| History of MSCs in South Africa launched |
 A book on the history of Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in South Africa was launched in Skibbereen, Co. Cork, Ireland on 24 April. Entitled To Cape Town and Back, the book was written by west Cork priest, Fr. Michael Crowley, msc.The book is about the cultural, religious, and political transformation of South Africa in the second half of the twentieth century. The author spent 45 years ministering in the country and could write with the insight of a participant in the transformation. He weaves the story out of many strands, telling it always from the perspective of his personal involvement. He appreciates the contribution of many people to the creation of the new South Africa, some of them great men such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu of the Zulu people, and the late Archbishop Denis Hurley with west Cork roots, and many ordinary men and women committed to the work of the Gospel. Above all, he writes about his missionary community – the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart – many of whom reached heroic stature in their commitment to the work of evangelisation and development of the people of South Africa. He has a special appreciation of the contribution of women religious to the liberation struggle. They were responsible for the first big breach of the Apartheid laws through opening their schools to blacks. He speaks of a deeply significant meeting he had with Nelson Mandela, when the great leader stood up to greet him and praised the work of Catholic priests in the liberation struggle of his people.  Brendan McCarthy, Mayor of Skibbereen, Fr. Pat Courtney, MSC Provincial, Fr. Michael Crowley, msc, and Fintan O' Connell, Manager of Inspire Design & Print  MSCs and Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart gather at the Myross Wood Retreat Centre for the book launch  Some of the large audience listening to the speakers  The author signing copies of the book |