Getting to know the MSC French African Union: UAF CHAPTER and a visit to Senegal

 Andre Claessens, First General Councillor, Rome

The chapter was held in Ngazobil with about 20 participants, on the edge of the small Senegalese coastline, which made it possible to find some coolness because of the temperatures rising to 38 degrees during the day. The confreres came from the 3 districts (Congo, Cameroon, Senegal) of the Union and from the South African section. There was a special guest, the former Superior of the UAF, our first African bishop Mgr Toussaint Iluku (Congo) ordained on 21/7/2019. The chapter was accompanied by a facilitator, Fr Christian Ehemba, Provincial Superior of the Piarists. Our Union already has 108 members and will soon be 40 years old. The present Superior is Fr. Yvon Banackissa, originally from Congo-Brazza. The professed members are 44 from Congo DRC, 33 from Cameroon, 14 from Senegal, 5 from Congo-Brazza and 7 from Burkina. There are still 3 European missionaries working in the Congo mission.

The first week was mainly devoted to listening to the reports written by the communities on their experiences and presented as responses to the Lineamenta sent out by the Superior of the Union. A highlight was on Saturday 6 March when we travelled to Gandigal, the place chosen for the construction of a school in a new district of the capital city which is rapidly expanding. First, the architect talked to us about the project and the different stages of its realisation. Then we went to the 19,000 m² site, which has already been properly fenced off so that the goats and donkeys no longer have access to it. The morning ended with the laying of the foundation stone, blessed by Bishop Iluku. This means that each of our districts will have a school complex.

Afterwards, we visited the dispensary of the FNDSC community in Gandigal for a fraternal meal, and then we were invited by the community of the Daughters of Our Lady in Bandia who have set up their novitiate for Africa less than 10 km from Gandigal.

On Sunday we had the opportunity to visit some tourist places in the capital Dakar and to enjoy a delicious meal offered by a member of the N.D.S.C. Fraternity. This excursion ended with a visit to our pre-novitiate in Dakar.

During the second week the members of the chapter worked hard to take up in a frank dialogue the elements worthy of attention in the different reports. This allowed us to have a better understanding of the realities lived in the districts and to realise the richness of this international and intercultural experience, but also the great challenges to be faced in this geographical and cultural diversity. Also the reality of UAF members on mission outside the continent and of students sent for specialised studies was taken into consideration. A whole list of recommendations was drafted to share with professed confreres and those in formation (50).

One of the great challenges we have in common with our Young Diocesan Churches in Africa is that of self-financing.

The pandemic crisis has shaken the continent and revealed our extreme vulnerability. The vaccination of the population is still in its infancy. At the same time, we realised that the MSC provinces in the world are practising solidarity with the Union, but their financial situation is no longer good and they have a serious lack of vocations. It is we ourselves who must take our destiny into our own hands and move forward in great solidarity in order to be able to accomplish the traditional and new missions that are - and will be - entrusted to us. The chapter was very clear on this and the implementation of this solidarity must be intensified.

Moreover, our Congo District will be able to celebrate in 2024 the centenary of the MSC presence on African soil. For them, the time of the pioneers is largely over. At the same time, it must be recognised that it is not easy to manage the heritage that the European colleagues have bequeathed to Congo and Senegal. Cameroon is at an advantage in this respect because the MSC only started there in the 1980s and the infrastructures are still relatively recent. Another great challenge is the formation to be given to young MSC and in our schools where we would like to transmit our spirituality and show that the less fortunate in our societies are not left behind.

The chapter ended on 11 March with a meeting with some members of the N.D.S.C. Fraternity, a Eucharistic celebration and a fraternal meal prepared by the Daughters of the N.D. and the Daughters of the Heart of Mary who run the diocesan centre in Ngazobil.

Newly ordained.

RIP, Cardinal Edward Cassidy, lesser known Australian Cardinal, but eminent world Church diplomat

 – and a Randwick parish story.

Cardinal Edward Cassidy died on Saturday in Newcastle at the age of 96. (From the CathNews announcement)

     He spent nearly 30 years serving as a Vatican diplomat in Asia, Europe, Latin America and Africa.

