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Missionaries of the Sacred Heart
Issue 4 | Summer 2021
IN THIS ISSUE
From the Provincial’s Desk
On the Occasion of the 167th Anniversary of
Foundation-Letter from Rome
New Appointments
End of MSC General Conference 2021
Synodal style for community meetings
What type of Church do we deeply desire?
Claire Shearman
Desire to be a volunteer in Covid 19
treatment hospital in Saigon City
The first General Assembly of the Plenary
Council
Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor
John Kelliher msc 50 yrs Profession
Claude Mostowik msc 50 yrs Profession
Roger Purcell msc 50 yrs Profession
Congratulations Heart of Life Graduates,
Siloam and Spiritual leaders 2021
Acknowledging Russell Andersen msc
Vocations promotion
A farewell to Paul Beirne, Heart of Life
Director (2014-2021)
Philip Malone msc farewell from YTU
Another view of Plenary Tony Corcoran sm
MSC Affirmation of the Uluru Statement from
the Heart
Book Launch Blackburn
MSC Books Coventry Press
Catholic religious– building bridges with our
LGBTQIA+ communities
Catholic religious urge pharmaceutical
companies to prioritise people over profits
Downlands celebrating 90 years
St John’s College– an Aussie Rules nursery
MSC Mission Office
MSC Jubilees
Memories of Harvey Edmiston msc
Vocation –What’s a life for?
What’s On and Recent Appointments
Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, 1A Waltham Street, Coogee NSW 2034
www.misacor.org.au | aus.msc.office@misacor.org.au | 02 9665 8999
FROM THE PROVINCIAL’S DESK
there were times that I felt rather despondent.
“So this is Christmas and what have you On a few occasions people were feeling un-
done? easy with where they felt the Church was
Another year over, a new one just begun.” heading – both left and right, conservative,
John Lennon and liberal. What kept striking me was that we
still have a very important mission in the Aus-
2020 – 2021, two years in our history that we will tralian Church.
never forget. And the verse “…and what have
you done” even leaves us with a tinge of guilt, For some it was as though this Pope was be-
a sense of achievement – what have we traying the whole Catholic Church. “Like, what
done? was he up to?” “You know he’s promoting ac-
ceptance of gays.” ‘He wants priests to ac-
Christmas is a time to remember, and it is also company people who are divorced and re-
a time to let go and to trust the Christian story married.” As one person put it, “Pope Francis
again. is putting too much emphasis on love, mercy,
compassion, that he is watering down our be-
I was really touched by this statement by Ein- liefs.” Or as a bishop said to me in a response
stein in an interview back in 1929 when asked: to one of my responses, “Jesus also chal-
“You accept the historical existence of Jesus?” lenged people and so should we!”
Einstein replies: “Unquestionably! No one can
read the Gospels without feeling the actual At the end of the Plenary, I couldn’t help but
presence of Jesus. His keep thinking we have
personality pulsates in a long way to go with
every word. No myth is the mission God has
filled with such life. given us. Like the
How different, for in- Pope, we have to
stance, is the impres- continue with helping
sion which we receive people, and ourselves,
from an account of to discover Jesus who
legendary heroes of came and revealed
antiquity like Theseus. to us a compassion-
Theseus and other he- ate, forgiving, loving,
roes of his type lack God.
the vitality of Jesus.”
As I heard once; Jesus
During this time of came not to change
Covid19 I have often the mind of God
had many questions about humanity, but
concerning my own to change the mind of
beliefs. But I keep humanity about God.
coming back to the
fact that the questions This begins then with
of our age are far be- our Christian story
yond beliefs. You see about how it all came
belief is more than to be.
knowing, more than truth and more than facts
– it’s a relationship. I remember my introduction to New Testament
studies at St Paul’s National Seminary where all
In the first week of October 2021, we began my understandings were put to the test. One
the historical Plenary Council. This was a great of the biggest shock’s I got; was the story of
opportunity to hear and to listen, in part, to the the birth of Jesus real or not? The only Gospels
voices of our church communities. However,
Page 2| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart
that mention the birth are Luke and Matthew, To see this another way, I would like to share a
both are completely different and the other story taken from Richard Deats, editor of Fel-
two, Mark and John, have no mention of it. So, lowship, the magazine of the peace organiza-
was it true? Again belief! tion Fellowship of Reconciliation.
To cut a long story short, after all the study, I still In 1994, two Westerners answered an invitation
love coming around the Christmas Crib, and to from the Russian Department of Education to
continue to rediscover that our God became teach morals and ethics in the public schools.
a vulnerable, helpless, baby. Wow! Who would They were invited to teach at a large orphan-
have ever thought of this about God! age.
We often hear people quoting Scripture, and I This orphanage consisted of about 100 boys
sense a lot of people live out of this, “The fear and girls who had been abandoned, abused,
of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.” I think and left in the care of a government-run pro-
a number of my Plenary Council friends above gram. Here is their story:
were living out of this image of God. Yet, when
Jesus greets his disciples when walking on wa- It was nearing the holiday season, time for the
ter he says; “Courage, it is I, be not afraid.” orphans to hear, for the first time, the tradition-
Every theophany in Scripture, whether it be an al story of Christmas. We told them about Mary
angel, Spirit, or the post Easter Jesus, the first and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem. Finding no
words are always fear not, or be not afraid. In room in the inn, the couple went to a stable,
fact, from where I stand today, if something where the boy Jesus was born and placed in a
frightens us in the spiritual life then we can be manger.
pretty certain its not from God.
Throughout the story, the children and staff sat
So, this is Christmas… how can a little baby in amazement as they listened. Some sat on
frighten us? Our God meets us as a vulnerable the edges of their stools, trying to grasp every
God – open, helpless, available, loving – giving word. Completing the story, we gave the chil-
power over. dren three small pieces of cardboard to make
a crude manger. Each child was given a small
Page 3| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart
paper square, cut from yellow napkins I had "So, I got into the manger, and then Jesus
brought with me. No coloured paper was looked at me and he told me I could stay with
available in the city. him – for always."
