| Minister Martin opens Missionary Exhibition |
 A photographic exhibition marking the centenary of Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Ireland has been opened in the Irish Aid Information and Volunteering Centre in O’Connell Street, Dublin by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Micheal Martin, T.D. The exhibition depicts the social and humanitarian work undertaken by MSC missionaries amongst the poorest of the poor in Papua New Guinea, in South Africa, in Venezuela, and in Russia. Minister Martin opens Missionary Exhibition Minister Micheal Martin TD with Fr Pat Courtney MSC (Provincial) opening the exhibition A photographic exhibition marking the centenary of Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Ireland has been opened in the Irish Aid Information and Volunteering Centre in O’Connell Street, Dublin by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Micheal Martin, T.D. The exhibition depicts the social and humanitarian work undertaken by MSC missionaries amongst the poorest of the poor in Papua New Guinea, in South Africa, in Venezuela, and in Russia.  Fr Michael O'Connell MSC (Director, Mission Support Centre), Minister Micheal Martin, Barbara Wilson (Irish Aid Centre), Fr Pat Courtney MSC (Provincial) and Ronan Barry (Co-ordinator of Mission Alive, IMU) The Minister referred to our missionaries being the pioneer development workers in poor countries where their work enhanced the image and reputation of Ireland. “The historical roots of Ireland’s Aid programme” he said “lie in the remarkable work which has been carried out over many years by Irish missionaries, including Missionaries of the Sacred Heart whose first member left Cork in 1926 headed for the difficult terrain of Papua New Guinea.” “The Government recognises the contribution of Irish missionaries who have tirelessly worked in the world’s poorest countries for over a century. Today, these efforts continue with Irish missionaries working to alleviate poverty and suffering in developing countries. They are engaged in projects and programmes in a variety of areas, including education, health care, humanitarian relief and conflict resolution." “Irish Aid support to missionaries through Misean Cara underlines the Government’s continuing appreciation and respect for the very valuable work being done by missionaries in the fight for education services, equality and human rights, and in the fight against poverty, exclusion and diseases such as HIV/AIDS”.  The exhibition was launched by the Irish President, Mrs Mary McAleese, during her visit to the MSC Community on the Western Rd in Cork on June 10th 2009 The exhibition depicts three MSC missionaries who lost their lives in Papua New Guinea during World War II. It will run in the Irish Aid Centre throughout July. It will then be hosted by Cork County Library starting on 22 August until early October, and by Cork City Library during November. |