     He was later appointed to the Secretariat of State, where he served for almost two years in a role equivalent to the Pope’s chief of staff.

     He was named president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity in 1989 and elevated to the rank of cardinal in 1991. He retired in 2001 at the age of 76.

     Cardinal Cassidy was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 1990 in “recognition of service to religion and to international affairs”.

     Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Mark Coleridge said Cardinal Cassidy’s friendly and down-to-earth style were among his hallmarks while serving at the Vatican.

     While Cardinal Cassidy was highly regarded for several reasons, it was at the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity that he “shone”, Archbishop Coleridge said. “Cardinal Cassidy    showed not only diplomatic skill and political astuteness, but also human authenticity and common sense,” he said.

John Mulrooney writes:

You may be interested in this ‘first hand’ story.

When I was in the deputy Provincial role Cardinal Cassidy had been invited to speak to the Monastery Community on the ‘Sacred Heart’. The Provincial was away so I was asked to host the gathering.

Over dinner, he talked about his years of attending daily mass at Randwick parish as a young fellow. He had talked to an MSC there about a vocation to the priesthood and was promptly told that he “probably did not have the required intelligence for the study”. (Shades of another story a little closer to home!) He then applied to the Sydney Archdiocese and was accepted. While in the seminary the Cardinal visited and asked for volunteers for the Wagga Diocese as Bishop Henzche was short of priests. He volunteered. The Bishop sent him to Rome to study Canon Law and after finishing his studies then then Secretary of State, Montini, called him in and said that he would be appointed to the Diplomatic corp! Cardinal Cassidy then said that he would have to seek his Bishop’s permission to which Montini replied: “You won’t have to worry about that young man!”

In my innocence, I said to him that I presumed the Vatican was looking after his needs in retirement after so many years of service. He looked at me with a rather wry grin. After all the years of service around the world he did not have many contacts in Australia when he returned. He looked at buying somewhere around Maroubra and when he saw the prices he realised it was way out of his reach – even a simple one bedroom flat!

He had kept in contact with one school friend who lived in Newcastle. He and his wife offered him a room in their home for which he was eternally grateful (The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head!) After some time he was out walking to the local store for milk and a fellow was putting a for sale sign on the very small parcel of land near the shop. He enquired as to the price and so it was settled and he was looking to put a small kit home on the block.

I presume that is where he ended up settling as Cath News said he died in Newcastle.

He was a very humble and down to earth man with a quiet, gentle sense of humour.

He never lost part of his Australian character.

Thought you might like this little story still in my memory.  (We do!)

And, just arrived, a post-script from Rome, Tim Brennan MSC.

I recall meeting the Cardinal while I was Provincial.

This is my memory but should be confirmed.

When he learned I was an MSC he told me that as a young man he worked, I think, for the PMG.

He lived in the Coogee area but liked to go to Fr Dalton at Randwick for confessions.

He had shared on a few occasions his thought of the priesthood.

It seems one day Leo Dalton ran out of patience and suggested he stop wondering and do something.

As I said, my facts may need to be checked.

From Toowoomba to Kensington, from Downlands to the Chevalier Institute:  Anne McAtomney

From the recent MSC Magazine.

Anne grew up in Brisbane and was educated by the Dominicans at both primary and secondary school level. She studied at the University of Queensland following school and studied to become a teacher majoring in History and French. Anne taught for Education Qld, being initially appointed to a school on the Atherton Tableland. Early in her teaching career Anne applied for and was appointed for a year as an English language assistant in a French Lycee (high school) in the South of France.

Anne, and her husband John, started their family while teaching in far North Qld but had determined the need to be closer to extended family in South East QLD so made the move to Toowoomba in 1983. During 1984 John was appointed as a teaching staff member at Downlands College and this began what has been a long association for both Anne and John with Downlands.  

Anne, her husband and their family moved into the College in 1990 when John was appointed as a boarding Houseparent. During the early 1990s Anne undertook relief/supply teaching at Downlands. By the mid-1990s Anne had been appointed as a full-time teaching staff member at the College and in 2000 she was appointed as a Year 11/12 Year Coordinator. Anne continued teaching and in her role as a senior Year Coordinator and was also appointed as Head of Department - Religious Education in 2009.

