New beginnings in Mozambique

March was an especially busy and exciting month for our MSC brothers in Mozambique, with two inspiring new chapters beginning on the mission.

Great celebrations were marked in the parish of Santa Marta de Mecúfi, where Fr José Eduardo Paixão MSC was appointed as new parish priest, with Fr Roney Lima MSC taking the position of new parish vicar. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop António Juliasse, Bishop of the Diocese of Pemba, in a moving and uplifting ceremony where parishioners extended a very warm welcome to Fr José and Fr Roney in their new roles.

The Facebook page for our Mozambique mission shared some wonderful photos from the day, telling us that, “During the homily, Father Juliasse emphasized the importance of priestly mission and the commitment of new religious leaders to evangelization and strengthening the parish community”. These new appointments mark the beginning of a new and hopeful chapter for the parish of Santa Marta de Mecúfi, strengthening the community and “renewing hope and enthusiasm for Christian life”.

Shortly afterwards, on March 19th, our Mozambique mission celebrated the Feast of St Joseph by welcoming our new students to the Fr Jules Chevalier Formation House. In a special Facebook post, our Mozambique brothers shared pictures of this blessed occasion:

“These young people have answered God’s call and pledged to follow him from our charisma. Each of them proclaimed, ‘Here I am, Lord,’ expressing their willingness and desire to do God’s will.

They received the MSC Cross, the Breviary and the Perpetual Service of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

We share this joy with you!”

Joy shared indeed, and we hope you will join us in prayer for all MSCs and the communities they serve on our mission in the Diocese of Pemba. Congratulations to Fr José and Fr Roney on their new appointments in the parish of Santa Marta de Mecúfi, and to the new students in formation – we wish you all every blessing as you embark on your new chapters, individually and collectively on our shared missionary journey. God bless you all!

Images via the Facebook page for MSC Mozambique.

 

HELP SUPPORT OUR MSC MISSIONS PROJECTS

 

Opening the Jubilee Year of Hope in Mozambique

On the final Sunday of 2024, MSCs on our Mozambique mission celebrated a very special ceremony to mark the beginning of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. MSCs Fr José Eduardo Paixão and Fr Roney Lima prayed together with the parishioners of the Diocese of Pemba, along those that had travelled from neighbouring areas to be part of this wonderful celebration filled with joy and hope.

Our MSC mission in Mozambique was established in early 2018 in the Diocese of Pemba, which is a very poor part of the country. The need for help in the region is very real, and the mission is continuously working to adapt and respond to serve the many and changing needs of the vulnerable and displaced, from emergency response to natural disasters, to the brutal impact of violence and political unrest.

The Irish Province of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart has a long friendship with our Mozambique mission, with the compassion and support of our mission friends and benefactors here at home touching the lives of thousands of people across the district of Pemba. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of our extended mission family here at home, we have been able to bring about positive change to disadvantaged communities and vulnerable families across the diocese. Civil war in the region has caused significant suffering, with hundreds of thousands of people displaced from their homes and their lives since 2017, and many others killed or reported missing. In recent years, we have been working alongside Fr José to raise funds to support those in real and urgent need, helping to provide essential aid and more hopeful prospects for those struggling in their circumstances.

Let us all be pilgrims of hope in this Jubilee Year, carrying the spirit of faith, hope, and perseverance in our hearts.

Images via the Facebook page for MSC Mozambique, with credit to Abudo Manara.
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A rich and fruitful time of prayer and celebration in Mozambique

It has been a wonderfully full year so far on our MSC mission project in Mozambique, with their Facebook page sharing regular photos and stories to keep us updated on all the latest news.

March brought the opening of the Fr Jules Chevalier Training Centre, which, says the Facebook page for MSC Mozambique, “will host the first young Mozambicans who sought the charisma and mission of the Chevalier Family”. May God bless those who study and pray here, and lead them in their vocations.

In April, Fr José Eduardo Paixão MSC opened and blessed a new church in the community of Santo Augustine de Manono, in the parish of St Antonio de Metuge. It was a very special occasion indeed as the community celebrated their new place of worship, while Fr José also led Sunday school for parishioners, reflecting on the fact that parents are leaders in faith for their children, guiding them on their spiritual journey.

