Irish MSCs return to Venezuela

Two of our MSCs from the Irish Province returned to Venezuela in July, to minister to struggling families and communities who are currently trapped in the midst of the country’s extreme social, economic, political, and humanitarian crisis.

Fr Christy Coleman MSC

Fr Christy Coleman MSC ministered in Venezuela many years ago, before moving to Texas in the USA as a pastor and prison chaplain. He also acted as MSC Superior in the US Province for a time, and most recently returned home to Ireland to minister as a hospital chaplain. Throughout his travels, Fr Christy kept in close contact with the Venezuelan mission, and was a great support to our MSCs there, particularly the community at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School in Maracaibo.

As Fr Vincent Screene, the current Regional Leader of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Venezuela, unfortunately has to return home for medical reasons, Fr Christy will be taking his place in on the Venezuelan mission. Here, he will work with members of the regional team to guide, motivate, and encourage MSCs ministering in parishes across the country as they provide life-saving aid and spiritual support in regions of extreme poverty and hardship.

Fr Tom Jordan MSC

Fr Tom Jordan MSC also spent some time in Texas following his ordination in 1966, before taking his place on the Venezuelan mission amongst the communities and parishes he has grown to love. Fr Tom’s generosity of spirit has been legendary in Venezuela; as Fr Vincent Screene said, “Wherever there is a need, Tom is there”.

Fr Tom returned to Ireland due to ill health last year, and during his time at home, he was vocal about the ongoing struggles of the Venezuelan people. Chai Brady of The Irish Catholic recently reported on Fr Tom’s response to Clare Daly TD, who spoke out about the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, downplaying its severity. Brady writes, “According to the Sunday Times Clare Daly TD said in a YouTube video that ‘even in the difficult days the poorest people get a box of basic food essentials every month’. She said although citizens have to register to receive the package there are no political strings attached, which Fr Jordan disputed.”

As reported by The Irish Catholic, Fr Tom has deemed these claims “absolutely” false. “He [Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro] gives out a little food maybe once a month and only to the ones who recognise him as the boss,” he said. “For somebody like that to come back to Ireland and say there’s no shortage in Venezuela, it’s very irritating.”

“It’s got worse, more people are getting out of it – those who can – and the electricity situation makes it worse. If your refrigerator goes in a climate like that you have no food, it’s wasted,” Fr Tom continues. “Then the escalation of prices to high heaven, and the income is virtually useless to buy food because the incomes hasn’t increased worth a damn.”

Fr Tom has now returned to Venezuela following his recovery, and we wish both him and Fr Christy all the very best as they bring their invaluable ministry to the Venezuelan mission once again.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MSC MISSIONS IN VENEZUELA

Find out more about our missionary outreach in Venezuela

Read Fr Michael’s diary from his 2019 visit to Venezuela

 

 

Blessings to the first MSC African bishop Toussaint Iluku Bolumbu on his ordination

Congratulations and very best wishes to Bishop Toussaint Iluku Bolumbu MSC, who was ordained bishop of the diocese of Bokungu-Ikela in the Democratic Republic of Congo on July 21^st.

His ordination took place in Bokungo, celebrated by Bishop Fridolin Ambongo Besungo, Archbishop of Kinshasa and Apostolic Administrator of Mbandaka Bikoro.

We are delighted to share the first official photograph of Bishop Toussaint, whose ministry in his new diocese has now begun.

Previously named superior of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart for the French-speaking African region, Bishop Toussaint is the first MSC African bishop. He was appointed fourth bishop of the diocese of Bokungu-Ikela by Pope Francis in April, following a rich and varied missionary journey since his ordination as a priest in 1995. Some of his previous roles include parish priest, vice rector, bursar, and later superior and director of formation of the MSC School in Yaoundé, teacher of philosophy and theology, vice president of the Association of Major Superiors of the ecclesiastical province of Mbandaka-Bikoro, assistant to the secretariat general of the General Chapter of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Rome, and moderator of the General Conference of Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Yaoundé.

Please join us in sending well wishes to Bishop Toussaint, and we keep him in our prayers as he embarks on his new ministry.