Fr John Mulrooney, College Principal 2006 – 2010, was appointed as Provincial of the MSC Order in Australia in 2010. Prior to concluding his role as Principal at Downlands Fr. Mulrooney had identified the need for a new role within the College Executive team focussing specifically on maintaining and enhancing the MSC charism within the College.  Anne was subsequently appointed as AP - Mission at Downlands in 2011, a role she undertook for the following ten years.

This photo was taken at Kensington Monastery with a group of student leaders from Downlands College.

Anne’s love of all things French, her affinity for the MSC as a religious congregation and their charism and spirituality, and the passion and zeal with which she has undertaken that AP – Mission role at Downlands has now led to her appointment as Director of the Chevalier Institute in 2021 by the current MSC Provincial, Fr Chris McPhee.

Anne has excelled in every role she has undertaken.  Stephen McIllhatton, past Principal at Downlands College summed up her time as Assistant Principal, Mission with the following words:

Dear Anne,

 Your departure from Downlands will have such a profound effect on so many past and present members of that Community. I say this because I would doubt anyone, over so many years, has done more to instill in us at the College the qualities of gentleness, justice and the finer attributes that make us human. Your role has evolved over the years from being a teacher and guiding light to so many students, to one of replicating those skills with adults and I for one, have never seen anyone to surpass you in that pursuit. I described you always as my ‘moral compass’- which you used to scoff at- but it was so true for many of us. Regularly when decisions had to be made, we would ask ourselves ‘what would Anne say?’. This fact alone is a marvelous testament to the influence you had on us all and we will all miss the flying pixie boots and billowing skirts hurtling around the grounds as you went about your day. You are regarded so highly because of your approachability, generosity, thoughtfulness and your distinct, clear understanding of the human condition. Fortunately, other communities will continue to experience these many innate characteristics in your new position as you keep the mission of the MSC alive and flourishing. It was an absolute joy working with someone that taught me so much.

Your friend,

Stephen

Anne departs Downlands and Toowoomba to take up the position as Director, Chevalier Institute. The Chevalier Institute is based in Sydney within the MSC Monastery at Kensington, but her work will take her all over the eastern states of Australia, primarily to the four MSC Colleges, including Toowoomba. The role of the Chevalier Institute is to facilitate adult faith formation in Spirituality of the Heart and in that role Anne will work with staff in a small group capacity delivering a variety of programmes, she will facilitate retreats, deliver spirituality and retreat days to whole staff groups, conduct a pilgrimage and work with professed MSC in a variety of roles. She is eminently suited to this work and her appointment was received enthusiastically within the MSC world where she is known and respected.

This photo was taken in Issoudun, France, the birthplace of the MSC while Anne was co-facilitating the Pilgrimage for Staff in MSC Colleges in 2019.

MSC World Statistics 2020-1

Direct from the new General Bulletin from Via Asmara.  On 20th May 2020, we offered the statistics of 2019.  (Can be found using the Search Engine on the Current News page, enterting Statistics 2019.

New appointments at the General House.

In case you have to get in contact with the Secretariat and with the Archivist...

RICHARD SURESH is our new Assistant to the Secretariat and the General Administration

On the 16th of November1980, a small baby boy was born to Jothi Ratchagadoss and Antoniyammal in Tamil Nadu. He was the third of four children, with an elder brother and sister and a younger sister, all of whom are married. Forty days after he was born, he was baptised with the name of Richard Suresh and that is me.

I was enrolled in a Catholic school in Tamil Nadu where I first encountered the love of Christ through the nuns who taught me. I later joined the MSCs in 1998 and went on to make my first vows on June 2, 2001 and my perpetual profession was on May 26, 2007. I was ordained on September 17, 2010 in Puducherry, India.

Following my Ordination, for a year I assisted the Superior in the Scholasticate as Administrator. The next year I was given the responsibility of being the Assistant Parish Priest at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, Bengaluru, India. For the next 6 years, I supported the Indian Union Superior in his administration as Union Bursar.