Following instructions, the children tore the pa- As Misha finished his story, his eyes brimmed
per and carefully laid strips in the manger for full of tears. Putting his hand over his face, his
straw. Small squares of flannel, cut from a head dropped to the table and his shoulders
worn-out nightgown an American lady was shook as he sobbed and sobbed. The little or-
throwing away as she left Russia, were used phan had found someone who would never
for the baby's blanket. A doll-like baby was abandon nor abuse him, someone who would
cut from tan felt we had brought from the stay with him for always.
West. The orphans were busy assembling their
mangers as I walked among them to see if How could any one fear a God like this! Over
they needed any help. Christmas, out of our busy schedules, let’s get
some time to just ponder again the child in
All went well until I got to one table where little the crib.
Misha sat. He looked to be about 6 years old
and had finished his project. As I looked at the As we enter 2022, we will begin preparing for
little boy's manger, I was startled to see not our 2023 Provincial chapter. We are in the ear-
one, but two babies in the manger. ly stages of organising a Pre-Chapter Commis-
sion. Moreover, to help with this commission,
Quickly, I called for the translator to ask why what keeps coming back to me is “Courage,
there were two babies in the manger. it is I, be not afraid.”
Crossing his arms in front of him and looking at
his completed manger scene, the little child I think for all of us, as we enter the unknown of
began to repeat the story very seriously. 2022, we all need courage; to fear not the fu-
ture, to fear not what will be next, to know
For such a young boy, who had only heard deeply, like the little boy in our story, we have
the Christmas story once, he related the hap- found someone who will stay with us always –
penings accurately -- until he came to the Jesus – it is I, be not afraid; as I said above, its
part where Mary put the baby Jesus in the always about a relationship.
manger.
Enjoy this summer Christmas edition, have a
Then Misha started to ad-lib. He made up his joy-filled Christmas and we look forward to the
own ending to the story as he said, "And when future – together.
Mary laid the baby in the manger, Jesus
looked at me and asked me if I had a place Your brother MSC
to stay.
Chris.
I told him I have no mum and I have no dad,
so I don't have any place to stay. Then Jesus
told me I could stay with him.
"But I told him I couldn't, because I didn't have
a gift to give him like everybody else did. But I
wanted to stay with Jesus so much, so I
thought about what I had that maybe I could
use for a gift.
"I thought maybe if I kept him warm, that
would be a good gift. So, I asked Jesus, 'If I
keep you warm, will that be a good enough
gift?'
"And Jesus told me, 'If you keep me warm,
that will be the best gift anybody ever gave
me.'
Page 4| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart
MISSIONARI
DEL Rome, December 8 th, 2021
SACRO CUORE
Via Asmara, 11 – 00199 ROMA Tel.: 06.862.20.61 Fax: 06.862.15.627
To: Missionaries of the Sacred Heart
On the Occasion of the 167th Anniversary of the Foundation
Dear Confrères,
On this special occasion of the 167th anniversary of the Foundation of our Congregation, with
love, joy, and gratitude we would like to express our closeness, and heartfelt unity with you in
whatever you are experiencing. We reach out to those especially who are suffering due to civil war,
natural disasters, violence, or pandemics, etc. Through this letter, we would like to invite all to re-
flect upon that wherever we are sent, in whatever situation we are, happiness or sadness, success or
failure, newly born or aging entity, having many or no more vocations, we are all together in the
same boat sailing together as ONE congregation. My or your successes, joys, failures, sufferings,
are ours. Therefore, this greeting letter is about SYNODALITY in MISSION. Synodality, not pri-
marily as theory or concept, but rather as a dynamic experience of our being and working together.
Synodality as our life pathway.
In the same spirit with the pilgrim Church, since the time of our Foundation as a missionary
congregation, Jules Chevalier, wanted synodality to be our way of being, our way of acting for our
mission. Our Constitutions say, “We are all brothers, given one to another to live and work together
for the kingdom of God” (CS.31). This is true, not only within our own congregation, but also in
other congregations founded by him, even in confraternities of diocesan priests and laity. “Our
Founder wanted the fullness of mission to be realized in a global project with religious men and
women, diocesan priests and lay people” (CS.61) So, synodality is not something new as a concept
and practice of life and work. Rather, it is in line with the life history of the Church, the World, and
the Congregation. It needs to be continuously reviewed and renewed. Synodality reminds us to keep
dynamically moving forward and transforming towards the future that is emerging from the con-
crete realities of the Church, the world, and the Congregation of today.
We live in a time where we urgently need to walk together and co-create together new possi-
bilities in mission. The process of walking together in carrying out the mission requires a paradigm
shift from the way of life that starts or centres in the “I”, which may create separation, isolation,
distance, lack of openness, or walking alone, to the “WE”, which may create friendship, closeness,
intimacy, openness, collaboration. And the main key of this continuing transformation process is
dialogue and listening with an open eye, ear, mind, and heart. These two keys create a culture of
encounter and friendship that leads to openness and willingness to participate in the common mis-
sion. In the paradigm of thinking synodally, the Congregation is seen as an eco-system that allows
us to be open to new ideas or new ways of doing things. This time of globalization and intercon-
nectedness, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, with their positive and negative impacts,
teaches us that it is impossible to be in isolation with others. We live and act in the spirit of open-
ness, friendship, closeness, communion, participation, accompaniment, and collaboration.
According to the last statistics (2020), we have 1558 members present and serving in 50
countries, 22 Provinces, 2 Unions, and 2 Regions. With its many riches, this considerable number is
a significant source of energy for the mission when lived from a space of oneness. The 2019 Gen-
eral Conference in South Korea explicitly reaffirmed that we are ONE MSC Congregation, alt-
hough we belong to our respective entities. Within the paradigm of synodal thinking, we, as an eco-
system, are invited to co-create our charism, spirituality, and mission creatively and prophetically.
