Oct 3, 2024
Welcome to the Winter 2024 edition of the MSC Message!
âą Read a seasonal greeting from Fr John Fitzgerald MSC, Director of the MSC Missions Office.
âą Find out more about MSC efforts to protect our earth with the ongoing ecobricks project in the Philippines.
âą Join us as we celebrate 150 years of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.
âą Read all about this summer’s Camino adventure as our MSC pilgrims walked the Camino InglĂ©s, raising over âŹ20,000 for the Holy Family Care Centre in South Africa.
âą Catch up with the latest news from the Chevalier Training Centre in Fiji.
âą Fr Alan Neville MSC writes from South Sudan, with an update from the Catholic University in Rumbek.
âą Learn more about Fr Frank T. Natale’s story as he shares how he came to be an MSC in the US Province.
âą Catch up on news of our recent Novena to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.
Read the Winter 2024 edition of the MSC Message
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Sep 26, 2024
It has been a wonderfully full year so far on our MSC mission project in Mozambique, with their Facebook page sharing regular photos and stories to keep us updated on all the latest news.
March brought the opening of the Fr Jules Chevalier Training Centre, which, says the Facebook page for MSC Mozambique, âwill host the first young Mozambicans who sought the charisma and mission of the Chevalier Familyâ. May God bless those who study and pray here, and lead them in their vocations.
In April, Fr José Eduardo Paixão MSC opened and blessed a new church in the community of Santo Augustine de Manono, in the parish of St Antonio de Metuge. It was a very special occasion indeed as the community celebrated their new place of worship, while Fr José also led Sunday school for parishioners, reflecting on the fact that parents are leaders in faith for their children, guiding them on their spiritual journey.
July saw a magnificent celebration of St Isabel, patroness known as an âangel of goodness and peaceâ. MSCs Fr JosĂ© Eduardo PaixĂŁo and Fr Roney Lima were joined by Fr Armindo Baltazar for the occasion, who led the community in prayer, reflection, and thanksgiving on this great day.
In August, Fr Roney Lima MSC was joined by Fr Edigar, Missionary of the Congregation of the Missionaries of Our Lady of Salette, to celebrate the Holy Mass at the parish of Our Lady of Carmo de Mieze in the Diocese of Pemba. The Mass was followed by a truly inspiring workshop dedicated to local youths, where prayer and reflection combined with dance, music, poetry, and fun! Three local parishes took part: the parish of Our Lady of Carmo de Mieze, St Charles Lwanga Parish of Mahate, and the parish of St Antonio de Metuge. âEvery young person present left with joy and full of learning,â posted the Facebook page for MSC Mozambique.
Finally, September has brought another celebration in faith as Fr José Eduardo and Fr Rony joined the community of St Augustine, in the parish of St Antonio de Metuge, to mark the day of their patron saint.
Our MSC mission in Mozambique marked its sixth anniversary in March of this year, having originally been established in 2018 in the Diocese of Pemba, a very poor part of Mozambique. The need here continues to be great, and the mission is continuously adapting to serve the many and changing needs of the vulnerable and displaced, from emergency response to natural disasters, to the brutal impact of violence and political unrest. In a volatile climate, our MSC community is always working to adapt and respond to the demands of the social climate and the prevailing needs of the local communities and parishioners.
The Irish Province of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart has an enduring relationship with our Mozambique mission, with the friendship and support of our mission friends and benefactors here at home touching the lives of thousands in the district of Pemba. Thanks to the friendship and compassion of our extended mission family here at home, we have been able to bring about positive change to disadvantaged communities made up of thousands of people across the diocese. Civil war in the region has brought about huge hardship, with hundreds of thousands of people displaced from their homes and their lives since 2017, and many others killed or reported missing. In recent years, we have been working alongside Fr José to raise funds to support those in real and urgent need, helping to provide essential aid and brighter prospects in a region where hope is in short supply.
In spite of ongoing troubles, and with the mission facing constant challenges, the inestimable spirit of hope, perseverance, and unity prevails at the heart of our Mozambique mission. The enduring power of faith and community shines through in these marvellous pictures, and we ask that you please join us in keeping our friends and brothers in Mozambique in your prayers as we continue to work together to provide hope, brighter prospects, and a better quality of life for those in real need.
Images via the Facebook page for MSC Mozambique, with credit to Abudo Manara.
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Sep 19, 2024
The end of August marked a very special day for our extended Sacred Heart family, as the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart marked their 150th anniversary on August 30th.
Established in 1874, this year marked a jubilee celebration for our OLSH Sisters, and we are delighted to share photos of just some of the wonderful celebrations that took place around the globe to mark the occasion.
