Nov 10, 2026
Br Deiby Fuenmayor MSC shares the latest update from the Venezuelan earthquake relief programme, following the double earthquake that shook the city of Caracas on June 24th. Aid efforts are ongoing following the disaster, and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Venezuela are working in conjunction with Caritas Caracas to bring vital support to survivors of the quakes.
Today, we share recent updates from Br Deiby, following news on relief efforts in the wake of the disaster.
Being Present and Accompanying: The Living Spirituality of the Sacred Heart in the Cry of La Guaira
Provincial Superior, Very Rev. Joe McGee, MSC, alongside Cáritas Caracas, visits the areas affected by the recent double earthquake in La Guaira State to offer closeness, active listening, and humanitarian relief.
As part of his fraternal visit to the community of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Venezuela, the Provincial Superior, Very Rev. Joe McGee, MSC, dedicated a deeply moving and meaningful day to La Guaira State, accompanied by Bro. Deiby Fuenmayor, MSC (Cáritas Caracas). This presence reaffirms the living essence of Sacred Heart spirituality, which inspires and drives every missionary to keep an ear attentive—not only physical, but deeply spiritual—to hear and embrace the cry of the people suffering the consequences of the devastating double earthquake of last June 24.
Fraternal Dialogue with the Diocese of La Guaira
Fr. Joe McGee, MSC, alongside Monseigneur Pablo Modesto González Pérez at the Cáritas La Guaira facilities.
During this fraternal encounter, a profound dialogue took place with the Bishop of the Diocese of La Guaira, Monseigneur Pablo Modesto González Pérez, reflecting on the harsh social, humanitarian, and ecclesial reality of the region following the seismic events, while strengthening cooperation ties for community relief.
«The pastoral action of accompanying is not a mere formal gesture, but the living expression of a God who shows compassion, who walks alongside those who suffer, and who transforms presence into genuine comfort and hope for our brothers and sisters.»
Damage Inspection: Saint Peter the Apostle Diocesan Seminary
Following the episcopal meeting, the delegation visited the facilities of the Saint Peter the Apostle Diocesan Seminary. This historical ecclesial center suffered severe and irreversible structural damage right after celebrating its 49th anniversary of foundational formation, compromising its physical infrastructure.
The structural deterioration caused by the earthquakes forced the emergency evacuation and relocation of Philosophy and Theology seminarians to the Santa Rosa de Lima Major Seminary in the Archdiocese of Caracas.
During the walk-through of the seminary’s infrastructure, the Father Provincial personally witnessed the collapse of walls, dividing partitions, and academic areas, documenting the structural impacts in order to coordinate potential relief collaborations.
Inspection of collapsed structures within the conference hall and classrooms of the seminary.
Closeness in Emergency: Los Corales Renacer 3 Sector
Next, the Provincial Superior and Bro. Deiby Fuenmayor, MSC, visited the community of Los Corales Renacer 3. Going tent by tent, they personally visited families who, more than three months after the seismic crisis, remain sheltered in makeshift conditions facing severe vulnerability.
Fraternal visit among the shelter tents in the Los Corales Renacer 3 sector
During the visit, they listened attentively to moving personal stories and directly distributed personal hygiene kits and essential items brought in the mission vehicle. This action highlights the urgent need for unconditional support from men and women of faith and goodwill—through Cáritas—to provide food, hygiene supplies, medicine, and comprehensive healthcare while permanent housing solutions are arranged.
Active Listening and Community Solidarity
The pastoral presence in Los Corales went beyond material aid to become a space for mutual solidarity and active listening. Very Rev. Joe McGee spent time with local leaders who run community kitchens, a vital initiative ensuring food for children, the elderly, and the sick amid hardships.
Likewise, the Father Provincial carefully noted the requests made by local shopkeepers and families, organizing priorities to coordinate future support and channel international aid through the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart network.
Permanent Commitment to Pastoral Care
This meaningful day of compassion, fraternity, and human warmth took place on Saturday, October 10, just hours before the Provincial Father’s return to Dublin, Ireland. His journey through Venezuela renews missionary zeal and reaffirms that the Church stands firmly alongside its people in times of greatest trial.