Gospel Reflection for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time | July 21st

Gospel Reflection

Listening to and living the mystery of Christ and the Church

The Gospel (Luke 10:38-42)

Martha welcomed Jesus into her house. Mary has chosen the better part. This is a charming narrative on the hospitality offered to Jesus by Martha, sister of Mary. We are not told what Mary and Jesus were speaking about, but we can presume it concerned the kingdom of God. Martha complained that Mary was not helping her. Part of Jesus’ reply, that Mary had chosen the better part, has appeared harsh to many. What Jesus most probably said is that only one thing is necessary, and Mary has made the right and better choice. This saying is the highlight of the narrative. This is an invitation to us to reflect on the joy that should be ours as we reflect on the central truths of our religion, the mystery of Christ and of his Church.

“Christ is with you, the hope of glory”

Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the dignity that is ours in living in the age of the fulfilment of the promises and the joy that this should bring, joy even in the sufferings that go with Christian living. Paul is happy, joyful, in his mission to preach the word of the Gospel, the good news that the mystery has been revealed. Jesus rejoiced that the secrets, the mystery, hidden for past ages had been revealed by the Father through him, to the “little ones” rather than to the wise and understanding (Matthew 11:25-30). For this, Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit (Luke 10:21-22), just as Paul later would. The mystery was God’s saving plan through Christ, which could be variously expressed. For the epistle to the Ephesians it was God’s plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth (Ephesians 1:9-10). For Paul to the Colossians it was: “Christ is with you, the hope of glory”. With Christ in the Church there is the glory of God’s presence, and the hope that it brings for here and eternity.

The Church continues to use this term “mystery” and its riches of meaning to express her belief in her own nature and in the sacraments. The first chapter of the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church is headed: “The mystery of the Church”. As Pope Paul VI explained in his opening address at the second session of the Vatican Council (1961); “The Church is a mystery. It is a reality imbued with the hidden presence of God. It lies, therefore, within the very nature of the Church to be open to new and greater exploration.” The sacraments can be called mysteries, since the power of God is present in them, continuing the initial mystery of Christ and the foundation of the Church. St Ambrose composed discourses on sacraments which he described as “On the Mysteries”. The Eucharist is the mystery par excellence and in the Roman Missal (visible in particular in the revised English translation), mention is made of “these mysteries” in relation to it. The mystery of Christ is thus being continually proclaimed by word and sacrament. In the words of Christ addressed to Martha, “only one thing is needful”, attention to the word of God brought to us by Jesus, attention to this whether we are reflective like Mary, Martha’s sister, or busy like Martha herself.

Fr Martin McNamara MSC

Educating for a brighter tomorrow in the Philippines

Our Sacred Heart family at the MSC Missions Office in the Philippines recently reported on their current education project in the Hapag Community in Amparo, North Caloocan, where a helping hand has been extended to disadvantaged youths in the community whose parents cannot afford to send them to school.

This project has aimed to support students in order to allow them to continue their studies, despite difficulties with poverty and hardship in their home lives. Students have been provided with the supplies they need to attend school and complete their class projects and homework, as well as nutritious food to ensure their physical and mental health.

Not only has the programme relieved a huge amount of stress for young students and their families, but it has also addressed the growing issue of drop-outs from the local school. The drop-out rate has been a serious concern as families struggling to put meals on the table simply can’t afford to send their children to school. However, since the implementation of this educational assistance programme, there has been a zero drop-out rate in the 2018/2019 school year – all remaining students have successfully continued with their studies, many with consistently rising grades.

“[Our students] have continued their sense of paying it forward by leading our Big Brother and Big Sister Tutorial schemes, by participating in regular community clean-up duties, and by running a weekly youth prayer group,” reports the MSC Missions Office in the Philippines.

The MSC community in the Philippines now hopes to focus on building livelihood programmes in the area, to provide employment opportunities for parents and to give local families valuable tools for self-sufficiency. Thanks to the support of our mission friends and benefactors around the world, our MSCs in the Philippines can continue to shine the light of hope for communities and families in need, where the future once looked bleak.

Keep up to date with the MSC Missions Office Philippines on Facebook.

Visit the new website for the MSC Missions Office in the Philippines.

Loreto Schools continue to empower young women in South Sudan

As our friends at Loreto Schools Rumbek draw the old school year to a close and look ahead to the new, we are delighted to hear that the schools are continuing to grow at a great rate, offering renewed hope and new opportunities to young women in South Sudan.

There are now over 1,000 children attending the primary school, with only 14 students dropping out in the last year. “The secondary school also continues to be blessed and we are looking at an enrolment close to 350 this year,” writes Benjamin Sprunger, the Loreto Programs Manager. “We also delivered well over half a million meals, and provided around 1,800 clinical consultations – mostly to women and children – during the year”, he continues.

