MSC Irish Provincial Chapter 2023 Concludes
The first ever Open Chapter of the MSC Irish Province concluded on Saturday afternoon, 6th May 2023.
Participants of the MSC Irish Province Provincial Chapter 2023
On Wednesday 3rd May, the members of the Chapter had worked on themes that had emerged from their conversations and self-selecting groups continued working on each of the these. Towards the end of the Chapter each group presented a guidepost for the Province and work will continue on these in the coming years for the good of the Province. Some of the main themes discussed were, laity, environment, healing past hurts, mapping the future for Venezuela and Southern Africa and the Missions as a whole.
On Thursday 4th May the first session was dedicated to conversation and sharing on the qualities and characteristics required for the role of Provincial Councillor. Following a time of silent prayer in the Chapter, voting for two Provincial Council members commenced in the conference room. The voting was overseen by our Superior General, Fr Absalón Alvarado MSC and the Scrutineers (Fr Alan Neville MSC, Fr Peter Ng’ang’a MSC and Fr Giacomo Gelardi MSC).
Fr David Nixon MSC and Fr Manus Ferry MSC were elected and both accepted their election. We extend our heartiest congratulations to Fr Dave and Fr Manus and we wish them well in their role as Provincial Councillors. Fr Joe McGee MSC (Provincial-elect) will work alongside Fr David and Fr Manus to think, reflect and pray before inviting two more members to be part of the Leadership Team.
The day continued with work on the recommendations from the Statutes Commission to changes to our Provincial Statues and input from our MSC Safeguarding Manager, Ms Mary Tallon. During supper we had a celebration cake for those celebrating their birthday during the Chapter (Fr Seamus Kelly MSC, Fr Jonas Mokoena MSC, Fr Joe McGee MSC and Fr Peter Ng’ang’a MSC), for Fr Jimmy Mitchell MSC and Fr Michael Screene MSC who celebrated their 60th Jubilee of Ordination in February, and for Fr Giacomo Gelardi MSC and Fr Jaime Rosique MSC (Spanish Province) who were recently Ordained. Congratulations to all.
On Friday 5th May the Statutes Commission continued presenting proposed changes to the Statutes during the first session. Provincial, Fr Carl Tranter MSC, gave an update on new formation project being set up in Kenya and a possible new mission with the Indian Union for Ireland/UK. The Chapter indicated their desire to encourage the incoming Provincial Leader Team to explore this option with the Indian Union. Fr John Fitzgerald MSC, Provincial Bursar, and Mrs Mary Kelly, Finance Manager, presented a Finance Report to the Chapter and following the recommendation from our MSC Finance Advisory Group some properties in the Province were designated as Stable Patrimony of the Province.
The final session of the day was dedicated to electing two Delegates to attend the General Chapter – Fr Julius Katjipa MSC and Fr Carl Tranter MSC were elected as Delegates. The General Chapter will take place in Rome in September/October. Fr David Nixon MSC and Fr Peter Ng’ang’a MSC were elected as Substitute Delegates.
The final day, Saturday 6th May, involved table conversation on the following question: As you return to your particular Jerusalem, what are you taking back with you from the experience of walking together this past week? This was followed by a time of sharing.
The Steering Committee presented a Chapter Statement which was read, discussed and agreed. This statement captured all the work of the week. The minutes of the Chapter up to Friday morning were approved. It was agreed that the Provincial Council will finalise the minutes.
Handover to the new Provincial
Fr Carl Tranter MSC, Provincial, proposed to the Chapter that Fr Joe McGee MSC take over as Provincial on 1st August 2023. Fr Carl will finish his term as Provincial on 31st July. This was approved unanimously.
The work of the Chapter concluded with final words from Fr Carl. He said it has been a historic week as we had our first ever Open Chapter. It had gathered nearly half of the Province together in conversation and sharing. He is deeply thankful for the sense of brotherhood in their time together which has been strengthened. We have been accompanied by the Emmaus scripture. It has given us anchor points to hold, contain us and invite us to move forward and the Lord will be with us on our journey. He added that we have seen ourselves walking and talking honestly about all that has been happening in our personal lives, community life and the life of the Province and there have been beautiful and honest conversations throughout the Chapter week. We have experienced Christ joining us and sharing with us. We have encountered him in one another, in meeting some confreres for the first time, in our prayer, worship, sharing and struggles. He expressed his gratitude to Fr Absalón, Superior General, for his accompaniment during the Chapter week. As we come to the end of the Chapter we are ready for the Return to Jerusalem. We return to our place and hopefully discover something new about it. Return with the fruits of our journey and the desire to continue conversations, to engage deeply and live our MSC commitment and brotherhood more fully. It has been a rich week. Please God we return changed and wishing to grow.
Fr Carl concluded by thanking everyone for their deeply engaged presence this week and he expressed his thanks to all those involved in preparing for the Chapter and those working during the Chapter week: The Chapter Preparatory Commission, Finance Team, Safeguarding Manager, Fr Alan Whelan (Archivist), the Sound Engineers, Steering Committee, Scrutineers, Translator, Secretary to the Chapter (Paula Ryan-Kavanagh) for organising the logistics and being part of the preparatory commission. The Facilitator (Frances Heery) was thanked for walking with us and guiding us. Fr Carl again expressed his thanks to Fr Absalón for being with us during the Chapter week. It had been a wonderful way to accompany us, listening really deeply to who and how we are, our struggles etc. Fr Carl presented Fr Absalón with a token of appreciation. Fr Absalón replied by thanking everyone for the opportunity to be with them for the week.
Fr Joe McGee (Provincial-elect) then addressed the Chapter and he thanked Fr Carl on behalf of everyone for his work during the last six years. He thanked him for coming back among us and for his leadership. Fr Joe also thanked the members of Fr Carl’s team individually for all the work they have done for the Province for the last six years (Fr John Fitzgerald MSC, Fr Michael O’Connell MSC, Fr Tony Nolan MSC, Fr Manus Ferry MSC and he especially remembered Fr Mike Serrage MSC RIP).
The Chapter concluded with Eucharist led by Fr Joe McGee MSC, Fr David Nixon MSC and Fr Manus Ferry MSC (members of the incoming Provincial Leadership Team).
Fr Absalón MSC presented Fr Carl Tranter MSC, Fr Joe McGee MSC and Fr Peter Ng’ang’a MSC with symbols from India representing hope for the mission ahead.
Fr Carl Tranter MSC as President of the Chapter then blows out the Chapter Candle to conclude the Chapter week.
“Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road”
Luke 24:32
MSC Irish Provincial Chapter
40 members of the Irish MSC Province gathered on Sunday evening, 30th April in Mount Saint Anne’s Retreat & Conference Centre, Portarlington, Co. Laois to begin our first ever Open Provincial Chapter.
Provincial Fr Carl Tranter MSC, welcomed everyone and expressed his desire that the Chapter be a grace-filled experience for all as they discussed and planed a roadmap for the years ahead for the Province. Fr Carl and Tony Horgan led the Opening Liturgy, welcoming all present and thanked those who had travelled from near and far: from Ireland, England, USA, Southern Africa, Kenya, Venezuela and South Sudan and extended a huge welcome to our Superior General, Fr Absalón Alvarado MSC, who will journey with them for the week of our Chapter. Fr Absalón’s presence will be hugely enriching for everyone. Candles were lit representing the five continents of the congregation and the eight countries they currently have confreres working in. Fr Jimmy Mitchell, as the oldest member of the Chapter, lit the Chapter candle.
During the Opening Liturgy all members of the Chapter declared their presence and desire for the week ahead and the Facilitator ,Frances Heery, Secretary to the Chapter ,Paula Ryan-Kavanagh, Translator ,Jaime Rosique and Scrutineers Fr Giacomo Gelardi, Fr Alan Neville and Fr Peter Ng’ang’a, were prayerfully welcomed and formally approved.
The first day began by introducing the MSC theme through reflection on the Road to Emmaus. Members were invited to share their experience of life in two and fours inspired by the two disciples on the road. This was felt by all present as a profound experience of getting to know each other in a deeper way.
The afternoon session began by electing a Steering Committee, followed by input from the Superior General who offered his observations in the light of his visit to Ireland and England last year. Fr Absalón’s input was experienced as supportive, inspiring and affirming. The day concluded with Eucharist led by Fr Absalón.
The second day (Tuesday 2nd May) began in a creative way when the Facilitator ,Frances Heery conducted an interview with Fr Carl inviting him to share his experience of being Provincial. The highs, the lows and moments of inspiration were shared by Fr Carl and his honesty was greatly appreciated. Fr Carl’s sharing provided a springboard for group reflection regarding how members experienced the life of the province at the moment.
The day concluded with a short session introducing some of the suggested amendments to our Statutes.
Eucharist was celebrated by three of the confreres from Venezuela, Fr Yonys Mendoza, Fr Eliel Araujo and Fr Deiby Fuenmayor.
Wednesday (3rd May) will continue the process on reflecting on the Chapter theme of ‘Return to Your First Love’.
“Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road”
Luke 24:32
Blessed Be: The Martyrs of El Quiché
On April 23rd 2021, three Spanish-born MSC priests and seven lay catechists of the indigenous Maya people became “blessed” and were beatified in the Cathedral of Santa Cruz del Quiché, Guatemala.
Last year, Pope Francis signed a decree which recognised all ten as martyrs, and on April 23rd, Guatemalan Cardinal Álvaro Leonel Ramazzini celebrated the beatification Mass in El Quiché. Three priests of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, namely Jose Maria Gran Cirera, Juan Alonso Fernandez, and Faustino Villanueva, were beatified along with seven lay people: Rosalío Benito, Reyes Us, Domingo del Barrio, Nicolás Castro, Tomás Ramírez, Miguel Tiú, and Juan Barrera Méndez, who was just 12 years of age. All ten were killed in Guatemala at various stages between 1980 and 1991, in “hatred of the faith”.
Champions of the poor and vulnerable
It is estimated that 200,000 people, including Catholic missionaries, priests, and nuns, were killed in Guatemala between 1960 and 1996, when the country was by ravaged by conflict between its government military regime and a number of leftist groups. In the 1980s, a time when dictatorship was in full force in Central America, the Church found itself the victim of constant persecution for its role in championing the poor and defending human rights.
During this time, to stand for what was right in the name of peace was to stand against the military regime. The ten martyrs were unashamed and unafraid in their faith, assisting those in need in every way they could. From spiritual guidance and visiting the sick, to serving their communities and attempting to right the wrongs of an unjust regime on a local level, both the MSC priests and the lay people maintained the use of the Bible and the rosary despite the very real danger this posed. They eventually sacrificed their lives for their beliefs, and were killed by those in power who considered the teachings of the faith a threat to the system as it stood.
“I do nothing but preach the word of God.”
The three Spanish MSC priests died terrible deaths for their faith and for their friendship towards the country’s most marginalised people. Fr José María Gran Cirera was shot repeatedly alongside his friend and sacristan Dominic Batz while leaving Mass on horseback on June 4th 1980. Fr Faustino Villanueva was shot in his home, by two young men who visited the parish house, after celebrating evening Mass on July 10th 1980. Some months later, at the end of January 1981, Fr Juan Alonso Fernandes wrote to his brother, saying “I have the feeling that I am in danger. I don’t want to be killed in any way, but neither am I ready, out of fear, to abandon this people.” He was living and working in the north of the country, a particularly hazardous area. On February 13th 1981, he was forcibly detained by the military for questioning. Unbowed, he told them, “What we preach, anyone can hear. If you want to know what I say, just go to church. I do nothing but preach the word of God.” Fr Juan Alonso was released that night, but was intercepted on his way to visit a community the following day. He was tortured in a ravine, and then shot in the head three times.
Twelve-year-old Juan Barrera Méndez, known as Juanito, is particularly noted for his dedication to his faith. He received the sacrament of Confirmation himself, and acted as a spiritual guide for children preparing to receive their First Holy Communion. He was captured in a military raid on his community, and was tortured cruelly before his death; his passion was indestructible, and his name and his testimony are still well-recognised amongst Guatemalan children today.
“Missionaries on the move”
In an interview with Vatican News, Bishop Rosolino Bianchetti of Quiché reflects, “Our martyrs were truly missionaries on the move… They went from house to house, keeping the faith alive, praying with their brothers, evangelizing, imploring the God of life. They were men of great faith, of great trust in God, but at the same time of great dedication to bring about a change, a different Guatemala.”
MSC Superior General, Fr Mario Abzalón Alvarado Tovar, gave sincere thanks to all involved with the beatification at the recent Mass. “The three religious Missionaries of the Sacred Heart and the seven laymen today beatified as Martyrs are the prophetic voice that continues to resonate and call us to recognize the situation that was experienced in El Quiché and in Guatemala in the 1980s,” he said. “Thousands of brothers and sisters who were killed for the sake of justice and their faith committed to building the Kingdom of God. It was a whole system of death – genocide – that destroyed the lives of these ten new Blesseds. They are the sign that this unjust barbarism that bled an entire nation should never be repeated in Guatemala again – never again! Unfortunately, situations like this continue to happen in different parts of the world.”
“Wounds that continue to bleed”
Fr Abzalón continued, “We are encouraging our MSC brothers to be convinced that the best way to honour the memory of those who gave their life is to remain committed to eradicating the causes that led these three Missionaries of the Sacred Heart and seven laity and so many others to shed their blood. Causes that remain open, wounds that continue to bleed in Guatemala and throughout the world, through violence, exploitation, poverty, injustice and corruption. Our mother earth continues to be violated and destroyed. The Common Home needs us so that, inspired by the new Blessed Martyrs of Quiché, we raise our voices and give prophetic, living and coherent witness, as the three Missionaries of the Sacred Heart and the seven laity, today Blessed Martyrs, did.”
As many communities in Guatemala continue to face extreme challenges and severe hardship, including poverty, exploitation, and forced migration, we remember the sacrifice of the El Quiché martyrs, and we pray for all who continue to struggle in their home country, and in similar situations around the world.
“We are united with MSCs and the wider Chevalier Family around the world in celebrating this day and praying for the local church in El Quiché and Guatemala as it continues the work of evangelisation, service and worship, justice and peace, and the dignity of all its peoples, especially the indigenous communities.”
– Fr Carl Tranter MSC, Irish Provincial Leader
Read more about the beatification of the martyrs of El Quiché
Feliz Navid and Thanks from Ecuador del Futuro
Feliz Navidad!
A heart warming token of gratitude from the Community of Ecuador that received funding from your donations that helped form a community building a church and centre in their parish.
Below is a Letter of Appreciation from P. Moacir Msc to our Provincial Superior Fr. Carl Tranter MSC.
“Thank you for having been our angel during this time of pandemic helping Pastoral Social and the Community of Ecuador of the Future.
The youth of Ecuador del Futuro prepared a beautiful novena for the community. Even by zoom and twice in person, it has been a special moment.
Attached is the video they prepared to wish you and your mission team a Merry Christmas.
P. Moacir, MSC.”
Irish Provincial Superior meets Pope Francis
During, what was described by Irish Provincial Superior Fr Carl Tranter MSC as, “a very warm and informal Papal Audience”, our new Provincial Leader had the honor of personally meeting Pope Francis himself.
Irish Provincial Superior Fr Carl Tranter MSC with Pope Francis at the private MSC Audience in Rome, September 2017.
Fr Carl commented on how the MSC brotherhood were both encouraged and challenged by the Holy Fathers’ words, “Return to your first and only love. Keep your gaze fixed on Jesus Christ and learn from him how to love with a truly human heart, to care for the lost and hurting members of his flock, to work for justice and show solidarity with the weak and the poor. Learn from him to give hope and dignity to the destitute, and to go forth to all those places where people are in need of acceptance and assistance. This is the first Gospel that the Church entrusts to you by sending you out as missionaries to the world: to show by your lives and by your works the passionate and tender love of God fro the little ones, the underprivileged, the vulnerable and those who the world has disregarded.
May your common life be marked by the true fraternity, which welcomes diversity and values the gifts of all. Do not hesitate to continue and expand your communion with the lay persons who participate in your apostolate. Let them share in your ideals and projects, and in the rich spirituality arising from your institute’s charism. With them, and with the sisters of your female congregations, you will form an ever greater and stronger “charismatic family”, one that will better demonstrate the vitality and relevance of your founder’s charism.”
Fr Carl noted how Pope Francis’ words beautifully capture and crystallise the MSC mission to the world, the MSC brotherhood with each other, and their partnership within Chevalier Family: “to be on earth the heart of God”.
“This personal exhortation of Pope Francis to us as MSC, together with the orientations and priorities that have emerged from both our Provincial and General Chapters, offer a direction for our common journeying over the coming six years.” – Fr Carl Tranter, Irish Provincial Superior
MSC Private Audience with Pope Francis, September 2017.