In a heartfelt post, the Facebook page for the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Australia wrote:
âOn this day, August 30th, 1874, 150 years ago, the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart were founded. Today, we celebrate this 150th Jubilee with hearts filled with thanksgiving for the last 150 years. We give thanks to those pioneer Sisters who, filled with the vision of Fr. Jules Chevalier MSC and the inspiration of Mother Marie Louise Hartzer FDNSC, went across the world, ministering and working alongside the poor and the vulnerable, establishing schools, hospitals, working on mission, and in recent years, working for justice, the rights of refugees, climate action, advocating for those whom society has placed on the margins, and much more! As we celebrate this special day, we are filled with the fire of God’s love to continue our mission with renewed vision so that we can continue to be âOn earth the Heart of God.â
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart – Pray for us!â
The Australian OLSH community went on to highlight their continued commitment to their mission in a beautiful promise âto share God’s boundless love with everyone – no exceptions and no exclusions.â
Some marvellous photos of the celebrations were also shared from the Philippines and the Province of the Pacific Islands.
From the Facebook page for the MSC Scholasticate Community â Philippines:
From the Facebook page for the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart – Province of the Pacific Islands:
We join our hearts, our voices, and our prayers with our OLSH Sisters as they mark this jubilee celebration, as we give thanks for the past 150 years, and look forward to continuing on our shared journey, making the spirituality of the heart known wherever and whenever it is needed most. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved!
From the Facebook page for MSC Vocations â Australian Province:
Sep 5, 2024
At the end of July, a group of 26 pilgrims walked the Camino InglĂ©s in order to raise funds to help care for sick and abandoned children at the Holy Family Care Centre in Ofcolaco, South Africa. With Fr Tony Horgan MSC at the helm, the group covered 116km in six days, and raised over âŹ20,000 for the Holy Family Team. Mary Morrish, one of the MSC Missions Office team here in Cork, took part in this year’s Camino walk, and shares her daily diary with us.
Fr Tony Horgan MSC (left) and MSC Missions Office team member Mary Morrish (second from right), with pilgrims Nisha and John.
Day 1:Â Ferrol â Neda (15.5km)
We began the first day of our Camino pilgrimage on a gentle note, with a reflection by our group leader, Fr Tony Horgan MSC. During the reflection, the clouds parted to reveal beams of sunshine â a promising beginning to the day, and to the trip! We started our journey in Ferrol, walking through the nautical city until we reached the beautiful estuary. From there, we walked through the surrounding woodlands and glades, until we reached the outskirts of Neda, where we went for a cooling paddle. We clapped and cheered as each member of our pilgrimage arrived at the meeting point. Fr Tony then said a beautiful Mass, where we took the body and blood of Christ in our magnificent surroundings. Everyone who had an intention spoke, and we prayed for each of them. We also prayed for the children of the Holy Family Care Centre in South Africa, who will benefit from this fundraising trip, and all who supported our fundraising appeal.
We ended Day 1 with a gorgeous pilgrimsâ dinner of fish, potatoes, and wine, while the evening was rounded off with a rapturous sing-song. âTil Day 2!
Day 2: Neda â Pontedueme (16km)
Our second day started off with a reflection by Fr Tony, where we all joined in and spoke about sharing our stories.
Then began our climb from Neda. The day started off overcast, which was a welcome relief from the heat, and we walked the heights and marvelled at the gorgeous views. We stopped at a modesty box along the way, and collected some shells for our journey.
We then continued on our journey, amazed by the beauty that we passed on our way. It was so lovely to meet other pilgrims from all nationalities as we walked. Stopping for lunch, we had great fun recounting the journey so far, and we started our walk again with much enthusiasm. We passed beautiful country farmhouses, with their terracotta roofs baking in the sun. Eventually, we saw a glimpse of sea glistening on the horizon, and soon we were looking down over Pontedueme, a thriving town. We swam, we ate, and we found that we had many talented singers amongst us! We ended our day with a sing-song, with Liam, one of our pilgrims, on guitar. We gathered quite a crowd!
Fr Tony said Mass for us â one of our pilgrims was a Jesuit, who actually helped Pope Francis with his English many years ago. We celebrated Mass with music and singing, before going to share our pilgrimsâ meal of chicken and potatoes. A very special day indeed!
Day 3: Pontedueme â Betanzos (20km)
As Day 3 of our journey began, we feasted on our breakfast knowing that we had a 20km walk ahead of us. We were all on a high as the sing-song the night before had been so much fun. Boarding the bus, we were dismayed to be see heavy rain pouring down outside the windows; however, we soon cheered up as we listened to Fr Tonyâs inspiring reflection, which took us all beyond any concerns about the weather!