Group photo with Very Rev. Joe McGee, MSC, Bro. Deiby Fuenmayor, MSC, and residents of Los Corales Renacer 3.
Bro. Deiby Fuenmayor MSC
October 12th, 2026
Read Br Deiby’s last letter from Caracas
Read more about ongoing relief operations in Venezuela
Nov 5, 2026
Our friends in Ecuador have shared some very special pictures of their September, as the newly ordained Fr Diego stepped out to celebrate his first Masses in the indigenous communities following his ordination in August.
A picture speaks a thousand words, and this is certainly true of these wonderful photographs! Fr. Diego’s love for his mission shines through, as does the joy of the communities he is celebrating with. Fr. Diego will be leading the youth ministry programmes on our mission in Ecuador, and his dedication to young people and their journeys is an inspiration to behold.
“Thank you very much, our dear friends, for all the help you always provide us,” writes Ecuadorian Section Leader Fr Marcelo Campoverde MSC.
The next adventure coming up for the young people on our Ecuador mission is their autumn Chevalier camping session, when they come together on an outdoor pursuits camping trip, learning practical skills and nurturing the ability to work together as a group to create a positive experience for all involved. We’re already looking forward to seeing photos from the trip, and in the meantime, we wish Fr Diego, Fr Marcelo, and the Ecuador mission all the blessings of this bountiful season!
IF YOU CAN, PLEASE SUPPORT OUR GLOBAL MISSION PROJECTS
Oct 21, 2026
Welcome to the Winter 2026 edition of the MSC Message!
- Read a special seasonal greeting from Fr John Fitzgerald MSC, Director of the MSC Missions Office.
- Catch up on the latest news from the mission fields, including updates from our MSC brothers in Venezuela and the Philippines.
- Enjoy the latest updates from the Irish Province, with news of our fundraising pilgrimage along St Declan’s Way, and our annual Novenas to the Sacred Heart and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.
- Celebrate a Jubilee year with four of our Irish MSCs.
- Discover more about the missionary journey of our MSC scholars in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Join us as we take a walk down Memory Lane, in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the MSC Missions Office on the Western Road, Cork.
Please click here to read the Winter 2026 edition of the MSC Message
Oct 8, 2026
The summer season was jam-packed at the Fr Jules Chevalier MSC Mission Centre in Lapu-Lapu City, in the Philippines. Their Facebook page has been keeping us updated with a whole host of wonderful photos that give us a glimpse into the busy and productive ministry and community in this warm and welcoming space.
Corpus Christi was a beautiful occasion on June 10th, presided over by Rev Fr Cirilo Asister Jr. MSC, and with the perfect musical accompaniment from the choir of the Fr Jules Chevalier Mission Center Music Ministry.
The mission centre welcomed Fr Jaime Duero MSC to the fold at the end of June, with great joy and excitement at this new arrival. “The Fr. Jules Chevalier Mission Center Community warmly welcomes you with joyful hearts and prayers,” posted their Facebook page. “May your presence among us bring renewed faith, hope, and inspiration as we continue our mission of serving God and His people.”
MSC scholars at the centre have continued with their Monthly Values Formation Programme throughout the summer, led by Mr Benny Tan. “Through reflection, dialogue, interactive activities, and faith-sharing, the scholars are encouraged to become compassionate, responsible, and mission-oriented leaders in their families, communities, and the Church,” the Facebook page explains.
The centre regularly plays host to feeding programmes for vulnerable families in the community, with an outreach programme sponsored by the Saint Egidio Community at the end of June. “Your generosity and compassion brought not only nourishing meals but also joy, hope, and smiles to the children and families in our community,” wrote the Mission Centre team. “Together, we continue to make a meaningful difference—one meal, one act of kindness, and one heart at a time.”
