Exploring England and Ireland: A missionary journey

Embarking on a Memorable Mission. In December 2022, Fr Carl Tranter, MSC then provincial of Irish Province, and his provincial council proposed something groundbreaking to the MSC Indian Union: establishing a mission in Ireland and England. This sparked a journey of deep reflection and unity. With unanimous support from the MSC Union Council and subsequently following the Union’s extraordinary chapter, the idea gained momentum. Discussions between leaders, including the present Provincial Fr Joe McGee MSC and Fr Carl, paved the way for detailed plans. Finally, during the 2023 General Chapter in Rome, the decision was made to embark on a pilgrimage of exploration, uniting hearts and minds from different corners of the world. It marked a significant step forward for the MSC mission.

On April 11, 2024, Joshua and I embarked on an extraordinary journey from Bangalore to England and Ireland, spanning approximately 9000 kilometres. This mission, imbued with a sense of purpose and discovery, was destined to leave an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. Our journey was more than just a physical one; it was a spiritual and cultural exploration that deepened our understanding and commitment to our missionary work.

A Warm Welcome to England. Arriving at Heathrow Airport around 7:30 p.m., we were greeted with warmth and familiarity by Fr Dave Nixon MSC, whose friendly demeanour made us feel instantly at home. The transition from Bangalore’s 35-degree heat to London’s cool 10-degree spring air was refreshing and revitalising. Following dinner, Fr Nixon graciously escorted us to the Parish Presbytery of Chesham St. Columba in the Diocese of Northampton, setting the stage for what would be a memorable and enriching stay.

Celebrating Our Founder’s Legacy. The day after our arrival, Fr Joe, the provincial, invited us to join in celebrating the 200th birth anniversary of our founder, Father Jules Chevalier. The celebration took place at the MSC college in Princethorpe, a school known for its vast campus and excellent infrastructure and academic pursuit. Fr Dave drove us to the college, where Fr Joe and Fr Alan, the former principal and current school chaplain, warmly welcomed us. The evening included a gathering with the school staff in a newly constructed block, featuring a brief talk about our founder and the purpose of the meeting, followed by a grand dinner. The sense of community and shared mission was palpable, making the event both inspiring and memorable.

Embracing London’s Rich Heritage. During our four-day stay in London, we had the opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant culture and rich history. Our sightseeing included visits to iconic landmarks such as London Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament. The bustling city, with its diverse ethnic groups and smiling, active people capturing memories through photographs, was a delight to experience.

On Sunday, we attended Mass at two churches, where parishioners, including those of Indian descent, extended their warm hospitality. That evening, Fr Giacomo MSC, who had just returned from an Ignatian pilgrimage in Spain, joined us for a delicious dinner prepared by Fr Dave, adding another layer of warmth and friendship to our visit.

A Journey to Ireland. Our journey from Chesham to Liverpool and then to Holyhead, where we boarded a ferry to Dublin, was enchanting. The twilight ferry ride set a magical tone for the adventures that awaited us in Ireland. Upon our late-night arrival in Dublin, Fr Joe welcomed us warmly and escorted us to our rooms for the night. The next morning, we were introduced to many MSC priests during breakfast and given a tour of the community house by Fr Joe and Alan. Later, a taxi took us to Killinarden parish in Tallaght, a suburb of Dublin, facing significant social and economic challenges. The parish priest warmly welcomed us, Fr Fintan O’Driscoll MSC, and pastoral key worker Ms Patricia, who drove us through the streets of Killinarden and the surrounding areas. They introduced us to the life of the local people. The MSC’s mission in Killinarden focuses on providing support and hope through various outreach programs, including youth activities, education, and social services.

Connecting with the Provincial Leadership Team. In the Provincial community, we immersed ourselves in the local lifestyle and shared an Indian meal with the Provincial leadership team, amused by their enjoyment of the spicy food. The following day, we were invited to address the provincial council, where we shared our thoughts, experiences, and the purpose of our visit. We extended an invitation for some of the council members to visit our communities in India, fostering future collaboration and cultural exchange.