July saw a magnificent celebration of St Isabel, patroness known as an “angel of goodness and peace”. MSCs Fr José Eduardo Paixão and Fr Roney Lima were joined by Fr Armindo Baltazar for the occasion, who led the community in prayer, reflection, and thanksgiving on this great day.

In August, Fr Roney Lima MSC was joined by Fr Edigar, Missionary of the Congregation of the Missionaries of Our Lady of Salette, to celebrate the Holy Mass at the parish of Our Lady of Carmo de Mieze in the Diocese of Pemba. The Mass was followed by a truly inspiring workshop dedicated to local youths, where prayer and reflection combined with dance, music, poetry, and fun! Three local parishes took part: the parish of Our Lady of Carmo de Mieze, St Charles Lwanga Parish of Mahate, and the parish of St Antonio de Metuge. “Every young person present left with joy and full of learning,” posted the Facebook page for MSC Mozambique.

Finally, September has brought another celebration in faith as Fr José Eduardo and Fr Rony joined the community of St Augustine, in the parish of St Antonio de Metuge, to mark the day of their patron saint.

Our MSC mission in Mozambique marked its sixth anniversary in March of this year, having originally been established in 2018 in the Diocese of Pemba, a very poor part of Mozambique. The need here continues to be great, and the mission is continuously adapting to serve the many and changing needs of the vulnerable and displaced, from emergency response to natural disasters, to the brutal impact of violence and political unrest. In a volatile climate, our MSC community is always working to adapt and respond to the demands of the social climate and the prevailing needs of the local communities and parishioners.

The Irish Province of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart has an enduring relationship with our Mozambique mission, with the friendship and support of our mission friends and benefactors here at home touching the lives of thousands in the district of Pemba. Thanks to the friendship and compassion of our extended mission family here at home, we have been able to bring about positive change to disadvantaged communities made up of thousands of people across the diocese. Civil war in the region has brought about huge hardship, with hundreds of thousands of people displaced from their homes and their lives since 2017, and many others killed or reported missing. In recent years, we have been working alongside Fr José to raise funds to support those in real and urgent need, helping to provide essential aid and brighter prospects in a region where hope is in short supply.

In spite of ongoing troubles, and with the mission facing constant challenges, the inestimable spirit of hope, perseverance, and unity prevails at the heart of our Mozambique mission. The enduring power of faith and community shines through in these marvellous pictures, and we ask that you please join us in keeping our friends and brothers in Mozambique in your prayers as we continue to work together to provide hope, brighter prospects, and a better quality of life for those in real need.

Images via the Facebook page for MSC Mozambique, with credit to Abudo Manara.
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Alleluia! A global celebration of Holy Week & Easter 2024

It is with joyful hearts that we look back at a truly glorious celebration of Easter for some of
our MSC communities at home and around the world.

A message of hope from Mozambique

The Easter celebrations in Mozambique were led by Fr José Eduardo Paixão and Fr Roney Lima, where local families and communities came together throughout the district of Metuge. A beautiful Palm Sunday procession was followed by several Holy Week ceremonies celebrated by Fr Eduardo in the parish of St Anthony of Metuge, including the washing of the feet on Holy Thursday in a prayerful “moment of deep spirituality and communion”.

Good Friday saw Fr Roney mark the Passion of the Christ with the community of St James in Ngalena, before presiding over the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday in the community of São Carlos Luanga, where he was joined by the Santa Bakhita and São Tiago communities. The Facebook page for the Mozambique mission posted a selection of wonderful photographs from this Vigil Mass, saying “Father Roney Lima presided over this solemn moment when the Church, all over the world, breaks the silence and sings Hallelujah!”.

On Easter Sunday, Fr Eduardo celebrated Easter Mass in the Sede community, welcoming the parishioners of St Anthony of Metuge, and sharing a great message of hope for us all: “Celebrating the Lord’s Passover is living in the hope that we can be better, we can be Light in the midst of darkness. Sin cannot take away the brightness of the resurrection that reaches upon us.”

Easter celebrations in the Province of the Pacific Islands and the Philippines

The Facebook page for the MSC Province of the Pacific Islands shared a whole host of photographs from Easter celebrations across the Province and beyond, including:

The Stations of the Cross at the Pacific Regional Seminary in Fiji

The Easter Vigil at the Pacific Regional Seminary in Fiji

The Formation Communities at the Holy Spirit Parish in Veivatuloa, Fiji, on Easter Sunday

Easter celebrations in Indonesia

Celebrations in Caloocan, in the Philippines 

Sunrise celebrations at the Sacred Heart parish in Cork

The much-loved tradition of the annual Easter Dawn Mass took place once again this year at the Sacred Heart Church on the Western Road, Cork, where mission friends and parishioners gathered to pray together as the sun rose on Easter Sunday 2024.