The point is to think and to act congregationally in revitalizing or reenergizing the life and the mis-
sion from the personal level to the local, national, and international level. In the international level,
this is concretized by cooperative collaborations, for example, establishing a Foundation, a Mis-
sions Office, and commissions for various aspects of the Congregation's life and mission. The need
to be, to think, to act, and to walk congregationally was reconfirmed in the 2021 General Confer-
ence. It appeared not only in
Page 5| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart
the content and the results of the sharing and discussion, but also in the whole synodal process of the
conference where the points of discussion and their results emerged from being deeply united
(communion) and listening and discerning deeply together. That is also what the 2017 General Chap-
ter has recommended, namely Communal Wisdom, as our way to strengthen or energize our journey-
ing to follow Jesus. Synodality builds relationship, communion, and interconnectedness and so gives
space or opportunity to everyone to offer his collaboration or contribution based on his freedom, born
from the process of encountering and listening.
In this moment of celebrating our foundation day, we also remember our journey with our
friends united as one family, the Chevalier Family, especially the laity. Pope Francis’ message to all of
us through the participants of the 2017 Chapter is still very relevant up to now, especially in this mo-
ment of reflecting the synodality. Pope Francis said: “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 sis-
ters in 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.” It is evident
that in the light of this paradigm of synodal thinking, we are invited to stay in communion and collab-
oration with the whole Chevalier Family to co-create an even greater and stronger charismatic family.
Celebrating our Foundation Day is a moment to be grateful to each other for the great things we
have been practicing and experiencing internally in our congregation and externally in the whole
Chevalier Family. However, there are always challenges and difficulties to face, especially our own
personal and communal vulnerabilities. Like people on a journey, we could meet encouraging things
and things that tempt us not to go forward or not to change. In the paradigm of thinking synodally, dif-
ficulties and challenges could become important opportunities to go forward, to transform the crisis
and difficulties as means to change life for the better future, because we are not alone, and we walk
together guided by the Holy Spirit. Father Jules Chevalier said: “When God wants something done,
obstacles for him are means. He makes sport of human wisdom, upsets its expectation, calls to life
what, in its view, should never see the light of day. He gives growth, strength, and fruitfulness to what
human wisdom had condemned to death. The foundation and growth of the Little Society of the Mis-
sionaries of the Sacred Heart is proof of this truth”. (J. Chevalier, c.1870)
Our journeying together as missionaries has been initiated in profound and close relation with
Mother Mary, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. We believe that she is continuously accompanying us.
Mary is our example and model. Together with and through her, in facing the better future, let us trust
our journeying in God’s hand, saying, “Behold the servant of God, let what you have said be done to
me”. And for all the great things we have been experiencing, we sing “Magnificat anima mia,
Domine”.
AMETUR UBIQUE TERRARUM COR IESU SACRATISSIMUN
In corde Iesu
Mario Abzalón Alvarado Tovar
Paulus Pitoy (Writ)
André Claessens
Chris Chaplin
Humberto Henrique Da Silva
MSC General Leadership Team
Page 6| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart
NEW APPOINTMENTS
CATHERINE MOLIHAN:
Peter Hendriks MSC writes: I would like to intro-
duce you to our first Director, Province Care
and Assisted Living.
We are blessed that Catherine Molihan has
accepted the role as Director, Province Care
and Assisted Living for our Province. Catherine
was born in country NSW and grew up in a
large loving family. She lives in Randwick with
her husband and has two adult daughters.
She has completed her nursing training and
has since worked in a number of acute hospi-
tals in Sydney. Having completed studies in
Health Leadership and Management she
moved into an Operational Nurse role and has She is very much looking forward to working
completed projects which have resulted in im- within the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.
proving patient and aged care. Chris and I were able to meet her face to face
today (her interview was via Zoom) and she is
Catherine has a caring and kind nature, and energised and genuinely looking forward to
her main focus is to provide every person with
taking on this role.
compassionate care and the necessary sup-
ports to maintain their independence and Catherine will begin on Monday 30th August
wellbeing within the comforts of their own as she is keen to get started and her office will
home. be based at Sacred Heart Monastery, Kensing-
ton.
META JACKMAN:
We congratulate Meta who has accepted the
invitation to be on the inaugural MSC Safe-
guarding Commission of the MSC General
Council, Rome.
The other three members are Ms Christina
Campbell (Glasgow), Fr James Espuerto
MSC (Philippines Province) and Ms Mary Tal-
lon (Ireland).
Meta has done outstanding and tireless work
as Director of Professional Standards and Safe-
guarding for the Australian Province. The first
meeting will be via Zoom in early October
2021.
Page 7| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart
END OF MSC GENERAL CONFERENCE 2021
Chris McPhee in Rome?
Last night 24 September 2021, Australian time
we had the last session of the MSC General
Conference 2021 which was held on line be-
cause of the pandemic. It was to be in Brazil
this year. There were 44 participants in all
where the General Leadership Team met with
Major Superiors from all the MSC Provinces and
Unions from around the world. Other partici-
pants were from the General Administration,
including Tim Brennan from the Safeguarding
Office. The two facilitators were from the Gen-
eral Leadership Team, Chris Chaplin from Aus-
tralia and Humberto Henriques Silva from the
Sao Paulo Province in Brazil.
Preparation for this major event began back in
the early part of this year when the General,
Abzalón Alvarado Tovar, contacted six of us The business of the conference was three-
around the world to set up a Hosting Team to fold. Firstly to identify and decide on issues on
organize and facilitate the whole on-line which the Conference has the authority to
event. From Australia I was asked to be the make decisions, secondly to identify issues and
Coordinator of the Hosting Team consisting of make recommendations that the General
Brett Adamson, Kenji Koda, and Michael An- Leadership Team can decide on in the next
gelo Acera from the Philippines, Ireneo Lee two years leading up to the next General
from Korea, and Tiago Donizete from the Rio Chapter, and thirdly to determine matters that
Province in Brazil. There were also two secre- will be passed on to the next General Chapter
taries from the General House and an interest- for discussion and decisions in Rome in
ing inclusion was Richard Kim from Korea who 2023. Much of this was contained in materials
had the task of ‘visual listening’ and providing sent to all the participants and requiring a lot
a ‘sketch’ at the end of each day capturing of reading and reflection in the times between
visually the processes of the day. the sessions. The sessions themselves consisted
When all was in order we began with three of times of prayer, reflection, and discussions in
days in June, three days in August and the last Break Out Rooms based on language before
five days in September. Each day was a two coming back to a Plenary session.