Discovering Cork and Galway. From Dublin, Fr John Fitzgerald MSC drove us approximately 260 kilometres southwest to Cork, a city rich in MSC history. Here, we were warmly embraced by the community and visited the MSC Mission Support Centre, meeting the dedicated staff and observing the impressive work of our mission fundraising efforts. We also met with Fr John Fitzgerald and Ms Mary Morrish, the Head of Fundraising and Office Manager. Under the guidance of Fr John Finn MSC, the community superior, we journeyed to Cobh, standing before its majestic Cathedral and reflecting on its significance as the Titanic’s final port of call.

On Sunday, we attended mass at the Sacred Heart Parish, where we met many people, encountering the genuine warmth of the Irish people, whose hospitality knows no bounds. In the afternoon, Fr Hugh Hanlon, MSC drove us approximately 200 kilometres north from Cork to Galway, another historic city where several MSC priests warmly welcomed us. We visited the vibrant Galway beach and passed by the impressive National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI Galway).

The next day, Fr Hugh drove us to the Ballinfoyle parish, where we concelebrated the parish mass with Fr Kevin MSC. In the evening, Fr Patsy MSC, took us for a drive to Clifden, which is so beautiful with its sea beaches. Patsy took us to some very secluded places, adding to the beauty and tranquillity of our journey.

A Deeply Inspiring Pilgrimage to Knock. Our visit to Our Lady of Knock, the site of a miraculous apparition in 1879, was deeply inspiring. Known for its spiritual significance, Knock holds a special place in the hearts of many. We spent time in prayer and reflection, seeking the intercession of Our Lady for the success of the mission collaboration between the two MSC provinces. The serene and sacred atmosphere of Knock offered us a profound sense of peace and spiritual renewal. Fr Joe reminded us that our founder had made a novena to Our Lady to begin the good work of our missionary congregation. Continuing this tradition reinforced our commitment to our mission and reminded us of the power of faith and prayer.

A Vision for the Future. As our journey draws to a close, we find ourselves gazing toward the horizon with a sense of optimism and possibility. Inspired by the bonds we’ve forged and the lessons we’ve learned, we’re excited to chart a new course for future collaboration between the MSC provinces in India and Ireland.

Upon our return to Bangalore, we will share our experiences with the council and other members, sparking a dialogue about the possibilities for future endeavours in parish ministry, chaplaincy in hospitals or prisons, and MSC Mission Support Centre initiatives, among others. We aim to send three or four members to Ireland in October 2024. During the initial four to six months of their arrival, they will focus on immersing themselves in Irish culture and community. This acclimatisation period will deepen their understanding of Irish life and lay the groundwork for future ministries.

Subsequently, they will transition into actively participating in various ministries across different locations, whether within communities or individually. This approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of Irish life while enabling meaningful contributions to their assigned ministries.

Farewell and Reflection. As we bid farewell to our MSC Irish confreres and the beautiful country of Ireland, we reflected on the warmth and hospitality we experienced. The kindness and generosity of the Irish Province confreres, especially Fr Joe McGee MSC, the Provincial Superior, left a lasting impression on us. Our mission journey in Ireland was inspiring and deeply enriching, reinforcing our commitment to our work. We felt grateful for the unforgettable memories and the strong connections we made. Ireland will always hold a special place in our hearts.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Provincial Secretary Ms Paula Ryan-Kavanagh for meticulously arranging our itinerary and Fr Carl Tranter MSC for initiating this mission collaboration and extending the invitation. Their efforts and support made our mission journey both possible and memorable.

Looking ahead, we are filled with optimism and excitement for the possibilities that lie on the horizon. Our vision for the future encompasses not only continued collaboration in parish ministry, chaplaincy, and mission support initiatives but also a deeper integration into the fabric of Irish life and community.

This journey may have reached its conclusion, but the mission it has ignited will continue to unfold, weaving together the threads of our shared humanity and spreading the love of God on earth with the shared vision of our Founder, Father Jules Chevalier.

Darwin, MSC