Over the course of Holy Week and Easter, almost 6,000 people joined us via our website to pray with us on our live stream, including viewers from Ireland and the UK, across Europe and America, and far-flung corners of Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Tanzania – to name but a few!

Our annual Easter Garden has lit up the Sacred Heart Church once again this year, with our heartfelt gratitude to all who take such care with its construction and maintenance. As ever, the Family Tree of Life Book has enjoyed a special place in our Easter Garden, celebrating the joy of family and the importance of unity as our MSCs pray for all those enrolled throughout the Easter season.

Strengthened by the Easter hope that radiates its redeeming light over us all, from the Western Road in Cork to Mozambique, Fiji, Indonesia, the Philippines, and everywhere in between, we welcome and embrace the brighter days ahead, with every grace and blessing of the Sacred Heart to our mission friends everywhere, this Easter season and throughout the year ahead.

Photos from Mozambique via the Facebook page for MSC Mozambique 
Photos from the Province of the Pacific Islands and the Philippines via the Facebook page for the MSC Province of the Pacific Islands

 

 

 

Praying through Lent in Mozambique

As we journey together towards Holy Week and Easter, we are united in prayer with our MSC communities all over the world – though separated by miles, we remain connected in prayer on our Lenten progress. The images below, shared by our MSC mission in Mozambique, show the beautiful ceremony led by Fr José Eduardo Paixão MSC to celebrate the first Sunday of Lent in the community of St Antonio de Metuge.

Our MSC mission in Mozambique marks its sixth anniversary this month, having originally been established in 2018 in what is a very poor part of Mozambique. Serving the Diocese of Pemba, the mission is continuously adapting to serve the many and changing needs of the vulnerable and displaced, from emergency response to natural disasters, to the brutal impact of violence and political unrest. In a volatile climate, our MSC community is working to adapt and act responsively in accordance with current needs.

       

The Irish Province of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart have a well-established relationship with our Mozambique mission, as we work to support them in their ongoing ministry. Thanks to the friendship and compassion of our mission friends and benefactors here at home, we have been able to bring about positive change to disadvantaged communities made up of thousands of people across the Diocese of Pemba. Civil war in the region has brought about huge hardship, with hundreds of thousands of people displaced from their homes and their lives since 2017, and many others killed or reported missing. In recent years, we have been working alongside Fr José to raise funds to support those in real and urgent need, helping to provide essential aid and brighter prospects in a region where hope is in short supply.

       

Though local issues persist, the people of Pemba are not alone, and throughout it all, the inestimable spirit of faith, hope, and perseverance prevails at the heart of our Mozambique mission. The enduring power of unity and community shines through in these wonderful pictures of their Lenten celebrations, and we ask that you please join us in keeping our friends and brothers in Mozambique in your prayers this Lenten season as they continue to share the message of God’s love in the most challenging circumstances.

Images via the Facebook page for MSC Mozambique, with credit to Abudo Manara.
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MSC Summer Message 2023

 

Welcome to the Summer 2023 edition of the MSC Message!

 

• Read an update from Fr John Fitzgerald MSC, Director of the MSC Missions Office.
• MSCs supporting Cancer Connect.
• Caring for our world at the School of Love, Philippines
• Bishop Fintan Gavin ordains Fr Giacomo Gelardi MSC

 

 

 

Read the Summer 2023 edition of the MSC Message
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Beginning the 2023 Lenten journey in Mozambique

As our Lenten journey gets underway here at home, our prayers are with our MSC brothers all over the world, united in this special season of prayer and reflection. These wonderful images were shared by our MSC mission in Metuge, Mozambique, where Fr José Eduardo Paixao MSC celebrated the first Sunday of Lent in a moving ceremony at the community of St Antonio de Metuge.

Originally established in 2018, our MSC mission in Mozambique marks its fifth anniversary in March, as it continues in its ministry to the vulnerable and displaced across the Diocese of Pemba. The need here is great; from the damage caused by natural disasters, to the terrible effects of the constant threats of war, violence, and political unrest, this is a mission that must continuously adapt and respond to the demands of the social climate and the prevailing needs of the local communities and parishioners.