hour session on Zoom beginning at 12.00 noon
Rome time, and whatever equivalent time in
I was surprised at how well this process works.
the various places where the participants
The translators did an amazing job. All that
lived. Here in Australia that was between 8.00
could be done in a face to face conference
pm and 10.00 pm fortunately for us. Others
can be done on-line, except the interpersonal
had very early morning or late night starts.
moments over meal and drink breaks that are
Page 8| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart
part of the face to face meetings and the Feedback from participants was overwhelm-
kind of informal sharing of information that ingly positive, with the exception mentioned
takes part there. Many participants, while above.
praising the process in their appraisal, com-
The journey continues as we now move to-
mented on this lack of personal interaction.
wards Provincial Chapters and the General
Even the old butcher paper technique was
Chapter in 2023.
replaced by a mentimetre – like a jigsaw puz-
Roy John O’Neill MSC
zle of words from participants provided in
Coordinator
feedback to the Plenary sessions . 2021 MSC General Conference
Page 9| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart
SYNODAL STYLE FOR COMMUNITY MEETINGS!
MELBOURNE COMMUNITY
In two years we have had very few community
meetings in Melbourne so, gathering in Black-
burn last week was a joy.
We had an agenda: safeguarding issues, aged
care questions.
We met more informally, young, middle and
old, different cultural backgrounds, variety of
ministries, students.. And Bob Irwin who has
been in Victoria, Monivae, for half the year
Easy voicing of opinions, suggestions, good lis-
tening and discerning, plans emerging. .
And, the important aspect of synodality,
shared eating and drinking.
Paul Castley msc, Danh Doan msc, Bob Irwin msc, Alo Lamere msc, Anh Nguyen msc,
Brian Gallagher msc
Above: Khoi Nguyen msc, Philip Malone msc, Michael Sims msc, Peter Curry msc
Below: Tru Nguyen msc, Daniel Magadia msc, Peter Malone msc, Khoi Nguyen msc,
Philip Malone msc, Mick Sims msc, Peter Curry msc
Bob Irwin msc, Brian Gallagher msc, Mick Sims msc, Khoi Nguyen msc
Page 10| Missionaries of the Sacred HeartAnh Nguyen msc, Khoi Nguyen msc, Philip
Malone msc, Brian Gallagher msc, Peter
Malone msc, Tru Nguyen msc, Danh Doan
msc
Bob Irwin msc, Daniel Magadia msc, Anh
Nguyen msc, Mark Hanns msc, Tru Nguyen
msc, Philip Malone msc, Peter Curry msc,
Mick Sims msc, Paul Castley msc
SYNODALITY-
EVEN A BIRTHDAY
CELEBRATION-
CONGRATULATIONS
DANIEL!
Brian Gallagher msc,
Philip Malone msc
Page 11| Missionaries of the Sacred HeartWHAT TYPE OF CHURCH DO WE DEEPLY DESIRE?
Dear Friends expansive CRA President, Br Peter Carroll FMS
Church, wel-
Critiques, questions and criticisms started to coming di-
flow before the Plenary Council’s First Assem- vergent
bly was finished! They ranged from the lauda- views and
tory to the damning. Consider this comment: “I lifestyles, and
have left the First Assembly of the Plenary learning
Council optimistic that change is coming. from con-
What that looks like is unclear… But the Show is temporary
moving and the collective imagination has society and
been ignited”. And this one: “The Plenary culture? We
Council has been a masterclass in avoiding know that
the real problems in the Catholic Church…the the first Christians faced the same challenge.
Plenary Council organisers, either consciously Was the Church to be confined to Jewish
or unconsciously, used the process to side-step practice or was it open to Gentiles who didn’t
the issues they wanted excluded”. accept those traditions? The Council of Jerusa-
lem chose the latter and consequently the
Naturally, opinions differ. It was however an Church spread rapidly.
historic occasion: only the fifth Plenary Council
in Australia’s history, the first since 1938 and In the recent launching of the Synodal journey,
markedly different to the previous ones. Three Pope Francis identified three risks. The
things stood out for me. The first, people with first, formalism: the Synod could be an extraor-
different viewpoints, priorities and experiences dinary event, but only externally. He insists that
of Church met and spoke together. Pope Fran- it must achieve more than simply creating a
cis has been encouraging us to encounter, lis- good image. The second is intellectualism: it
ten and dialogue. I believe we did; were opin- could become a “kind of study group, offering
ions changed? I’m not sure, but the encounter learned but abstract approaches … far re-
was certainly respectful. The second was that moved from the reality…and concrete life of
anyone was free to speak on any issue. No- communities around the world”. The third risk is
one was restricted or closed down. Interven- complacency, the attitude that says: “’We
tions were wide-ranging: the ordination of have always done it this way’…and it is better
women, accent acquisition programmes for not to change. That expression – “We have al-
overseas born priests, regular Diocesan Synods, ways done it that way” – is poison for the life of
greater Eucharistic adoration for young peo- the Church”. These are strong warnings. Our
ple, review of the Church’s teaching on hu- Church and Plenary Council need to ensure
man sexuality, and so many more. The only re- we don’t fall into these traps. Change must
striction was the three minute time limit, which occur. Risks have to be taken. How else can
was essential. The third was that some issues we be faithful to the mission of Jesus Christ to-
emerged as critical, with a common acknowl- day in Australia and the world?
edgement that they must be addressed:
greater recognition of women in the Church, Come, Holy Spirit! You inspire new tongues
transparent Church governance, solidarity with and place words of life on our lips: keep us
First Nations Australians, the suffering of those from becoming a “museum Church”, beautiful
wounded by the Church. Admittedly, there but mute, with much past and little fu-
are huge differences in how best to address ture. Come among us, so that in this synodal
these key issues. This will be the challenge for experience we will not lose our enthusiasm, di-
the next Assembly. lute the power of prophecy, or descend into
useless and unproductive discussions. Come,
At the heart of our differences and polarities is Spirit of love, open our hearts to hear your
one fundamental question: ‘what type of voice! Come, Holy Spirit of holiness, renew the
Church do we truly and deeply desire’? Will holy and faithful People of God! Come, Crea-
we be an exclusive one, comprised of those tor Spirit, renew the face of the earth”!
who are doctrinally ‘pure’, content with the To the Pope’s prayer, we say: Amen.
traditional style of operating, or will we be an
Page 12| Missionaries of the Sacred HeartCLARE SHEARMAN:
New Director, Heart of Life, MSC Spirituality and Pastoral Formation
Dear Friends of Heart of Life,
It is with great pleasure that I announce the
appointment of Clare Shearman as Director:
Heart of Life Centre for Spiritual and Pastoral
Formation, effective 1 January 2022. The selec-
tion process took place over several days, with
a panel of five members chaired by Chris
McPhee msc, the Provincial Superior of the
Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Australian
Province.