Earlier this year, the Loreto secondary school was “flooded with young hopefuls” as hundreds of young women arrived to complete the first stage of the secondary school intake process. “During 2019’s intake, we had 424 applicants, registering a 22% increase from last year,” explains the official Loreto website. “This is the largest group since the school started and a great milestone for the Loreto Rumbek mission.”

Gaining a place at Loreto is a precious prize indeed for young women in the local region and beyond. The secondary school programme is a support system that encompasses far more than a simple education, with the provision of “three daily meals, health care, uniforms, study and learning materials, 24/7 power and water, accommodation, protection and advocacy, psychosocial support and social development activities, and spiritual development”. The Loreto website tell the story of one applicant, Mary Ayuen from Cuiebet, located 45km away. “Mary explains, ‘I came two days ago and stayed with my friend in Rumbek because I didn’t want to miss the interview. I want to be a doctor.’ Mary is hopeful that her dreams to study at Loreto and to secure a bright future will come true.”

Of course, the Loreto community is far more than just a school – for many of these young women, it is family. All you need to do is look at these pictures of Sr Orla, the school’s principal, returning from her travels this summer, and it is very clear that pride, unity, and love are the mainstays of both teachers and students and the Loreto schools.

We at the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are proud to support the Loreto team in the tremendous work that they do, both in the Loreto schools and their Health Care Unit. We are very pleased to hear that the schools are going from strength to strength, and we wish both staff and students a peaceful summer break ahead of the next busy academic year!

The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are proud to support the wonderful work done by the Loreto Sisters for the young women of South Sudan.
For more photographs and further information about Loreto Rumbek, visit their website or visit their Facebook page.
You can also find out more about how MSC Missions work with Loreto Rumbek – and how you can help to make a difference to the young women of South Sudan.

PLEASE HELP US TO TRANSFORM LIVES IN SOUTH SUDAN

“Beloved, Gifted, Empowered”: The Year of the Youth in the Philippines

2019 is the Year of the Youth in the Catholic Church in the Philippines, and the Philippine Province of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart has been continuing their wonderful work in youth ministry all over the country.

MSC Partners, the newsletter of the Philippine Province of the MSC, recently reported on the Year of the Youth, addressing the way in which this celebration “shows the church’s faith and confidence in young people”.

“Empowering youth to be in mission, they need to realize the fundamental truth that they are beloved and gifted; they are worthy and deserving of God’s love, they are meant to discover the dreams of God for the church and the world at large,” the MSC Partners editorial reads. “The words of George Bernard Shaw might add inspiration or enkindle the fire within them: ‘You see things, and you say “Why?” But I dream things that never were; and I say “Why not?”’. Allowing and encouraging the youth to dream and discover their life purpose is one of the greatest achievements of the church. As dreamers of great things, they may be able to use their energy for changes desired by God.”

“Our youth need to be guided, nurtured, and cared for,” continues the MSC Partners editorial. “A recent survey conducted by UNICEF said that 80% of Filipino youth suffer some form of physical and psychological abuse. Now we are facing problems such as poverty, young people not attending school, suicide, emotional distress, mental disorder, distorted values, teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, and the like. These show that many young people are deeply wounded and broken. In this regard, the church has an important role in the psychological, emotional, and spiritual healing and well-being of the youth.”

“I consider the Church as my lifeguard, who is continuously and unconditionally guarding me against the force of negativity.”

MSCs in the Philippines have long been devoted to the care of the younger members of their flock, promoting education and empowerment wherever possible. In this, the Year of the Youth, they continue to encourage, guide, and nurture through youth ministry in parishes across the country.

This guidance is invaluable to many. “Youths nowadays are very vulnerable,” says Clavel C. Campugan, Parish Youth Leader in San Roque Parish, Cordova, Cebu. “Thus, as a youth I consider myself as vulnerable too. Very susceptible to sadness, chaos, physical or emotional attack, and many other negative forces in the society, that made me drown into a sea of hopelessness. There are times that my faith weakens, especially when my mother died – the strongest and greatest storm I encountered in my whole life. But as a youth in Christ, I consider myself as well-protected – protected by our Saviour, Lord Jesus Christ through the protection from the Church. In this regard, as a member of the Youth Ministry in our parish, I am saved from drowning deeply in this sea of hopelessness. Jesus uses the Church as an instrument to help me swim faster towards HOPE. Therefore, I consider the Church as my lifeguard who is continuously and unconditionally guarding me against the force of negativity and guiding me to become a better person and to become the seed of HOPE for others. Since, I have experienced the fruit of guidance from the Church, I hope that the Church will not stop guarding and guiding youths who are like me.”