The MSC community in the Irish Province has an enduring relationship with our Mozambique mission, with the friendship and support of our mission friends and benefactors here at home touching the lives of thousands in the district of Pemba. Since 2017, more than 850,000 people have been displaced by war in the region. Many have lost their lives to violence, while many more have gone missing. Together with Fr José, we have been raising funds to support those who have been displaced by war, along with other disadvantaged communities in the community of Metuge, as we work together to provide hope, brighter prospects, and a better quality of life for those in real need.

       

While local troubles are not at an end, the spirit of hope, perseverance, and unity remains at the heart of our Mozambique mission, and here we see the power of faith and community in these beautiful images of their Lenten celebrations. Please keep our MSC Mozambique mission in your prayers as we journey together towards Holy Week and Easter, with compassionate and open hearts.

Images via the Facebook page for MSC Mozambique, with credit to Abudo Manara.
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Christmas celebrations in Mozambique

As hearts all over the world rejoiced in unity at the celebration of the birth of Jesus, we were delighted to see these wonderful photographs of this year’s Christmas celebrations from our MSC mission in Mozambique.

On December 23^rd, Fr Jose Eduardo Paixao MSC celebrated a moving Christmas service with the nurses of the Metuge District Hospital, before joining the community of St Antonio de Metuge for a beautiful Nativity Mass on Christmas Day itself.

       

Established in March 2018, our Mozambique mission is now coming into its sixth year of ministry in the Diocese of Pemba. In a region that is besieged by war, violence, and political unrest, along with the threat posed by natural disasters such as cyclones, the mission is constantly adapting to meet the needs of local communities and parishioners as they arise.

The Irish Province of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart has a long-standing friendship with our Mozambique mission, most recently joining forces with the community of Metuge to raise funds for war refugees who have settled there. Since 2017, war in the region has left over 850,000 displaced, with many having lost their lives or gone missing from their homes. Along with Fr Jose, we have been raising funds to establish two new projects, a chicken farming programme and a community radio project, to encourage self-sufficiency, dignity, and an improved quality of life for the local community, including those who have been displaced by war, in the district of Metuge.

With local struggles ongoing, and the mission facing constant challenges, it is a joy to see the spirit of Christmas, of unity, and of compassion, in these very special images. As we begin a new year, we ask you to keep out MSC Mozambique mission in your prayers, as we send every grace and blessing of the Sacred Heart to our MSCs and the communities they serve in Metuge.

Images via the Facebook page for MSC Mozambique, with credit to Abudo Manara.
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Sharing the sacraments in the Holy Baquita community on our Mozambique mission

On August 21^st, Fr José Eduardo Paixão celebrated with the Holy Baquita community in the district of Metuge, posting pictures on the MSC Mozambique Facebook page to mark this wonderful occasion.

A very special day for the community, Fr Eduardo presided over the sacraments of baptism and First Holy Communion, in “a moment of great faith and participation”.

Our mission in Mozambique is in its fourth year, ministering to families in need in what is one of the ten poorest countries in the world. The mission is based in the Diocese of Pemba, in the province of Cabo Delgado, a region that has been subject to the terrors of war since 2017. To date, over 850,000 people have been displaced from their homes by war, with many seeking a place of safety in refugee camps in Pemba.

Fr Eduardo and the Mozambique mission are tireless in their ministry, welcoming those who have nowhere else to go, while also helping local families who are struggling with extreme poverty and hardship. This summer, the Irish Province of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are supporting our Mozambique mission by raising funds for two projects that will help the people of Pemba to regain a sense of self-sufficiency, dignity, and hope.

A day of celebration such as this one in the Holy Baquita community is a great and worthy reminder of the inestimable power of faith, unity, and love. Please keep Fr Eduardo and our Mozambique mission in your prayers as they continue to share the message of God’s love in the most challenging circumstances.

Images via the MSC Mozambique Facebook page, with credit to Manara Abudo.

PLEASE HELP OUR SACRED HEART FAMILY IN MOZAMBIQUE

MSC Mozambique mission visits Ibo Island

At the end of July, our MSC Mozambique mission visited Ibo Island, an island situated just off northern Mozambique in the Indian Ocean. Situated over 70km from Pemba, where our mission is based, Ibo Island is also in the province of Cabo Delgado.