As I was finishing my term as Union Bursar, I was invited by the Generalate to be a part of the General Administration team as Assistant Secretary General. After much deliberation and prayer, I accepted the invitation as I felt that it was a call from God to experience His work more closely in the land where Catholicism had developed.

On 23rd January 2021, I landed in Rome and after a brief quarantine, an orientation given by Fr. General Abzalon and Fr. Chris Chaplin enabled me to relate better to living in the Generalate. I started work with Fr. Michael Miller in the Office of the Secretary.

Although it has been a few months since I arrived in Rome, the learning under Fr. Mike has been immense and yet there is still an ocean of knowledge that I have yet to attain. I am truly blessed to be a part of this community which has confreres from various parts of the world. My interaction with them has opened my eyes to the beauty of other cultures and enrichened me. I hope by the grace of God and with the support from all.

HENGKI PONAMON is the new General Archivist.

In December 2020, Robertus Sumarwata, our General Archivist, returned to Indonesia after having worked for more than 6 years at the General House. We thank him for his many years of silent works in serving the Congregation. Since his departure, Paulus Pitoy has been the acting archivist, because the new Archivist has not yet arrived. But thank God, after quite a long wait, finally in February 2021 Hengki Ponamon, the new General Archivist, arrived at the General House. He came from Indonesia after carrying out his mission in Cuba for nearly seven years.

Working as an archivist is different from working in other pastoral works as Hengki had done before. Such work requires a special kind of preparation. Therefore, Hengki is now preparing himself for his new work by first learning Italian and then taking a course for archivists. During this time of preparation, in carrying out his duties in the Archives, he will be still assisted by the acting archivist.

Just to remind you the leaders of Provinces and Unions not to forget to send to the General Archives what are prescribed in the numbers 221 and 222 of our Statutes. And whatever you need in connection with the Archives, please contact our General Archivist using this email address, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

From the General Bulletin

MSC Magazine, New Edition, Autumn 2021

Featuring the life of the Province 2020, life in Vietnam 2020, stories, reflections, and many photos.

The print edition of the Magazine has been circulated.

For copies and enquiries, contact Treand House, Executive Assistant:

Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: (02) 9665 8999

The Magazine can be seen online on the Home Page of this site, click the photo of the cover.

FRANCESCO: New documentary on Pope Francis, Discovery Channel

This is the fifth major feature film focusing on Pope Francis.

There was a 2015 Argentinian drama, Francisco, El Padre Jorge;

there was the 2015 Italian drama, Call Me Francis;

worldwide audiences watched The Two Popes, 2019, a fictionalised encounter between Francis, played Pryce and Benedict XVI, played by Anthony Hopkins.

In 2019 there was a documentary by celebrated German filmmaker, Wim Wenders, Pope Francis, a Man of his Word, with limited release (but, Googling the title and adding You Tube, several previews as well as some substantial clips can be found).

Now, Francesco has been acquired by the Discovery Channel, with limited screenings, but with rental or video on demand.

Review and comment

Francesco completed filming in April 2020, featuring the Pope and an assistant on the dais altar in an empty piazza in front of St Peters. But, at the end, there is enthusiastic footage from countries all over Europe and the United States, people in lockdown, but coming to their windows and doors, waving, shouting, applauding – images of hope (not yet fulfilled). This film is a lively and challenging overview of Pope Francis’ seven years as Pope, 2013-2020.

The director is Russian and has made a number of documentaries, focusing on the war in Syria, conflicts in Ukraine, as well as a documentary about divorce. In this film, as with Wim Wenders’ documentary, the words of the Pope are significant, from public addresses, to more personal encounters, to interview statements. But, these films are not simply “talking heads” documentaries. The director and his assistants have done extensive research all over the world, finding a powerful range of footage from Pope Francis visits to different countries, to meeting significant personalities, and striking and vivid footage to illustrate the particular crises around the world of his seven years’pontificate.

