of our MSC priests. Each prayer certificate is personalised and is presented in a silver-embossed folder, with covers in padded Balacon and parchment to choose from. This makes the Blue Book a beautiful gift for a special occasion, or as a gesture of support at times of illness or loss.
What does perpetual enrolment involve?
Perpetual enrolment means that the person named in each Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Blue Book will be remembered in the Masses and prayers of our MSC priests for all time. The names of those enrolled are recorded and bound each year in a specially designed Blue Book, which is kept in the prayer room at the MSC Missions Office in Cork. Every year, the Blue Book is placed on the altar of the Sacred Heart Church in Cork during the annual Novena to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, and those enrolled are remembered specially during this time.
Can I enrol a friend or loved one in the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Blue Book for any occasion?
Enrolment in the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Blue Book is a very thoughtful gift, particularly for anybody who has a special devotion or attachment to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. This is often a popular enrolment for mothers everywhere.
Enrolments can be made for a variety of occasions, with people choosing to give the gift of a Blue Book to celebrate life’s achievements, or in memory of loved one. While the gift of a Blue Book is a thoughtful way to remember a loved one who has passed away, offering the comfort of perpetual prayer to those who have experienced a loss, it is also a lovely way to mark special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, exams, baptisms, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.
Where can I get an Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Blue Book?
Visit our Cards & Gifts section to order a personalised Blue Book online. You can have your order delivered to your door, or we can send it directly to the person being enrolled. If you have any further questions, please feel free to get in touch with us by email at info@mscmissions.ie, or by phone on +353 (0) 21 454 5704.
Prayer is one of the greatest gifts we can give to those we love.
You can also enrol your loved ones in the Golden Book of the Sacred Heart,
or the Holy Family Entrustment Book.
Sep 4, 2017
Newly professed MSC brother Giacomo Gelardi spent some time working with the community at L’Arche Cork during the course of his novitiate year. Here, he shares his thoughts on the experience.
My life-giving experience at L’Arche “Le Cheile”, Cork
L’Arche “Le Cheile” in Cork was the best place I could have spent my pastoral placement. As soon as the door was opened to me, I was embraced by a gentle and loving welcome from the people who share their lives here, with beautiful smiles and real friendship.
I had not been at L’Arche before, but it felt like being at home. The community here opened their arms to me, a stranger in their lives, and received me as a friend. Thus, I soon realised that I was not there for them, but they were there to show me a different way of living – a way of loving and welcoming each other as precious gifts, enriched by our differences.
It took just a couple of days for my tiredness, worries, and anxieties to disappear, and I started to see the beauty of God’s presence in my life through them all. What impressed really me was their genuine nature, and the spontaneity that comes with being with one another.
The week started with a gathering of all members in a prayerful atmosphere. The community leader introduced the theme, then the members of different houses cheerfully performed songs and dances. “This must be a special day,” I thought. However, my new friend Maria explained, “This is how we start every week here at L’Arche – we come together and exchange our wishes for a good journey for the days ahead.”
My week was organised so that I could experience the different projects underway, and that day, it was time to visit the allotment. With Mike and Barry, two pillars of L’Arche Cork, we walked to the place where fruits and vegetables such as salads, tomatoes, and strawberries are grown. We watered and sowed the radishes; then, we all enjoyed a nice coffee at the nearby pub, before going back and sharing lunch together. Lunches and coffee breaks are fairly important social events here!
Over the course of the week, I spent time in the relaxation room listening to soft music with those who wanted a quiet moment. I had the chance to work with the younger lads who were making clocks and bird-houses in the woodwork course; I was also able to chat to and get to know some of the ladies while drawing cards or making candles, and I performed in improvised plays.
The week went by in the twinkling of an eye, and ended with a Mass where everyone took part, followed by singing and dancing together as a group.
During my three weeks at L’Arche, my experiences taught me that being with people is more important than doing. I learned that difference is our strength; difference is a gift.
Br Giacomo Gelardi MSC
Sep 2, 2017
Reflection: “Get behind me, Satan!”