Fr Eduardo visited Ibo Island with Fr Girley, who travelled from Brazil to visit the mission, and spent three days on the island from July 29^th to 31^st.

“We were greeted with great joy and affection,” posted Fr Eduardo on the MSC Mozambique Facebook page.

“After almost two years I can say that it was a great joy for us, for Father Girley who came from Brazil to visit us, as well as for the Christians living on the island.”

Upon their arrival, our MSC group met with the local community and celebrated Mass together. The second day of their visit incorporated a Confession service and a Sunday school programme, along with a celebration of the Liturgy of the Nativity of St John the Baptist, who is the patron saint of the Ibo Parish. The final day of their visit saw further celebrations, with a total of 18 baptisms and seven young people marking the First Holy Communion.

       

“It was indeed a weekend of great joy for us and the entire Catholic community of Ibo Island,” concluded Fr Eduardo.

As our Mozambique mission continues in its ongoing work to minister to local families, alongside those who have been displaced by war, we ask you to please join us in keeping our brothers in the Sacred Heart, and the communities they serve, in your prayers.

Images via the MSC Mozambique Facebook page.
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MSC Summer Appeal 2022: Ministry for war refugees in Mozambique

MINISTRY FOR WAR REFUGEES IN MOZAMBIQUE

In March 2018, our MSC mission was established in the diocese of Pemba, Mozambique – a very poor part of the country, with little to no church infrastructure or active pastoral ministry. Since then, the nature of the mission has had to be open to change in the face of war, violence, political unrest, and natural disasters, while in the midst of it all, local communities continue to grow together in faith and prayer.

Since the beginning of the war, the district of Metuge has been an area where those who have been displaced, or forced to flee from their homes, have taken refuge in camps. Here, they have been welcomed with an open heart, despite the region’s serious struggles with severe poverty.

When refugees arrive initially, having had no choice but to flee, the first actions taken are practical ones, incorporating the distribution of food, clothing, hygiene products, and any necessary medication. From there, every effort is made to enable displaced members of the community to become more self-sufficient, generating their own income in order to be able to support their families with a sense of dignity and self-esteem.

DIGNITY & UNITY IN METUGE

CHICKEN FARMING PROGRAMME

A chicken farming programme aims to involve 50 young people living in the Metuge region. Chickens will be reared in order to generate income, while encouraging the development of practical skills. In addition to being part of a community project, the young people involved will be able to take the skills they learn and put them into practice in future roles, promoting a sense of personal independence and self-sufficiency as part of their family unit.

RADIO WITHOUT BORDERS

Diocesan radio station Radio Without Borders is the main means of communication for the faithful within the region. The purchase of a new van aims to provide easier access to the radio station for many who may not have the facilities in place to be able to listen easily. The van will travel around the diocese, visiting refugee camps to ensure that everyone can be included in church activities and avail of helpful productions in local languages, supporting people who are surviving from day to day, having been torn from their homes and all they know.

IF YOU CAN, PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MOZAMBIQUE MISSION

The Bishop of Pemba visits our MSC mission in Mozambique

In mid-July, our MSC mission in Mozambique welcomed the Bishop of the Diocese of Pemba, Dom Juliasse, to the district of Metuge, where he celebrated Mass and spent a very special day with the community of St Antônio de Metuge.

Appointed Bishop of Pemba earlier this year, Bishop António Juliasse Ferreira Sandramo is an active voice in the ongoing ministry in the face of fear and corruption in the region. His day spent with the Fr Eduardo and the community of St Antônio de Metuge was an uplifting one for everyone involved, beginning with a beautiful Mass and concluding with a special lunch, including a cake fit for the occasion!

       

The Bishop also met with representatives from the community and government administrators from the district, in order to discuss the challenges and issues faced by local people every day. “It was a very positive meeting,” reports the MSC Mozambique Facebook page.

Our MSC mission in Metuge continues in its ministry for all those in need, caring for local families and communities struggling with extreme poverty and hardship, alongside war refugees who have been forced to flee from their homes in indescribable fear and uncertainty. Together, we pray that they be blessed with continued strength to face the challenges that are currently part of daily life in Pemba.

       

Images via the MSC Mozambique Facebook page.
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