Aug 3, 2014
Shelter from the Storm on the Camino
Travelling Light and The Journey are the themes of two of the biggest Christian festivals this summer. It seems that the idea of being a pilgrim is becoming increasingly popular in our world today. It’s not really a surprise, as many of the aspects of a pilgrimage echo that of life.
As part of our young adult ministry and vocations programme we ran two pilgrimages along the Camino in June. It was a perfect opportunity to leave everything behind, except for a sleeping bag, a small backpack and comfortable boots. There a freedom to The Way, that is difficult to find elsewhere. It’s about waking up before dawn each morning and heading off with the rising Sun at your back. As you walk to the first horizon, you know that when you get there you’ll simply walk on to the next one. (more…)
Jul 23, 2014
MSC Volunteering on Safari
It’s another day in the Holy Family Centre ( HFC ) during the winter holidays. Along with the staff the MSC Volunteers took the kids out to Moholoholo Animal Rescue and Game Preserve. The children were roared at by lions, got chased by a cheetah and were able to pet a hawk. When you follow that up with a picnic in the park it makes for an amazing day and a typical one for our volunteers. This is the second year that we’ve run the MSC Volunteering Project in South Africa. It’s an opportunity to give a number of young adults from Ireland and the UK an experience of making a difference by sharing their gifts and talents in the developing world. (more…)
Jun 2, 2014
It’s going to be a busy summer for the MSC Vocations team. In addition to our volunteering programme in South Africa and our Camino Pilgrimage in June we’re going to hitting the festivals around the UK. The first up is going to be in the heart of London for Spirit in the City from the 12th to the 14th of June.
Spirit in the City is a celebration of Christian faith that welcomes people of all faiths, ages and walks of life in Leicester Square. It is the initiative of four inner city churches looking to reach out and share the Good News. It gives the opportunity to raise deeper questions about life. The festival features an open air stage with music, drama and art. There are also times of prayer, reflection and reconciliation.
“People are searching for something more significant in their lives with meaning and purpose. We all deserve a response to these deep desires and Spirit in the City aims to be one!” (more…)
Apr 2, 2014
It’s about freedom. It’s about walking to the horizon and when you get there you keep on going. It’s about taking part in something that is at the same time enjoyable and profound. For those of you who are looking for something a bit different this summer why don’t you join us as we walk the Camino. We’ll be leading a group of young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 from Sarria to Santiago de Compostella. Between the 3rd and the 10th of June we’ll cover the last 100km of The Way and have a few days to relax in Santiago itself.
The Camino of Santiago has been a site of pilgrimage for well over a thousand years. People have walked from all around Europe and more recently have journeyed from the four corners of the world to ‘abrazar’ or embrace the famous statue of St. James and pray at his tomb. But the Camino is about the journey as much as it is about the destination. The Camino meanders across the north of Spain through town, villages, fields and woodlands. It’s during this time that people on The Way take time to reflect on their lives and explore what’s possible. On top of all that it’s great fun as well. In all the years I’ve walked the Camino I have yet to meet a person who regretted coming.
The landscape is as varied as the people you meet. You’ll find pilgrims coming from everywhere, of all faiths and none. However they are all searching, very much aware that they are on a spiritual journey. Each morning as the sun rises we will start with a simple reflection. Then shouldering our packs we set off for the horizon, meeting people along the way or perhaps walking in solitude, depending on what you feel like at the time. In the evening there’s an opportunity for Mass if you wish ( or if not that’s fine too ) and then a meal with a glass of wine as the sun sets. It’s heaven in hiking boots!
The cost of the pilgrimage is fairly reasonable. People will arrange their own flights and transfers to Santiago and back home. Accommodation along the Camino is in Albergues or dedicated pilgrimage hostels. They cost around €10 / £8.50 a night. Then you need to account for food. The towns where we will stay offer pilgrim menus for around €10 /£8.50 for a simple three course meal. You can pick up other basics during the day in the many small stores along the route. Excluding flights and transfers about €35 / £30 a day should be more than adequate.
If you’d like some insight into the Camino check out the film The Way released in 2010, starring Martin Sheen. It gives a good flavour of what you can expect.
[youtube ueDALC6E8_0 nolink]
If you’re considering it and are not sure feel free to email me or give me a call on (086) 7857955 (Irl) or (075) 26764236 (UK). People may be concerned about the level of fitness necessary. You don’t need to super fit, but a moderate level is desirable. Again if you have any doubts a quick email or phone call can put them to rest.
It promises to be an incredible experience. Find yourself on The Way.
Mar 15, 2014
Peter Ng’ang’na MSC, from Kenya, celebrated his Diaconate Ordination earlier this month with his Missionary of the Sacred Heart broters. Here he tells us what happened.
Preparation for my Diaconate Ordination began with a six days retreat led by Fr. Nick Harnan at our house in Makhado. Fr. Jonas Mokoena continued with a final week of preparation to the ministry of Diaconate and practice. The Parish Youth from Vleifontein village prepared the Liturgy and hymns for the Mass. Fr Vince Carroll was very welcoming at the house and proved himself to be an excellent host in every way. (more…)
Jan 6, 2014
It’s 2014 and perhaps it’s time for something new. Maybe now you’re looking for a challenge. You want to push yourself, move out of your comfort zone and make a difference in the world. If that’s the case our MSC Volunteering Project could be just what you need.
Last year we sent our first volunteers out to South Africa to work alongside our sisters and brothers for ten weeks. They were based in the Holy Family Centre in the foothills of the beautiful Drakensburg Mountains in the Limpopo Province. Holy Family is home for up to seventy children who have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS or TB. They range in age from babies and toddlers to teenagers. As you can imagine it’s a lively place! The kids are simply wonderful. They are so full of life, enthusiasm and joy. They love to sing and dance, run relay races with tyres and play football, go on outings and sit around and chat. (more…)