Heading for the 12th-century seaside town of Betanzos, we walked a steep climb of 1km through Pontedeume. The views here were dominated by the magnificent landscape of the old mountains that make up Galicia, blanketed in reforestation trees including pines and eucalyptus.
Our walk today took us through Mifio and Paderne, eventually bringing us to the medieval city of Betanzos.
Betanzos is a gorgeous city, and one I would love to visit again. It boasts wonderful architecture and charming cobbled streets, and is a city that just has a lovely colourful atmosphere.
Arriving back at the hotel at the dayâs end, we were a very hungry band of pilgrims and were more than ready to eat! Another beautiful dinner of fresh fish awaited us, and a much-needed early night was enjoyed by all. We were undeniably tired after the 20km walk, but nonetheless, it had been a great day. Tomorrow, we will pack up our bags and move to our hotel in Santiago for the last part of our pilgrimage.
Day 4: Betanzos â Bruma (25km)
What an absolutely gorgeous day! We began our morning with our daily reflection, which really is a sacred time for all of us and a very special way to start the day.
Some of our group carry a stone for a loved one who has passed away, or for someone who needs healing in their life. They feel that the stone represents their loved on accompanying them on their journey. When they feel content and at peace, and are ready to walk on their own, they will leave their stone along The Way.
Fr Tony also asked us to pick up one of the many stones that we saw on the various Camino stone markers that we passed along the way. We could then carry the burden on the person that left it for the day, and keep them in our prayers.
The scenery today was beautiful. Our walk took us through lush forests of pine and eucalyptus trees, and it was just breathtaking. We walked as far as Trevsas, where we came to a cafĂ©. Here, we were greeted by a lovely lady named Carmen, who will sit you down and place a wonderful selection of biscuits and meats in front of you to enjoy at no charge. She also did us the great honour of opening up the tiny church that sits across from her cafĂ©. It is a very special space, where she has actually crocheted the flowers that decorate the interior herself. She told us it was very important that we hug the tree outside, which we gladly did. (Iâm not quite sure what the significance of this was, but it was a lovely moment!)
Our journey then took us to the enchanting hamlet of Hospital is Brua, which dates back to 1175 and is named for the hospital that would provide care for pilgrims here. We enjoyed our now-traditional sing-song over some refreshments, and then went to see our new home for the next few nights in Santiago, the Hotel Gelmirez.
The check-in process was an easy one, and after we had all settled in, we went downstairs to have Mass with Fr Tony. Again, it was a beautiful ceremony with singing and meaningful readings, while our friends in the group presented some of the stones they had found along the way, and spoke about how they made them feel. After a delicious dinner, some of us went out to explore Santiago â what an amazing city!
Day 5: Bruma â Siguerio (26km)
Todayâs walk began in Bruma, and we were once again well set up for the day ahead after our morning reflection with Fr Tony. We passed the most amazing sculpture park by the Azul bar, which was certainly worth a look! Our walk took us through a beautiful wooded area, taking in the Fonte de InglĂ©s, and brought us to Igrexa de San Paio de BuscĂĄs in A RĂșa, where we saw the 18th-century statue of San Paio, a child martyr. The remainder of the dayâs walk continued through farm and woodland, and I wonât deny that the last 6km of the day were tough going! As you enter Siguerio, you walk parallel to a motorway, and I was very happy when we arrived into Siguerio itself â and very tempted to jump straight into the municipal swimming pool!
We are now only 16km from Santiago, so we were back in our hotel in no time at all. Fr Tony ended the day with Mass, and we all reflected on what a lovely, if demanding, day it had been.
Day 6: Siguerio â Santiago (16km)
The last leg! We began the day early as we all wanted to get a head-start on the midday sun and the rising temperatures. Starting off in Siguerio, we crossed the medieval bridge and continued on our way through the forest, heading for Santiago. We stopped at an old inn that has been there for many years, and also spotted a pre-Roman hill fort. In keeping with tradition, we lay our stones on the existing pile, marking our own personal moment along The Way.
Walking along the outskirts of the city of Santiago, we passed several parks, and many fascinating buildings connected to the University of Santiago are dotted around the city. We followed our yellow shell stone markings for the final time â although at this stage, we didnât need them anymore! Before us appeared the spires of the Cathedral, rising high in the summer sky. The sense of appreciation and gratitude you feel when you enter the square by the Cathedral for the first time is something very special. Two of us, myself and one of the other pilgrims, Mary, began saying the Rosary. Two of our companions had tears rolling down their faces, prompted by the sheer emotion of the journey and the fact that we had made it here. It was an incredibly special feeling, and a moment that I think will stay with us all for a long time.