“Let us not waste our talents, the gifts that God has given to us; let us not be afraid to dream of great things.”

Angelica Joyce P. Mananes, Parish Youth Leader in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Bantug, agrees.  “Pope Francis said, ‘Let the church always be a place of mercy and hope where everyone is welcomed, loved and forgiven’ – the place that every young person is looking for. The church is unlike other people, who might love us at first, but if they notice something they don’t like, they can easily leave us. God’s love for us has no limit – he loves us wholeheartedly. Let us not waste our talents, the gifts that God has given to us; let us not be afraid to dream of great things, because the church believes that young people in mission are BELOVED, GIFTED, EMPOWERED.”

In the Year of the Youth and beyond, MSC communities in the Philippines and across the world continue to encourage, guide, and promote the bright and brilliant youths in our parishes everywhere.

“So, in this special year of the youth, it is our prayer and hope that young people
may find meaning for their lives in their faith-life journey in mission,
as beloved, gifted, and empowered to bring the love of God to all.”
– Fr Bien Castil Jr, MSC

Read about the MSC 2019 World Youth Day Celebrations in Panama

Sr Orla Treacy receives DCU Societal Impact Award

Irish-born Sr Orla Treacy, principal of Loreto Secondary School in Rumbek, has received an award from home territory in recognition of her work with educating and empowering young women in South Sudan. Sr Orla, originally from Co. Wicklow, was awarded the Societal Impact prize as part of the prestigious DCU Alumni Awards.

The DCU Alumni Awards celebrate the wonderful achievements of Dublin City University alumni all over the world. “The DCU Alumni Awards honour alumni who, through their exceptional ability and leadership, have achieved excellence in their chosen fields of endeavour,” states the official website. “Their accomplishments across so many aspects of society are a source of great pride to DCU and an inspiration to present and future generations of DCU students.”

Speaking to The Irish Catholic about the award, Sr Orla remarked, ““It’s great to see a university like that recognising the work that we’re doing in South Sudan.”

Earlier this year, Sr Orla received the International Woman of Courage Award, having been nominated by the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See. Working to protect and encourage young women in one of the world’s most volatile countries, Sr Orla is a champion for education and empowerment in South Sudan.

“As principal of Loreto Secondary School in Rumbek in Lake States, considered the premier girls’ school in the impoverished country, Sr Treacy has spent well over a decade empowering thousands of pupils through education, despite ongoing civil conflict and discrimination against young women, such as forced marriage,” writes Colm Fitzpatrick of The Irish Catholic.

Acknowledging the recognition of her work, Sr Orla says that it’s “nice to feel part of something bigger”, while the Pope’s recent call for peace to South Sudan’s leaders has given the Loreto family in Rumbek “a great sense of hope”.

We are proud to support the marvellous work done by Sr Orla and the Loreto Rumbek team, and we send our very best wishes on this wonderful acknowledgement of their ongoing work for the young women of South Sudan.

Read The Irish Catholic’s full report on Sr Orla’s award.

The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are proud to support the wonderful work done by the Loreto Sisters for the young women of South Sudan.
For more photographs and further information about Loreto Rumbek, visit their website or visit their Facebook page.
You can also find out more about how MSC Missions work with Loreto Rumbek – and how you can help to make a difference to the young women of South Sudan.

PLEASE HELP US TO SAVE LIVES IN SOUTH SUDAN

Cork welcomes Catholic café Brew132

Cork City has a bright and welcome new addition – Brew132, a Catholic café serving up evangelism and faith alongside coffee and cake. Located on Washington Street, Cork, Brew 132 opened its doors in early April, offering warm hospitality and hope to the community of Cork and beyond, and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are proud to support this new and exciting venture for the young Catholic community in the local area.

“The concept is based around two ideas,” says Courtney Holbrook, manager of Brew132. “Firstly, there’s a lot of young Catholics in the world (and quite a few here in Cork City), but sometimes it’s hard to connect to each other. So we’re here to try to help connect practising young Catholics to community and bring everyone together. Secondly, there are a lot of people who would go to a café, but who would never think of stepping foot in a Church. Our goal is to get to know them and show them Jesus through our joy and our witness. From there we can help connect them to different groups to help them continue to grow in their faith.”