The Gospel (Matthew 16:21-27)
Poor old Peter. He was doing so well. Last week, he got top marks from Jesus when he answered the “Who do you say that I am?” question. Today, he gets slapped down by Jesus for trying to talk him out of going to Jerusalem and probably getting himself killed.
However, it is not quite as bad as it seems. Jesus is not calling Peter the Devil, or evil. Satan here means an obstacle. Indeed, in Jewish, Satan was originally thought to be an angel of God who was sent to test people’s faith by placing obstacles in their path. Just look at the story of Job.
So, Peter is getting in the way of Jesus carrying out the Father’s will.
What is getting in our way?
We can ask ourselves, what is getting in our way? Is it fear, greed, laziness, arrogance, distraction, overwork, tiredness, people pleasing, indecision? Or is it something else? So much can come in the way of our doing the Father’s will.
The first reading tells us that God’s plan burns like a fire within us, and that we can exhaust ourselves trying to restrain that fire instead of going with it – instead of following our deepest desire, no matter how much it frightens us.
May we learn from Peter’s mistake, and not allow any obstacle to restrain the fire of God’s will within our hearts.
Fr Con O’Connell MSC
Sep 1, 2017
An everlasting gift, the Golden Book of the Sacred Heart offers remembrance in the Masses and prayers of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart for all time.
What is the Golden Book of the Sacred Heart?
The Golden Book is a perpetual enrolment in the prayers of our MSC priests, and is a very thoughtful way to mark a special occasion, or to offer a gesture of comfort in troubled times. Each personalised prayer certificate is presented in a beautiful gold-embossed folder, and you can choose from a padded Balacron or parchment card covers.
What does perpetual enrolment involve?
Perpetual enrolment means that the person named in each Golden Book of the Sacred Heart will be remembered in the Masses and prayers of our MSC priests for all time. The names of those enrolled are recorded and bound each year in a specially designed Golden Book, which is kept in the prayer room at the MSC Missions Office in Cork. Every year, the Golden Book is placed on the altar of the Sacred Heart Church in Cork during the annual Novena to the Sacred Heart, and those enrolled are remembered specially during this time.
Can I enrol a friend or loved one in the Golden Book of the Sacred Heart for any occasion?
A Golden Book is a truly special way to let somebody know that you’re thinking of them. This is a thoughtful way to remember a friend, family member, or loved one who has passed away, offering the comfort of perpetual prayer to those who have experienced a loss.
However, Golden Book enrolments aren’t just given in remembrance – this is also a lovely way to mark special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, exams, baptisms, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. The gift of a Golden Book can offer peace and solace to those going through difficult times, while it is also the perfect memento to celebrate life’s special occasions.
Where can I get a Golden Book of the Sacred Heart?
Visit our Cards & Gifts section to order a personalised Golden Book online. You can have your order delivered to your door, or we can send it directly to the person being enrolled. If you have any further questions, please feel free to get in touch with us by email at info@mscmissions.ie, or by phone on +353 (0) 21 454 5704.
Prayer is one of the greatest gifts we can give to those we love.
You can also enrol your loved ones in the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Blue Book,
or the Holy Family Entrustment Book.
Aug 23, 2017
On Tuesday, August 15th, five MSC novices took the next step on their missionary journey as they made their First Professions in Myross Wood House, Co. Cork. On this special occasion, the community of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart joined together with the novices and their loved ones to celebrate the conclusion of the novitiate year and the beginning of a new chapter for Daniel, Domenico, Giacomo, Jaime, and Piotr.
Fr Joseph McGee MSC, who was Irish Provincial Leader at the time, explains, “First Profession takes place at the conclusion of the Novitiate, which is a one-year period of intense spiritual preparation for young men who wish to become Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. From this point on, they are now members of the Society, with temporary status, and they will continue their studies in preparation for the day when they will make their Final Profession as full members of the Society.”
“Profession is a promise.”
