31 Jul 2017
Throughout the month of June 2017, the MSC community in Venezuela have joined together in celebration of 50 years of MSC ministry in the region. Since 1967, when four Irish Missionaries of the Sacred Heart began the first MSC mission in Maracaibo, our missionaries have been working to bring hope to local people struggling with extreme poverty and hardship.
On June 10th, 2017, parishioners and MSCs alike gathered to mark the Golden Jubilee of our Venezuelan mission in the parish of Nuestra Senora De La Paz La Victoria. Here, local parishioners were joined by Fr Joseph McGee MSC, members of the MSC community from near and far, and well-wishers from all over the city of Maracaibo.
In his homily, which reflected on the mystery of God as it is revealed in the Trinity, Archbishop Ubaldo Santana quoted from Pope Benedict’s writings on Christian hope, Spe Salvi.
“Our encounter with God who in Christ has shown us his face and opened his heart must be, for us too, not just informative but performative,” said Archbishop Santana. In essence, this encounter with Jesus must change our lives so that we know we are redeemed. We are invited into a personal relationship with God, Father, Son, and Spirit – the God who has opened his heart to us in Christ.
Embracing the mission of MSC founder Fr Jules Chevalier
This thought is very close to the spirituality of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, who have worked in the diocese for the past 50 years. The Archbishop acknowledged the great efforts that have been made by the MSC over the years – efforts that have required a significant investment of time and financial resources, incorporating the building of churches, educational facilities, and medical centres. In all of these places, reflected the Archbishop, local people have been able to find healing, peace, and dignity as children of God. Giving thanks to the community of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, the Archbishop recognised the dedication and perseverance of Irish MSCs since 1967, when they were first invited into the region by Archbishop Roa Perez.
Archbishop Santana also expressed his gratitude that the presence of Irish MSCs has inspired young Venezuelan men to devote themselves to religious life as Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, continuing the great work that has already been done in the region. He noted that the MSC founder, Fr Jules Chevalier, wanted the Sacred Heart of Jesus to be known and loved everywhere, and today, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart continue to embrace this mission in Venezuela and across the world.
Celebrations in the streets of La Santa Cruz
A second thanksgiving Mass was celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Monsignor Jesus Gonzales de Zarete on Saturday, June 17th, in the parish of La Santa Cruz, Caracas. To facilitate the crowds in attendance, Mass was celebrated outside the parish church, where the street was closed off for the day. The Bishop reflected that it was very appropriate to celebrate Mass on the street with the people, as the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are not simply missionaries of the church or the sacristy. Instead, MSCs bring the message of the Gospel to the streets, to the homes and hearts of the people to whom they minister. The celebration of Mass outdoors on the street, welcoming all who wished to take part, perfectly reflected the missionary nature of the work of the MSC.
Over the past 50 years, triumphs and achievements have been accompanied by trials and struggles for the MSC community in Venezuela, reflected the Bishop. This MSC mission has not just been about giving; Irish MSCs have walked alongside the people of Maracaibo and Caracas throughout the years, and have been enriched by the spirit of these communities. Though times are still difficult, great improvements have also been made, and MSCs and the local community are encouraged to trust in God’s loving presence as they move forward together.
The Bishop specifically mentioned Fr Joe Ruddy MSC, who was one of the first Irish MSCs to undertake ministry in Venezuela, and who is retiring from the mission this year. When the mission first began, the people of Caracas were in desperate need of help, and many challenges faced Fr Joe and his fellow MSCs. Over the years, Fr Joe has never hesitated to go out into the streets or up to the hills to visit the homes of local people. Fr Joe and his fellow missionaries have never been too proud or too afraid to climb the steps of the barrios of La Santa Cruz to help local people living in the slums. Together, Fr Joe and the Irish MSCs have enabled local people to take pride in their parish as they join together as a community.
Looking to the future
The MSC mission first arrived in Venezuela in 1967, at the invitation of Pope Saint John XXIII and the Vatican Council. 1960’s Venezuela was a very different place from the one it is today – a place that was at the time recognised as “an immigrants’ paradise”. Emigrants came from the United States, Europe, and all over the world. Today, Venezuela is a changed society, one where poverty, hardship, and social and political unrest motivate young Venezuelans to go abroad to create better lives for themselves. During this time of great suffering and uncertainty, the Bishop encouraged the gathered assembly not to lose hope that one day, their country will once again become a place where everyone can find prosperity, peace, and justice.