“The idea of an evangelising cafe is not new,” continues Courtney. Originally from Dallas, Texas, she remarks, “There are Catholic cafés in the United States, and a few Christian ones here in Ireland – most notably An Tobar Nua in Galway, which actually gave us a lot of help in starting up here in Cork.”

The initial idea for the establishment of a social hub for Cork’s young Catholics was brought about by Fr Maurice Colgan OP, of the Dominican Order. “I think it’s something he’s been wanting to do for years,” explains Courtney, “but everything started falling into place this year. He brought me on board last summer, and we’ve been working on it since.”

The café has received wonderful support from Cork and beyond. “A number of religious orders/organisations have been involved with funding the café: St Joseph’s Charity Shop, Presentation Sisters Cork, Sisters of Mercy Cork, Bon Secours Sisters, Sisters of Charity, Augustians, Capuchins, Franciscans, Domincans, and of course, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.”

“The Cork NET Group and UCC Chaplaincy are involved, and we’ve also got Juventutum Corcaigh, Cork City Youth 2000, Ignite Prayer Group, Nightfever, and Jesus Youth. Representatives of the leadership of these groups would meet every so often just to help determine the look and ministry in the café in the planning stages. Saturdays are also worked by volunteers, and many students are volunteering summer hours with us as well!”

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

A warm welcome is guaranteed to all visitors to the café. “We’ve been very influenced by the charism of hospitality, so the one word to describe what we’re going for is ‘homey’,” Courtney says. “We strive to provide a homey atmosphere where we can love our customers through service. It comes from the idea of Hebrews 13:2, one of the verses that inspired the name, that says ‘Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it’. Through this homey atmosphere people can begin to experience the love of Christ, and then be more comfortable when we begin to share our faith. I think it also provides a great outlet for Catholics to come in and talk about faith without fear of being judged.”

Brew132 currently offers an extensive menu of hot drinks, alongside an array of tasty treats. The café also has a packed bookshelf for visitors to peruse as they sit and sip. “We’ve got theology books and fictional books that have a moral worldview/ethos,” explains Courtney – with a wide range of titles and authors, even the most discerning reader is likely to find the perfect companion to their morning coffee!

All new ventures come with their own challenges, and this is no different. “From a ministry perspective it’s not easy knowing how to approach people about the faith,” explains Courtney.  “We’re starting to get to the point with a few people where we know them well enough to start talking with them about faith, but sometimes we don’t see the opportunity. We’re learning how to make those opportunities without making it awkward.”

However, the benefits far outweigh the challenges in this bustling hub on Washington Street. The café is located on the busy street that connects the city centre with University College Cork, and it’s the hope of the Brew132 team that it will become a regular port of call for passing students. “It’s a real highlight to see people return,” notes Courtney. “We’ve had a few people return for our coffee and we’ve slowly been getting to know them, have gotten to know their names, and can chat with them a bit when they come in. It’s such a small thing, but it’s definitely a highlight for me.”

With an “amazing” Grand Opening providing great encouragement, the team at Brew132 are already off to a wonderful start. The future looks bright for Cork’s new Catholic café, and we at the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are delighted to be part of this promising new venture.

Visit Brew132 on Facebook and Instagram.

You can also visit their website,
and read more about the café in a recent article by Greg Daly for The Irish Catholic.

Gospel Reflection for the Feast of the Blessed Trinity | June 16th

Gospel Reflection

Mystery of the Blessed Trinity and Mystery of the Church

The Gospel (John 16:12-15):
Everything the Father has is mine; all the Spirit tells you is taken from what is mine.

This reading from Christ’s Farewell Discourse is chosen for this feast of the Blessed Trinity because of the mention by Christ (the Son) of the Father and the Holy Spirit. Today we celebrate the feast of the Blessed Trinity, or in the formal title, “The Solemnity of the Holy Trinity”. The Trinity is something of an abstraction. We rarely, if ever, hear of devotion to the Blessed Trinity. The Trinity is recognized as the greatest and deepest of the Christian mysteries. It took centuries, with errors, heresies, and bad formulations, for the Church to arrive at the formulation of, or belief in, the Blessed Trinity as we have it today. Belief in the Trinity is belief in one God in three divine persons. As formulated in the latest Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraphs 253-260), the Trinity is One. We do not confess three Gods, but one God in three persons, the “consubstantial Trinity”. The divine persons do not share the one divinity among themselves, but each of them is God, whole and entire. The divine persons are really distinct from one another.