After a well-deserved lunch, we went to visit the Cathedral, where we saw the tomb of St James and lit some candles for our personal intentions. We had a pilgrim Mass to attend, and we were only thrilled to hear that our very own Fr Tony was concelebrating Mass in the Cathedral! The church was jam-packed, with standing room only. I sat at the base of an ancient pillar, and took a moment to think about how many others would have sat here before me in times past. Fr Tony wore a green vestment decorated with the symbol of the Camino, the seashell, in a fitting tribute to our shared journey.
We were each presented with a Compostella passport â proof that we had completed all 116km of the English Way! After a lovely dinner, we all went out for drinks as a group. We were 26 strangers who had become friends on this incomparable journey.
Day 7: Homeward bound!
Our final day â after one last delicious breakfast, many of our group took in the English Mass in Santiago. Some essential last-minute shopping was done, and I took the tourist train around the city, to see as much of Santiago as I could before we had to leave. All too soon, it was time to take our final trip, to Santigo airport and homeward bound to Ireland. What a simply amazing journey.
We are so sincerely thankful to each and every person who joined us on our 2024 Camino Pilgrimage. Not only did they complete the great achievement of walking the Camino InglĂ©s, but they also raised over âŹ20,000 for the Holy Family Care Centre in South Africa â a staggering amount that will guarantee that the children at the centre will receive the nourishment and care they need for at least six months. Their support is quite literally invaluable, and it is with grateful hearts that we thank them for their compassion and their friendship, on the Camino and beyond! Until next year â go raibh mile maith agaibh, agus Dia dhaoibh go lĂ©ir!
    
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Aug 29, 2024
A New Academic Year
Itâs all go as usual in the Catholic University of South Sudan, Rumbek Campus. As we are approaching the end of one year, we are already in full swing getting organised for the next. The University is small but growing, and we are committed to seeing it flourish. Earlier this month, we launched a promotion programme for our new intake. We arranged a series of Facebook ads, printed flyers, put posters up around town, made Church announcements, and hosted two radio talk shows with our students.
Without a doubt, our students are our best adverts and promotors. Many of our new applicants have come through their personal recommendation. Their collaboration is essential and invaluable. However, we are faced with two significant challenges right now. The first is that the basic educational attainment level remains low. There is still a great deal of investment needed in primary and secondary education. According to the UN, South Sudan has the lowest expected school attendance in the world at just 5.6 years on average. This is why the work of the University in training professional, qualified teachers is so imperative. In addition, there has been significant inflation since the beginning of the year, reaching 320% since January. This means that finding money for University fees is especially difficult. To this end, we have worked to make them as low as possible and continue to offer a partial scholarship to women. For many, it is still not enough.
Fostering Body and Mind
It is not enough to just educate our students, we also need to attend to their complete wellbeing. Here, that means addressing issues like Hepatitis B. Seventy percent of all new global infections of viral hepatitis B and C occur in sub-Saharan Africa due to insufficient interventions, and the rate in South Sudan is a real problem. Hepatitis mortality remains high due to low treatment coverage. To this end, we have been working with the Mary Ward Primary Health Care Centre to test and vaccinate all of our students and staff who wish to take part. Those who are found to be Hep. B carriers are referred onwards for further treatment. Three out of four students and staff have already received their first dose, with second due later this month, and the third in September.
Get that Job!
As mentioned already, the South Sudanese economy is struggling and opportunities for employment are few and far between. Any time there is a job posting, the response is immediate and overwhelming, with many not even being shortlisted, let alone interviewed! To support our students, we arranged a workshop on interview technique with a member of Caritas, one of the largest organisations working in South Sudan. He worked with them on the essentials of best practice, good preparation, effective communication, and strong presentation. The attendance by students was enthusiastic, with standing room only for late comers. If given half the chance, they have the drive and creativity to really shape and change the economy and their community for the better. Such sustainable economic development by South Sudanese themselves is at the heart of our vision for the University.
Full House
This week our end-of-year exams began and will continue until the end of the month. Around the campus, student study groups are running as they prepare for tests in managerial accounting, African literature, computer literacy, entrepreneurship and innovation, economics, and ethics. All our first and second years sat my Church history exam yesterday and the stack of their uncorrected scripts are staring at me balefully from across the office. Itâs perhaps the only aspect of lecturing I do not enjoy⊠to put it mildly!
While the exams continue, we are also welcoming our new first-year students. They will begin their bridging course tomorrow, which is comprised of eight weeks of intensive maths and English to help them as they start their third-level studies. All going well, they will be ready to begin their first courses by the middle of October.
Nhialic ke yin (God bless you as they say here),
Fr Alan
Director,
CUSS Rumbek
Read more from Fr Alanâs missionary journey in South Sudan:
