Opening of Presbytery and Study Center

GENGAPURAM, India – Gengapuram is one of the rural parishes in the diocese of Vellore. It was first raised to a parish in 2004 and given to the MSCs.  Ever since its erection, the MSCs have been constantly working for its growth. The two of the immediate needs of the parish were the constructions of a presbytery and a study center for children. The parish priest, P. Rafael Sebastian, MSC, has contributed his time and energy for the realization of these two buildings. The mission office director, Fr. Adrian Meaney, MSC, from Australia has financially supported this mission parish. On December 21, 2011, at 6 pm, the bishop of Vellore, Msgr. Soundaraj, D.D., blessed the buildings and Fr. Meaney opened them. They are decent buildings, good for the parishioners. Fr. Joseph Christy, Fr. Charles, Fr. Dennis Murphy, Fr. John and the other MSCs gratefully participated in this event. Though rain had held the constructions up for sometimes, the weather was favourable this day.

P. Dennis J. Murphy Celebrates 60th Anniversary of His Priestly Ordination

BANGALORE, India – On December 17, 2011 P. Dennis J. Murphy celebrated 60th anniversary of his priestly ordination. At 11 am, he presided over the Eucharistic celebration, in which many MSC priests and a couple of guest priests were concelebrants. His homily was consisted of philosophical, theological and spiritual experiences – all peoples have their existence in God and no one is excluded. He emphasized on his faithfulness to his congregation – the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, his priesthood and the Catholic Church.  As he was a student for 7 years and Assistant General for two terms from 1981 to 1993 in Rome and in India for 17 years since 1994, he felt being part of these countries. He added that one has to be born into that culture so as to belong to that culture and he also admitted the fact that pain is always a part of being a missionary. He thanked God for the gift of his priesthood, quoting Psalm 107.

Three Indian MSCs Ordained deacons

BANGALORE, India – On December 8, three Indian MSCs, Alexander Kulandai Samy, Jaya Kumar Raju Pasala and Charly Mitta were ordained deacons at the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church by Msgr. Ignatius Pinto, the Archbishop Emiritus of Bangalore. During the Eucharistic celebration concelebrated by many MSC priests and guest priests from a couple of dioceses, the chief celebrant , Msgr. Pinto stressed on the importance of the role of deacons in the Church, their vow of obedience to their superiors and to the local authority, and the vow of chastity. The parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends of the ordained deacons, and the members of the Chevalier Family: the MSC sisters witnessed this special occasion. At the end of the Eucharist, on behalf of the deacons, Charly Mitta expressed their gratitude for the guidance and support that they have received all through these many years from their parents, relatives and the MSCs. And everybody shared their joy through a festive meal. 

Message of the Union Superior

“God so loved the world that he gave us his only son” (Jn.3.16) “Today… a Savior has been born for us; he is Christ the Lord.” (Lk. 2-11)

Christmas celebrates the gift of God’s love. This love is shown most clearly in the self-giving of Jesus on the cross. But we need to hear about it first in gentle words such as we find in St. Luke’s beautiful Christmas story. This child came to die. And this birth only makes sense in terms of his death. And his death was for our sakes, so that we might live forever.

Almost everyone wishes to believe with a passion that the last words God spoke to His Son immediately before His birth were, “Be sure to give everyone down there my love.” (Unknown)

If we wish to give ourselves, here’s our gift list: the gift of listening, the gift of an embrace, the gift of laughter, the gift of forgiveness, the gift of a compliment, the gift of a kindness. To be of help to those who are in need since Christ identifies himself with those who are in need and suffering. Here we need to ask a question, who is it in our families or community or the place where we engage for ministry who need special care? What gift could I give them during Christmas?