So much for the theology of belief in Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as the Trinity, the one true God. Such theology does not necessarily make for devotion, or a greater understanding of the mystery of the Trinity. This great mystery of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit reveals the innermost nature and life of God to us: God as love, as saviour, as unity. This mystery of the Blessed Trinity was revealed to us as source and model of our Christian life. In his farewell discourse at the Last Supper, Jesus prayed to his Father for his followers, in all ages to come: “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be one in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me, I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, … that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:20-24). This is practically what Paul says in writing to the Romans, summarised in the heading to today’s second reading: We go “to God through Christ, in the love poured out by the Holy Spirit”. The Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers makes them, makes us, aware of our dignity as children of God, called and enabled to live according to the pattern of the inner life of God himself, as revealed by Jesus, and continued in the mystery of the Church. The Church will never be properly understood unless viewed as a mystery, the Body of Christ, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit called to live in accord with that deep mystery which is the Blessed Trinity, and as a witness on earth to the living God, the source of true life.

Fr Martin McNamara MSC

MSC Pilgrimage to Fatima 2019

The final days of May saw MSCs Fr Michael O’Connell and Fr Des Farren join 30 pilgrims from Ireland and the UK on our annual MSC pilgrimage to Fatima. With blue skies and sunshine as a backdrop to prayer, reflection, and conversation, this year’s five-day trip was a resounding success for all involved.

Our pilgrimage group paused to pray at a number of hallowed stops along the way, including the Basilica of the Rosary, the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, the Way of the Cross, and Valinhos, where Our Lady appeared to the Children of Fatima.

The Basilica of the Holy Trinity was a place of special interest for our pilgrims, as they visited the spectacular sculpture of Christ on the Cross by Irish artist Catherine Greene. The figure is cast in bronze and is five metres tall, suspended in the air on a seven-metre cross behind the altar. Catherine Greene is originally from Galway, but now works from her studio in Co. Kildare. In the creation of this statue, she has embraced all of mankind, incorporating different features from different races in the Christ figure. It is a magnificent sight to behold in the Basilica, which can seat 9,000 people, with space for another 2,000 standing.

Our group also spent some time in Valinhos, where Our Lady appeared to the Children of Fatima on August 19^th, 1917. Here, they also paused to pray at the beautiful shrine which represents the apparition of the Angel of Peace.

The Way of the Cross in Fatima is a special journey indeed, with the path taken along the Stations of the Cross following the pathway that the Children of Fatima would have followed from their homes, down to the grazing grounds where they would have cared for their family’s sheep. The stations were donated to Fatima by the people of Hungary, and the final station, the Crucifixion scene, is positioned on top of the Church of St Stephen of Hungary.

“The devotion of the people is perhaps what touched me most about our pilgrimage.”

Fr Michael and Fr Des celebrated Sunday Mass during the pilgrimage, along with approximately 60 other priests from around the world. Sunday Mass is a wonderful celebration overlooking the Capelinha, or the Chapel of the Apparitions, which marks the spot where Our Lady appeared. Every Sunday, a statue of Our Lady is carried from the Capelinha to the open-air altar, often by representatives from the fire brigade or the army, dressed in their best with shining uniforms and helmets.

Our Lady’s path is lined with pilgrims, singing and waving white handkerchiefs. It is an extremely emotional moment, with many people shedding tears because they won’t return to see Our Lady of Fatima again for at least another year. “The devotion of these people is perhaps what touched me most about our pilgrimage,” says Fr Michael. “Their tears are just amazing – there are literally tears running down their faces, they are crying their hearts out. They won’t be back again for at least another year, if at all, and they are crying. Our Lady is going away, and they’re going away. It was so emotional that it made me cry, too.”

Our pilgrims also stopped to light a candle for their intentions – so many candles are lit here, however, that the heat is overwhelming and the candles all melt into one big flame. The group pilgrimage candle was carried along the journey and returned home to the Sacred Heart Parish in Cork with Fr Michael, who will continue to light it daily for the prayers and intentions of the pilgrimage group until it has burned down completely.

Worldwide connections

The group also ventured to some of the outlying prayer spots in the area. Fr Michael speaks of a special fondness for the statue of the Children of Fatima looking out towards the Chapel of the Apparitions. “That’s my favourite spot in Fatima,” he says. “That’s where I like to be the most, because you’re away from the crowd, looking from a distance. I like to step out of the crowds, to stand back and see the bigger picture.”