I am very grateful to the selection panel for
their participation in the selection process, and
for their wise and considered reflections which
led to a unanimous decision to appoint Clare
to the position of Director. Clare will work close-
ly with me during November and December
and will be ready to assume full responsibility of
Heart of Life from 1 January next year. Clare
will be the fifth person to occupy this position,
following on from Brian Gallagher msc, Sue
Richardson pbvm, Cheryl Bourke pbvm and
myself.
I ask you to please join with me in congratulat- My spiritual direction journey started in 2002
ing Clare on her upcoming role as Director: when I was appointed as CEO at a large
Heart of Life Centre for Spiritual and Pastoral YMCA in London and offered spiritual accom-
Formation and we look forward to the contin- paniment to support me in the job. I emigrated
ued growth and development of Heart of Life to Australia from the UK in 2008 and struggled
under her direction. to find a spiritual home until I saw an advert for
people interested in exploring spiritual direction
Very best wishes. at The Carmelite Centre in Middle Park. This led
to a meeting with my second spiritual director,
Paul Beirne who at some point suggested to me that this
was perhaps something I would be good at.
She had trained at Heart of Life in Melbourne
and I followed in her footsteps, graduating in
2014. I now manage The Cliffs Retreat in Shore-
ham with my husband Artie. I’m in the final
year of study for a Grad Dip in Supervision and
work one day a week as the Relations Manag-
er at Heart of Life.
Favourite scripture: John 8:32 “The truth shall
set you free”
Favourite book: The Velveteen Rabbit
Favourite movie: The Sound of Music
Clare Shearman
Clare and her husband, Artie, with Brian Gallagher, Shoreham 2021
Page 13| Missionaries of the Sacred HeartDESIRE TO BE A VOLUNTEER IN COVID-19
TREATMENT HOSPITAL IN SAIGON CITY
Vietnam 4 September 2021: Fr Hoàng msc, the ters who are wise enough to give me the ad-
Superior of the MSC Community in Vietnam, vices before making decision. I also talked to
sought permission from the Provincial for my Mom and Dad to tell them about my wish
members of their community to respond to a and I was encouraged by them with promise
desperate request. to always pray for me.
The Saigon Archdiocese has called for volun- Finally, the thing makes me worries is the quar-
teers from Religious Congregations in Saigon antine after finishing the volunteer program.
to assist in the Covid-19 Treatment Hospital in God has consoled me by the public letter
Saigon City. Personnel are desperately need- from Father Hung, SDB. In his letter, he clearly
ed as the number of patients increase every stated the Archbishop's intention to organize
day. a 14-day quarantine for volunteers before re-
turning to the community. I believe that by
After prayer, discernment, discussions with God's grace, I am strong enough to over-
their superior and families the following have come all difficulties in my pastoral work. This is
asked that they be allowed to volunteer in the also an opportunity for me to open my heart
Treatment Hospital: to welcome God, and also an opportunity for
1. Tien Minh NGUYEN me to share the love of the Sacred Heart of
2. Hung Quoc LE God with I meet.
3. Thanh Vu NGUYEN Thank you for listening to my wish. I am at
4. Vu Thanh NGUYEN peace to write this letter to you and I believe
that God's plan for me is always a mystery of
All four wrote to Chris asking permission as fol- His love.
lows: I wish you good health, peace, and God bless
--------------------------------------------------------------- you always.
Dear Chris,
I am writing this letter to you to express my de-
sire to volunteer under the program of Saigon
Diocese. After discerning and praying, I real-
ized that God invited me to lead myself to
serve those who are fighting the covid-19 epi-
demic in the field hospital.
In the past time, I have asked myself the fol-
lowing questions: What is my dream when I
become an MSC? What do I do to respond
God’s love for me? What is God calling me to
do during this time or what is God's plan for
me right now? These questions in my head are
revealed by God through hours of prayer and
daily life. Through that, I am willing to make
the decision to join the Diocese's volunteer
group. I firmly believe that by God's graces, I
will overcome all difficulties I may face to
serve the patients at the field hospital. Tien Minh NGUYEN, MSC
I have also tried to contact some volunteers ---------------------------------------------------------------
who are serving at the field hospital so that I Dear Fr. Chris!
can understand the work at the field hospital I am writing this letter to ask for permission to
better. I have phoned a number of priests, sis- volunteer to help prevent the Covid-19 pan-
Page 14| Missionaries of the Sacred Heartdemic in Ho Chi Minh City. of positive cases because I am sure that I am
loved by God and I want to spread that love
In the first phase, when the Diocese offered to to those in need this time.
let religious go to serve people who got When I join this apostolate there are many
Covid-19 and needed the hospital, I wanted things I worry about like my study, my capaci-
to go, but it was not convenient at that time, ty and my family as well. So, I do believe that
now I have another opportunity, so I apply for God chose me and there is a time for me to
it (It might take up one month and a half). do something when the society needs.
Like so many people are serving victims of I thank you for allowing me to go to the treat-
Covid-19 during this pandemic, I myself feel ment centres.
that I should be involved. This is exactly what I
wanted after praying and questioning with
this intention. Personally, I am free to choose
this work and I will accept what comes with
this choice. I believe that all things happen will
be in the Heart of Christ. Of course, in the rela-
tionship, I and the brothers who go voluntarily
will definitely need the community's support
and prayers from behind. I would like to thank
you and all the MSC members beforehand.