Fr Michael Curran MSC was one of the group’s leaders throughout the novitiate year in Myross Wood, alongside Fr Nicholas Harnan MSC and Novice Master Fr Michael Huber MSC. Having worked closely with the five novices during the course of the year, the First Profession ceremony was a proud moment for the group leaders. “Profession is a promise,” says Fr Michael, “a serious commitment made to God. It has as its objective the ‘following’ of Jesus – taking his word seriously, as all Christians do, but also imitating him in his celibate commitment, in the poverty and simplicity of his lifestyle, and in his obedience to the mission entrusted to him by the heavenly Father.”
Newly professed Br Giacomo Gelardi MSC describes his experience: “We were all very nervous ahead of the ceremony,” he recalls. “The night before, I think we all only slept for two or three hours at a time! The day itself, however, went very well. At moments, I realised where I was and what I was doing, and I felt both peaceful and joyful. This is what I had been waiting for, and now it felt real. I have always been for Jesus, and now it’s official!”
Treasuring the past and building the future
So, what’s next for the newly professed MSC members? First comes a well-deserved holiday, then they will return to their studies in different parts of the world. “The normal course of study would be about six years in total,” explains Fr Michael. “Meanwhile, these young men are in ‘temporary’ vows. They have to complete a minimum of three years in temporary Profession before taking their final vows.”
“During this time,” adds Fr Joseph, “the newly professed members will be given more opportunities to engage in various types of pastoral experience. They will live in community with our MSCs, and thus grow more and more as members of the Society.”
“I’ll be studying theology in Maynooth for three years,” says Br Giacomo. “I know it’s going to be difficult, but I don’t mind. I’m a perfectionist, I want to do my best at everything – in prayer with Jesus and at university – but I’ll take it as it comes.”
“This has been a wonderful day for the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.”
This year’s First Profession ceremony has been an event of great significance for the MSC community. “This has been a wonderful day for the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart – not only in Ireland, but throughout Europe,” concludes Fr Joseph. “It means new life. It really is encouraging that, in this day and age, young men who might otherwise live fruitful and productive lives in any other professional capacities have chosen to dedicate themselves to our mission and ministry. Each of these young men has many talents and skills which he will place at the service of our mission, and I look forward to watching them progress along their journey as they follow the Lord’s call.”
Congratulations to the Myross Wood
European Novitiate 2016 – 2017!
Br Piotr Zlobinski MSC (South German-Austrian Province)
Br Jaime Rosique MSC (Spanish Province)
Br Domenico Rosa MSC (Italian Province)
Br Daniel Filipek MSC (South German-Austrian Province)
Br Giacomo Gelardi MSC (Irish Province)
Images by Alan Dodd.
Aug 22, 2017
In August 2017, the Venezuelan Community in Ireland reached out to Fr Joseph McGee MSC, who at the time was the Irish Provincial Leader, to thank the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart for our ongoing ministry in Venezuela, and to ask for our continued prayers as this troubled country looks to the future with hope.
In the summer of 2017 the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart marked 50 years of ministry in Venezuela, and our MSC missionaries are currently the only Irish priests working to help local people in the region in the midst of this humanitarian crisis. In honour of our Golden Jubilee, this summer Fr Joseph visited our MSC missions in Venezuela and was struck by the conditions that local people are forced to endure on a daily basis.
“Despite the chaos and misery that is in our country today,” writes the Venezuelan Community, “we have been blessed by having these priests adopting our homeland as their second home and providing their help and support in the cities of Maracaibo and Caracas.”
“It is important for us to let all the family of the Sacred Heart know how priceless is the sacrifice and commitment that you are demonstrating by staying there against the backdrop of conflict,” continues the letter.
Venezuela is currently in a critical state, with severe food and medical shortages just the tip of the iceberg as the country struggles with social, economic, and political chaos. The Venezuelan Community in Ireland send their gratitude for the support of our MSCs and our mission friends across the world:
“A special word of thank you for not leaving our people and for supporting them with your pastoral work. In moments like this, all help is needed, but we firmly trust that if we continue believing in the mercy of God, this terrible moment will pass very soon.”
“Together, we are stronger and better. Please do not forget Venezuela.”