With the sister who works on the US Mexico border

Instead of providing some background to Francis, his Argentinian and Jesuit backgrounds, his work as Archbishop in Buenos Aires, two key issues are initially highlighted. The first is that of climate change, the Pope’s document, Laudato Si, his visit to the Philippines in the wake of the severe typhoons. The second issue is that of migrants throughout the world, his visit to the refugees on the island of Lampedusa, refugees from Africa, refugees from Syria and visuals of the desolation of ruined Aleppo…

With this social consciousness in mind, the film then goes to the portrait of Francis, a sketch of his life, photos of his family, the story of their migration from Fascist Italy, growing up in Argentina, his vocation, joining the Jesuits, his role as Jesuit provincial – and quite a section later taking up the issue of accusations of collaboration with the Generals during the Dirty War, vocal criticism, examination of the issues, some critics retracting, the Pope explaining a more silent approach to work behind the scenes, followed by two years seeming exile away from Buenos Aires. It seems this period gave him time to reflect, to mellow his stances, to be conscious of the poor, something he took to his ministry as Archbishop.

Cardinal on public transport

The film provides quite a number of clips of Cardinal Bergoglio and his work in Argentina, continually with the poor, taking public transport, but also his strong interfaith links.

There is quite a challenge as the film documents Francis’ visits to conflict centres around the world, to the Central African Republic, to the island of Lesbos to meet the refugees, to Myanmar where diplomacy required no mention of the Rohingya, to Bangladesh and meeting the refugees. He also goes to Mexico denouncing walls that separate instead of building bridges which reunite (and a glimpse of President Trump). There is also the sequence of his addressing the American Congress (with Joe Biden, then VP, sitting behind the Pope).

Vice President Biden listening

There is a very personalised sequence where the Pope has a Zoom conference with those working on the American-Mexican? border, especially his singling out unknown a nun, champion of the poor, and a close-up of his more affectionate language with her.

There are several other very personalised encounters, the three Muslim families that he brought back to Italy as an example of leaders welcoming refugees, his visit to them, their testimonies, the finding home and employment in Italy. Then there is the father who wrote a letter to Francis, giving it to him at an audience, explaining that he and his gay partner had three children, wanting the Pope’s assistance in their being accepted at the parish school.

The Pope phoning the father, encouraging him, the film including a quotation of the Pope talking about recognition of gay men and women in society, of civil unions… The film does not quote, “who am I to judge?”, but includes this more ordinary episode.

The issue of women in the church is raised, a number of speakers, the Pope emphasising that women must have roles in the church – but, interestingly, for all the ceremonies, those assisting and servers are all male.

But, the treatment of sexual abuse by clergy is presented in a tantalising way, something like the old-fashion serials, the audience left with cliffhangers, wondering what and when the sequel will be. In fact, the subject does receive quite a lot of attention but in separate sections, increasing in dramatic tension, throughout the film. There is the sequence where the Pope seems to have lost his temper accusing critics of the Chilean Episcopacy of slander. Later, especially with interviews with Juan Carlos Cruz, the leader of the young men who accused the Chilean celebrity priest, Karadima, of years of abuse, presenting his case, being invited to the Vatican, wary that it was a PR exercise, meeting the Pope, hearing his apology, having a three hour conversation, present at a papal audience. Then there is the episode, surprising those in Chile, of summoning the Chilean bishops, firing a number of them, declarations about stricter investigations, the sending of official investigators to Chile, their 2,300 page report…

Juan Carlos Cruz is one of a significant number of authoritative talking heads throughout the film.

3 hour conversation with Juan Carlos Cruz

So, here is an opportunity, a two hour consideration of Pope Francis, growing awareness of all the world situations where he has intervened. But, there is a chance to see him at greater length in close-up, with people (as with his Jewish and Muslim long-time friends as well as leadership of churches and world religions), his body language, his unsteady walk, for instance, in Auschwitz, the close-ups when he is speaking officially, or in homily, or in personal encounters.

And showing the bond between Benedict and Francis

Not the last word. Not the last image. But an opportunity to make some kind of assessment, some kind of appreciation (and, one hopes, a good impression on those Catholics who have publicly expressed disagreement with or condemnation of, Francis) of an unanticipated Pope and seven years of unanticipated papal service.

Alotau rascals' attack on John Sinou House.

Tony Young has sent this statement. It is a disturbing occurrence but Tony notes that there are great problems with young people in PNG, unemployment, lack of education opportunities, violence.