May the Heart of Jesus protect us all!
Thanh Vu NGUYEN, MSC
---------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Father Director of the Scholasticate, and
Fr Chris,
I am Vu Thanh Nguyen, MSC. The coming 2nd
year theology student. I write this letter to ask
your permission to join the Catholic volunteers
in the Covid-19 treatment hospitals.
The pandemic situation is getting more and
more stressful. It is impossible to count all the
painful losses and hardships caused by the
Hung Quoc LE, MSC pandemic. The pandemic is no longer a mat-
ter of one's own, but of the common people.
--------------------------------------------------------------- Everyone is invited to share and collaborate,
Dear Chris, to fight the pandemic, according to their cir-
This is the fourth time the wave of Covid-19 cumstances. Personally, I am motivated to go
goes through almost whole VietNam. Now the and serve patients in isolation wards. That mo-
hospital is over loaded. They need more and tivation is not just because of the call of the
more volunteer for helping the positive cases. Sai Gon Archbishop or the religious committee
Responding to the letter of the Arch Bishop in of Saigon Diocese, but rather it is due to the
Saigon and the inter-congregation in Saigon. I personal experiences in my vocation journey.
would like to be a part of them for taking care In all my pastoral experiences, the experience
Page 15| Missionaries of the Sacred Heartof serving the patients with leprosy, HIV, and with the study schedules, after the program I
cancer were the beginnings of my vocation will go back to studying. If it is not, I will ask for
and also the place where I felt my vocation saving my studies this year.
was most nourished. I have also shared this with I prayed, discerned on this matter. Through the
you and the brothers in my conversations intercession of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart,
about future vision (personal pastoral). Saint Joseph our protector I offer my intention
to God. I am ready to accept and respect
I have no specialty related to medical care. your decision no matter the outcome.
At this moment I only have good physical con-
dition and heart to serve. I want to respond to
this volunteer program because I am willing to
do any nameless work just to contribute to the
patients, with almost no relatives besides the
minimal care to make them feel they are still
human... I am aware of the risks of infection
and possible danger to my life if I work there.
These things do not greatly hinder my desire. I
feel and believe that what I will do for them is
to do for the little ones that God wants me to
do when I follow Him. I am also aware of
where I am in the formation program, what my
main tasks are at this period. Those are im-
portant things, but in the sign of the current
times that I feel, I see that it may not be neces-
sary to wait until finishing initial study in order to
serve. The religious life for me is not only just a
readiness to be fixed, but also the capacity to
live out what Jesus wants us to do. Of course,
there are many ways to serve. Fulfilling the cur-
rent responsibilities is one way. Seeking God's
will in all things is the general way St. Ignatius
advises us. However, in the current situation, Vu
there may be differences, perhaps there are
others that take the priority. In the history of our Thanh NGUYEN, MSC
MSC Congregation, there have been many ——————————————————————-
such events show that spirit (1881).
Moreover, I am also aware that I need to listen
to discern God's will through the superiors, the Chris replied to Fr Hoang with the following:
communities, and the congregation. I also try
to understand and empathize with the superi- You know, I am really concerned for the well-
ors when he is deciding anything in his role as a being of our men, and the risk that this could
companion to the brothers and as a superior. lead them into catching Covid19. However, I
So even though I speak out my thoughts, I am am very impressed by their eagerness and
ready to listen and respect the decisions of the their openness to help, to be MSC men who
superiors, the community, and the congrega- are willing to volunteer, to be on the frontline
tion. But I also honestly say that I will keep my and to be of service. This makes me very, very
desires to pray, discern, and wait for its time to proud. Truly men of heart.
come.
Please, Hoang, please let Tien Minh NGUYEN,
This morning, when listening to Father Director Hung Quoc LE, Thanh Vu NGUYEN, and Vu
and the community officially discuss and open Thanh NGUYEN, know how proud I am, please
up opportunities for those who wish to volun- let them know that they can go with my bless-
teer to serve at the Covid treatment hospital, I ing, love, and support, and please let them
was very happy and applied to volunteer this know that they will be very much in our prayer.
time. If the volunteer program will not conflict
Page 16| Missionaries of the Sacred HeartAlso, let them know that they need to keep With much loving support and encourage-
safe, to wear all the protective gear that will ment,
and should be given to them, to wash Your brother MSC,
hands, and not to cut corners with safety and Chris
protection.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere
loved!
"HÃY LUÔN HY VỌNG" -"HOPE ALWAYS!"
Hung Quoc LE MSC and Vu Thanh NGUYEN MSC have sent photos from the Covid-19
hospital in Saigon where they are volunteering for the month. The wording under the
MSC Symbol is "Hãy luôn hy vọng" which means "Hope always!". Good luck at guessing
who is who in the photos.
Page 17| Missionaries of the Sacred HeartTHE FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PLENARY COUNCIL
The Journey so Far
time zones, with many more people following
As we conclude the First General Assembly of the opening session of each day online. The
gift of listening to one another has planted
the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia, the pro-
promising seeds and raised important ques-
cess of discernment continues. From the open-
tions for us. Many described the small group
ing Mass to the closing of the Assembly, our
conversations and reports as the heartbeat of
prayer has been ‘Come, Holy Spirit.’ The call to
this First Assembly. Our process of discernment
hear afresh the Good News of Jesus Christ
requires time and space for mature reflections
through a spiritual posture of ‘deep listening’
to emerge, and further spiritual conversations
has been a central element of the prepara-
will be necessary in our considerations of what
tion of the Plenary process and a distinctive
God is asking of us in Australia at this time.
feature of this week. We adopted a regular
pattern of prayer and spiritual conversation As the many personal interventions demon-
throughout each day. This slow process of strated, there is no shortage of passion and
deep listening allowed space for still nascent charisms among the community of believers.
dreams and visions to come to greater maturi- These interventions covered a wide range of
ty. the complex realities of the Church and Aus-
tralian society in this particular moment of our
The opening session each day began with a
history. They expressed personal wisdom and
Welcome to Country, spoken from various re-
aspirations that have been a gift to this Assem-
gions of Australia. Indigenous voices, both
bly’s deliberations. Many elements of the
young and old, paid respects to Elders past,
Council’s Agenda were carefully considered.