The Patronal Visit of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart took place through the last weeks of July, with the image of Our Lady visiting several chapels in the area, in a beautiful celebration of prayer and thanksgiving. Ceremonies took place at the Our Lady of Fatima Chapel in LEUPA, the Our Lady of All Nation Chapel in BNCA/Kolo, the San Vicente Ferrer Chapel, the San Isidro Labrador – Tangke Chapel, and the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception – Modena Subdivision, all across the region of Barangay Basak in Lapu-Lapu City. Even bad weather on some occasions didn’t deter the faithful, and special Masses were said at each visit, with guided reflection and prayer for the communities gathered.
Preparations abounded for the 2026 General Assembly, which took place on August 9th with the theme of ““Journeying Together as a Listening Church: Building Communities of Hope through the Mission of the Sacred Heart”.
“The assembly provided an opportunity to share updates, present reports, discuss community concerns, and develop recommendations and action plans for the mission center,” reported the Mission Centre’s Facebook page. “The gathering also strengthened collaboration, unity, and shared commitment among the different communities and ministries in serving the people and continuing the mission of the Sacred Heart.”
As the Centre moves ahead into the autumn months, we wish our MSC brothers and the community there every blessing for an equally fruitful autumn and winter season. May God bless and guide them as they continue in their untiring ministry to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in the region.
Images via the Facebook page for the Fr Jules Chevalier MSC Mission Centre.
Oct 1, 2026
Br Deiby Fuenmayor MSC shares the latest update from the Venezuelan earthquake relief programme, following the double earthquake that shook the city of Caracas on June 24th. Aid efforts are ongoing following the disaster, and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Venezuela are working in conjunction with Caritas Caracas to bring vital support to survivors of the quakes.
Today, we share the latest updates from Br Deiby, featuring the most recent news on relief efforts in the wake of the disaster.
PRESENCE, COMFORT AND HOPE:
Accompanying Our Affected Brothers and Sisters Three Months After the Double Seismic Event
INTRODUCTION: THREE MONTHS IN THE DESERT AND THE RESPONSE OF FAITH
Ninety days have passed since the double seismic event shook our lands, radically transforming the urban, social, and personal landscape of thousands of families in Caracas and its surrounding metropolitan areas. Following the initial impact of the disaster, the collapse of residential infrastructure, and the establishment of emergency shelters, the current reality demands a transition from immediate containment aid toward an evangelizing presence defined by permanence, closeness, and active listening.
In this scenario, men and women of good will, driven by a deep Christian and solidarity commitment, have decided not to step back. The Catholic Church, through its various religious congregations, lay movements, and in a very special way through the social ministry of Cáritas Caracas and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, remains steadfast in the most vulnerable territories. Our vocation is not limited to material response, but encompasses the holistic healing of the wounds of the soul.
View of the temporary camp and damaged buildings: Panoramic view of the temporary shelter featuring emergency tents, affected residential structures, and the mountains of the Cordillera de la Costa range in the background.
“Being present three months after the disaster is not an act of simple technical assistance; it is the incarnation of Christ’s Love that listens, sustains, and accompanies amidst uncertainty.”
THE SITUATION ON THE GROUND: FROM COLLAPSE TO COMMUNITY LIFE IN SHELTERS
The current panorama in the areas designated for the disaster-affected victims demonstrates the complexity of an extended emergency. Families reside in temporary accommodations made of family tents, protective tarpaulins, and provisional structures built with wooden pallets, support beams, and waterproof plastic roofing. Although these solutions offer protection from the sun and rain, prolonged living under these conditions generates high levels of emotional and physical exhaustion.
Internal view of the shelter with tents: Community space for temporary shelters equipped with humanitarian assistance tents and temporary collection centers.
The proximity to properties diagnosed as high-risk or partially collapsed serves as a constant reminder to the victims of the loss of their homes and belongings. However, amidst the rows of shelters, a resilient community network has emerged where neighborhood solidarity and the organized action of the Church have begun to structure spaces for harmonious coexistence, community health, and mutual support.
Construction of provisional modules with pallets: Progressive construction of temporary housing and sanitary modules using wood and pallets to improve the dignity of families.