Visitors to our site will remember Tony’s work with Hope Academy in Eastern Papua, possibilities for online education.  For past posts on Hope Academy and its outreach. Use the Search Engine above and type in Hope Academy.

John Sinou MSC was one of the earliest of the PNG priests – and did some secondary schooling at Chevalier in the mid 1950s.

Statement of the Bishop of Alotau, March 19, attack on John Sinou House.

We are very much saddened and decried the violence and loss of property that happened in Alotau last 19^th March.

About 2 AM, after a brief skirmish between around 50 rascals and five local policemen, about 12 of the rascals forced themselves inside the diocesan priests’ house where 11 of our priests and one deacon were staying. They broke the side door of the house which did not have iron. They assaulted 7 of our priests. They forced their rooms and robbed them of their laptops, mobile phones, cash money and other valuables. They also carted away a new outboard motor, solar panels, projector and TV. A Filipino missionary lost a lot of blood after receiving continuous bashing on the head. He was confined in the hospital but is now in a stable condition. Another young local priest was stabbed, barely missing his heart. The face of another young local priest was swollen after being punched. The others sustained minor injuries. All were traumatised by the attack.

What led to this? More than a week ago, Tommy Baker’s second-in-command was reportedly shot dead by the police. Just before the attack and John Sinou House, it was reported that Tommy Baker’s group organised themselves and retaliated. They were heavily armed. One group started shooting at the police from the oval, another near the fire station, and a third group entered the priests’ house seizing the opportunity to steal while the police were distracted. There were many priests there because of the just concluded presbyteral council meeting and celebration of Chrism Mass.

Our priests and deacons are still traumatised by what happened. However, because of the coming Holy Week, they feel obliged to resume their pastoral duties, and go back to their parishes.

The local people have expressed their sadness and anger over what happened to the priests. They are not happy about the growing deterioration of peace and order in Alotau and the rest of the province. They don’t feel safe and are living in fear. The Member for Alotau visited the priests the day after the incident but gave little or no assurance. We have not received any word from the provincial administration. The police look helpless because they are outnumbered by the rascals who are much better armed.

The Catholic Professionals Society of Alotau feel bad about what happened. The priests were not armed nor violent and are only there to serve the people. They don’t want this thing to happen again. They want things to change for the better, for the good of the whole of Alotau and the province. They want a meeting with the police superintendent, and issue a public statement.

There is need for dialogue between the government, Tommy Baker’s group, the churches and the people at large on how to bring about peace and order in Alotau. Differences should be settled peacefully and respect given to the rights and dignity of every person. Most of all we need to pray and beg God’s help and forgiveness. There is hope for a better tomorrow if we all act together and do what is expected of each one as we put our trust in God.

Rolando C. Santos, CM,

Bishop of Alotau.

Easter Monday, holiday break – and some brain-teasing

 ASTRONOMER : 
When you rearrange the letters:   
MOON STARER

DESPERATION :

When you rearrange the letters:   
A ROPE ENDS IT

THE EYES :       
When you rearrange the letters: 
THEY SEE

GEORGE BUSH: 
When you rearrange the letters: 
HE BUGS GORE

THE MORSE CODE :
When you rearrange the letters: 
HERE COME DOTS

DORMITORY   :   
When you rearrange the letters:   
DIRTY ROOM

SLOT MACHINES :
When you rearrange the letters: 
CASH LOST IN ME

ANIMOSITY :
When you rearrange the letters:   
IS NO AMITY

ELECTION RESULTS :
When you rearrange the letters:       
LIES - LET'S RECOUNT

SNOOZE ALARMS : 
When you rearrange the letters:       
ALAS! NO MORE Z 'S

A DECIMAL POINT : 
When you rearrange the letters:   
I'M A DOT IN PLACE

THE EARTHQUAKES : 
When you rearrange the letters:   
THAT QUEER SHAKE

ELEVEN PLUS TWO : 
When you rearrange the letters:   
TWELVE PLUS ONE

New Paintings, Paul McCormack MSC, Holy Week, Stations, Resurrection

Paul has been painting last year at Henley Beach.

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