present and emerging, welcomed the Mem-
Discussion of other issues, including some not
bers of the Plenary Council to the day’s gath-
formally on the Agenda, was initiated, and will
ering, and invited all of us to a time of quiet
require more time.
and prayer. As Members offered their reflec-
tions day by day, they regularly acknowl- As participants in this Assembly, we have ex-
edged the Indigenous peoples of the land perienced and expressed the range of emo-
from which they were speaking. tions that come with facing profound issues
together, holding in tension diverse interpreta-
Over three hundred participants gathered for
tions and expectations. Through prayer and
six days, meeting virtually across five different
Page 18| Missionaries of the Sacred Heartreflection, we have been called to be patient and governance in light of Pope Francis’ call
with the process, with each other, with the for us to be more synodal.
Church and, most importantly, with the Holy
The missionary vision of Pope Francis has both
Spirit.
inspired and infused all the deliberations of this
We listened to the confronting and important First Assembly. Missionary discipleship has
voices of victims and survivors of abuse in the been a key theme, as has the call to go out to
Church. They reminded us of the great the margins. Another recurring theme, ex-
wounds and failures of the Church and the pressed in different ways, is the need for ongo-
continuing need to discern pathways of true ing processes of ecclesial listening which can
healing and renewal. The plain speaking of form and inform how the Church lives its mis-
First Nations people has brought into even sion today.
sharper focus the need for reconciliation with
The Assembly also considered how all people
Indigenous communities, as well as the need
might feel at home in our communities, re-
for justice and for the healing of this land itself
gardless of their particular circumstances. Var-
through an ‘integral ecology’.
ious voices drew our attention to young peo-
In responding to the Agenda questions, we ple, women, single people, parents and fami-
considered ways of living as Church today. lies, people with disabilities, people with di-
Many affirmed what they value about their verse experience of sexuality and gender,
Catholic faith: spirituality, community, prayer, and others who feel, for a variety of reasons,
liturgy and sacramental life, and service that there is no place for them. We asked how
through the vocation of all the baptised. a missionary Church might connect with those
Members spoke of the ministries of pastoral who feel distant from the community of faith.
care and education, health and aged care,
Each of these voices has been a powerful re-
and the many social services and advocacy
minder that the Church, as a sign of the king-
the Church provides in the Australian commu-
dom of God, has the vocation of being an im-
nity. These are great gifts to a world that is
age of Christ and an icon of grace to the
seeking meaning and more authentic living.
whole human family.
Other interventions expressed hopes for re-
With the closing of this First Assembly, the Ple-
newal, offering perspectives on what might
nary Council process now enters a time of
be possible for a Church facing crucial ques-
prayer, reflection, maturation and develop-
tions, tensions and uncertainties. Many called
ment. This will involve continuing reflection by
our attention to the importance of enhancing
the Members of the Council, and consultation
the role of women in the Church. We heard
with the wider Church community, as we de-
the call to conversion and fidelity, as well as to
velop propositions for presentation to the Sec-
imagination and renewal. We were reminded
ond Assembly of the Council next July. This will
of the needs of rural dioceses and parishes, as
be coordinated with Australian preparations
well as those of large cities. We celebrated
for the 2023 Synod, For a Synodal Church:
the gifts that the Eastern Churches bring to the
Communion, Participation, and Mission.
Catholic community in Australia.
In faith, hope and charity, we entrust all these
Often expressed through the lens of personal
tasks to the guidance and wisdom of the Holy
experience, the discernment of this Assembly
Spirit. Our prayer remains, as always: ‘Come,
has threaded together conversations about
Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit of the great South
what the Church can offer today’s world on
Land.’
the one hand, and how the world can inform
the ways and structures of the Church on the
other. We reflected on questions of leadership plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au
Page 19| Missionaries of the Sacred HeartCRY OF THE EARTH CRY OF THE POOR
Bill Brady msc Fr Bill Brady msc
Homily Social Justice Sunday Cry of the Earth—Cry of the
Poor. And while the State-
Amid the multiplicity of is- ment doesn’t say it straight
sues that surround us at the out ,the damage done to
moment there is another that our common home is not
could be easily overlooked---- only a scientific problem it is
the harm that is being done one of faith as well. It
to our environment and in means we are paying scant
particular global warming. regard for the great gift of
The Bishops stand with the Creation God has given us.
great concern would have to
Pope in acknowledging that God’s love and care for Cre- be the Great Artisan Basin. It
‘a very solid scientific consen- ation the Statement tells us is is at risk from over extraction
sus indicates that we are “timeless ,boundless and con- of water and the potential of
presently witnessing a disturb- tinuous’ This love extends pollutants and petro carbons
ing warming of the climatic ‘from the smallest particle of from fracking. It could be de-
system’. star dust, through to the mys- stroyed forever.
In fact a devastating new re- terious laws that govern the
These are just some of the
port released only a week or universe ,to the creation of
physical effects that accom-
so ago by a UN International humans with free will.’ Jesus
pany disrespect for creation.
Panel on climate change himself refers to God’s care
Just as serious is the effect all
warns that the world is run- for the birds of the air and
this has on the human family.
ning out of time to avert a 1.5 lillies of the field, that is to say,
Imagine the effect it would
degree warming ,a rise in for even the passing things of
have on farmers in the agri-
temperature that would bring this world that ’are here to-
cultural industry and food
catastrophic changes to the day and gone tomorrow.’