MISSIONARY ACCOMPANIMENT: THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS AND CÁRITAS CARACAS
The charism of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is manifested concretely in compassionate and servant love toward those who suffer most. In a strategic and operational alliance with Cáritas Caracas, the missionary teams have deployed an integrated approach that includes:
- Active Listening and Psychosocial Support: Tent-to-tent visits to offer a space where victims can express their fears, grief, frustrations, and hopes.
- Logistics and Distribution of Essential Supplies: Continuous supply of drinking water, infant formula, personal hygiene kits, and nutritional supplements directly from logistics support.
- Self-Construction and Habitat Dignification: Technical and material assistance to reinforce temporary shelters, ensuring privacy, thermal protection, and structural stability.
- Spiritual Accompaniment and Celebration of Faith: Moments of community prayer, blessing of families, and preservation of Christian hope amidst adversity.
TESTIMONIES OF PASTORAL AND HUMAN CLOSENESS
Fieldwork is measured not only in tons of supplies delivered or tents erected, but in the human impact of constant presence. The Church is not an external entity that visits sporadically, but a fraternity that inhabits the same ground and shares the same climate with those affected.
During daily outreach efforts, religious members and volunteers walk the pathways between tents to personally deliver essential supplies. Hand-to-hand contact, a shared smile, and encouraging words have restored dignity to those who felt they had lost everything.
Missionary team with affected residents: Direct delivery session of drinking water and medical supplies to women in the community.
As observed in everyday efforts, support encompasses all generations. Special care for children and nursing mothers is an absolute priority for the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart and Cáritas Caracas, ensuring that child nutrition, affection, and protection are maintained at the highest standards under emergency circumstances.
Delivery of food and supplies from vehicle: Dispatch and community logistics for infant formulas and groceries for families with children.
CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE CHALLENGES
Three months after the double earthquake, the Church confirms that its mission is only beginning. The current phase requires sustaining active hope while efforts progress toward definitive housing solutions by the relevant agencies. Until that time comes, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Cáritas Caracas reaffirm our unwavering commitment to remain a visible face of divine mercy, a beacon of comfort, and a supportive arm for every brother and sister affected by this disaster.
Pastoral presence on the ground: listening to affected individuals and coordinating immediate response to their needs.
We deeply thank every man and woman of good will, the donors, volunteers, and congregations who make it possible for this testimony of love to remain alive in the heart of our communities.
Bro. Deiby Fuenmayor MSC
Read Br Deiby’s last letter from Caracas
Read more about ongoing relief operations in Venezuela
Sep 28, 2026
On Monday, September 21st, the people of Majuro were struck by an entirely unexpected storm, which wreaked havoc on their population of approximately 20,000 people. Fr Tamati Sefo MSC writes from the Parish of Our Lady of Assumption, which is located in Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands, out in the Pacific Ocean.
“The storm struck Majuro on September 21st at around 1.00pm,” Fr Tamati explains, writing from the Province of the Pacific Islands. “There was no warning from the Meteorological Office before the storm – it came all of a sudden and lasted for four hours.”
“People were not prepared. Students at school were shocked. Many said this was a very frightening experience because strong storms rarely happen in the Marshall Islands.”
“Roofs from houses were flying everywhere. Some big trees fell. Houses belonging to our parishioners have been destroyed.”
“As I write, I do not have confirmation of the number of homes affected, but we know that at least seven of our parishioners have experienced severe damage to their houses. We are currently trying to help those affected in by providing food, water, clothes, and other essential items.”
Thanks to the generosity of our mission friends and benefactors here at home, we are able to support Fr Tamati and the community in the Marshall Islands with the provision of emergency aid for those affected by the storm. “I am writing with my gratitude to benefactors of the Irish Province of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart at this challenging time. This storm might not be that powerful compared to a typhoon or a cyclone, but is has really done a lot of damage to small family houses and old buildings where ordinary members of the community live. We are truly grateful for your kindness.”
If you can, please help us to help Fr Tamati and the people of Majuro in the wake of this sudden disaster that has cost families their homes, their safety, and their security.