Our great family of faith offers warmth and encouragement from all over the world, and this became especially clear when Fr Michael bumped into MSCs from Indonesia over breakfast in the group’s hotel! Fr Nicholaus Adi Seputra MSC, Archbishop of Merauke, Indonesia, and Fr Cayetanus Tarong MSC were travelling with two other MSCs from the Philippines to celebrate 30 years of ordination. It was a fortuitous meeting indeed, as they were leaving Fatima for Rome later that day, continuing their pilgrimage to the Holy Places.

Fr Michael also bumped into an Irish couple, Pat and Mary Leahy from Macroom, Co. Cork, who were celebrating their 50^th wedding anniversary while on pilgrimage. Pat and Mary renewed their love for each other before the Our Lady of Fatima statue at the Capelinha, in a wonderful celebration of true and enduring love.

Our group returned home on June 3^rd, replenished in body and soul after a truly wonderful trip where new friendships were made, and old and enduring bonds were strengthened. Sincere thanks to all involved for a joyous pilgrimage journey!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MSC PILGRIMAGES

Spotlight on Sr Sally and the Holy Family Centre

We were delighted to read this wonderful piece by South African publication Spotlight, highlighting the marvellous work done by Sr Sally Duigan OLSH and the team at the Holy Family Care Centre in Limpopo.

Calling the Holy Family community “the biggest and happiest family in Limpopo”, this Spotlight story gives us a glimpse into daily life at the centre, where Sr Sally and her team care for over 70 infants and children. The majority of these children are battling serious illnesses, such as HIV, and many have been orphaned or abandoned.

Founded in 2002, the centre is run by the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart with the support of the MSC. We are very pleased to work closely with our Sacred Heart sisters, from fundraising efforts here in the Irish Province to our annual volunteer programme at Holy Family.

“Each child that comes through the gates of HFC is guaranteed two things, regardless of how they arrive or where they come from, they will be loved and well taken care of,” reads the Spotlight article. “At the moment this is home to 70 children (Sally sheepishly admits that they never turn a child away, sometimes the facility cares for up to 80 children) eight of whom are babies. There is a large staff contingent who care for the children 24/7, bathing them, feeding them, clothing them, teaching them, helping them with homework, playing with them and showering them with heaps and heaps of love. It is absolutely clear that this is one big family.”

It’s a big family, and a happy one. The sense of unity and love at Holy Family is in abundance from the moment one steps through the doors, and Sr Sally is dedicated to ensuring this remains the case for every child that comes into her care.

“Above all, we continue to give our children love, security, and care, in the hope they will thrive,” she wrote in a letter to our MSC Missions. “We want them to have the energy to enjoy playtime, be able to learn and live a happy life.”

We are very proud to see Sr Sally’s tremendous work being recognised – congratulations to all the team at Holy Family!

Read the full Spotlight article

Find out more about our work with the Holy Family Centre

Celebrate Father’s Day with MSC Missions

“A father holds your hand for a little while, but holds your heart forever.”

This year, we celebrate Father’s Day on Sunday, June 16^th. Whether you chat to your dad every day, catch up over a cup of tea every week, or hold treasured memories close to your heart, Father’s Day is a time to pause and celebrate a very special bond and a love that can’t be measured.

On Father’s Day, we thank the unsung heroes who work so hard to make the family home a happy and comfortable one, full of joy and laughter. Our collection of Father’s Day cards is a truly special way to honour a beloved father, whether you will spend the day with your dad or carry his memory in your heart. Each card contains a lovely Prayer for my Father, and each one also contains remembrance in our Father’s Day Triduum of Masses, which will take place this year from Saturday, June 15^th to Monday, June 17^th in the Sacred Heart Church on the Western Road in Cork.

You are also very welcome to submit a prayer intention for your father, or light a candle in our online gallery to mark Father’s Day.

Remember, when you choose from our range of Father’s Day cards, you’re not just making a thoughtful gesture for your own father, but you’re also reaching out to help fathers and their families all over the world. Your support helps us to continue bringing the gifts of faith, hope, and love to parents, children, and communities in some of the world’s poorest countries. Our MSCs work in regions of extreme poverty and hardship, bringing vital aid to people who have nowhere else to turn, and every order we receive makes a real and valuable difference.

VIEW OUR FATHER’S DAY CARDS