production of this country if
world as we know it. The stark reality is that rever- the great Artisan Basin in un-
Just recently across Europe ence for creation is being ig- usable. Imagine the effects
and other parts of the globe nored in this country alone. on Island communities and
we have witnessed events All too often there has been their social cohesion if their
that suggest these cata- interference with natural eco- land is swamped by sea wa-
strophic changes could be systems. We see it in the harm ter and they are forced to
here already. Referring here like the bleaching of the relocate to who knows
to bushfires and floods of Great Barrier reef and fish kills where. We could ask our-
great magnitude that have in the Darling. Some islands of selves ,what sort of world are
received high coverage in our Pacific neighbours are in leaving our younger genera-
the media. danger of disappearing be- tion if climate change and
neath the waves. It is estimat- global warning are not arrest-
All of this happens on the
ed that 3 billion native ani- ed? If we are not looking af-
very week the Australian
mals were in the path of the ter the planet, we are not
Catholic Bishops have issued
2019-2020 bushfires, not to caring for ourselves and it is
the Social Justice statement
mention the livestock and do- the poor who are most af-
on care for God’s Creation –
mestic animals affected. One fected. Are we listening
Page 20| Missionaries of the Sacred Heartthen to what God is saying to this is the situation we are in? about preservation they
us through damage that has How do we rectify the prob- should be listened to.
been done to Creation and lem? The statement highlights
Pope Francis would say there
those most affected by it? the path taken by financial
is an even deeper conversion
institutions investors and busi-
What then has gone wrong that needs to take place. This
nesses in regard to energy pol-
throughout the centuries and he calls ecological conver-
icy by reducing their involve-
in modern times that has sion. By this he means an
ment in carbon based activi-
brought us to the dire situation “ongoing conversion to trans-
ties .Consumers and energy
we are in today? While the form our outlook and actions
market are driving the shift to
statement doesn’t make a to be in accord with the loving
renewable energy.
point of it, surely greed and Presence of God at the heart
the need to accumulate However while admitting the of all reality.” More than a new
more wealth, particularly by transition away from carbon awareness it requires a
the rich nations has had a sig- based economy is important change of heart. The Bishops
nificant part to play. Perhaps we have to keep in mind the expand on this further calling
this is what the Pope is refer- impact this can have on min- it a new vision of what it
ring to when he speaks of the ing communities in terms of means to be human before
“technocratic paradigm” with job losses and small businesses God and the world .They even
its ideology of domination of in the town. say it calls for a new spirituality
nature as a modern phenom- or way of understanding and
What is vital is a change in
enon. However one explana- expressing our relationship with
mindset on the kind of econo-
tion the Bishops propose in the the Divine. It also must be a
my we wish to have. One that
Statement is that there has community conversion.
forever
been a misinterpretation of
draws
texts in the Bible (in Gen)
what it
which refers to man having
can out of
dominion over creation. Pope
the
Francis points out ‘some previ-
world’s
ous readings of humans hav-
resources
ing ‘dominion’ over creatures
in the in-
appear deficient in the con-
terests of
temporary context where cre-
economic
ation is now endangered by
growth
this form of mastery.’ Scripture
and puts
properly understood would
nothing
say man’s role is never about
back in or one that puts some- In summary, while the State-
domination and exploitation.
thing back in. This the Pope ment makes a clear point of
It’s about stewardship –
refers to as an economic con- stressing the harm that is being
protecting and caring for Cre-
version. done and the dangers that lie
ation, acknowledging that it
ahead if this is not arrested
has a right to exist in it’s own It is in this regard that First Na-
there is also hope of a better
right, not just in view of man. tion People have something to
future if we are prepared to
Our fellow creatures, the Pope teach. As people who have
listen to those most affected –
says, sustain us as much as we had a Spiritual relationship
the earth, the poor and the
sustain them. with the land and water for so
young.
long and know something
What then needs to happen if
Page 21| Missionaries of the Sacred HeartJOHN KELLIHER msc 50 Years Professed
A Darwin Perspective.
Born on the 15th of January 1950, on Decem-
ber 4th,John Kelliher will celebrate his Golden
Jubilee as a Missionary of the Sacred Heart. A
significant part of that half-century of Religious
Life has been spent in ministry in the Diocese of
Darwin, from where I write.
Four years after making his First Profession as a
Religious towards the end of 1971 in what was
then the Croydon Monastery Chapel, John
came to the Territory in December 1975 to
minister as a Deacon at Santa Teresa. Father
John Clancy msc was the Mission Superinten-
dent there at the time. Ordained a priest on
August 21, 1976, John Kelliher was re-
appointed to the Northern Territory and from
the start of 1977 until mid-1978, he worked at St
John's College in Chaplaincy work, as a Reli-
gion Teacher and as Assistant to Brother Gerry
Burke msc in the Boarding House.
In July 1978 John was asked at short notice to
go back to Santa Teresa, this time as the Assis-
tant and understudy to Brian Healy msc, whom
he went on to replace as Parish Priest and years that have followed.
Community Advisor from 1979 to March 1982.
From 1978 to 1983, I was also working in the One of John’s special gifts is in the area of one
-to-one Faith Formation and Spiritual Direction.
Darwin diocese in a number of capacities and
To further develop this capability, he spent
I can affirm that in both places, St John’s Col- 1995 at the Heart of Life Institute in Melbourne
lege and down at Santa Teresa, John’s ministry and gained the Siloam Spiritual Direction Di-
was characterized by patience, calmness and ploma.
friendliness to all he came in contact with.
In January 1996 John again received an ap-
Then, as can be seen from the history line that pointment as Parish Priest, this time to Erskinville
follows, our paths diverged around about that in Sydney and for a 6 year period. While en-
time. In March 1982 John was appointed as gaged in this ministry, he found time to follow a
Assistant Parish Priest at our Henley Beach par- Master in Theology course at the Catholic Uni-
versity of Sydney and to assist with the Prov-
ish in Adelaide; thereafter he gained experi-
ince’s Formation work.
ence as Assistant Pastor at Kippax in Canberra
over the years 1984 and 1985; this was fol- In 2002 it was time for a decent break from ac-
lowed by a 3-year stint in our Coogee NSW tive ministry and for an opportunity to broaden
parish, after which John was appointed Parish his already wide range of experiences with a
Sabbatical that took him to the United States,
Priest of our Kings Meadow parish in Launces-
England, France (in particular, to Issoudun
ton for 6 years. From all of these appointments, where the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart
John gained a range of ministerial skills that were founded back in 1854) to Ireland, the Ho-
have stood him in good stead throughout the ly Land and to South Africa. These destinations
Page 22| Missionaries of the Sacred HeartYou can also read
