Over the past three days Fr Michael has celebrated a special Christmas Triduum of Masses at the Sacred Heart Church, Western Road, for the intentions of benefactors and friends of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. In the winter MSC Message Fr. Michael wrote:

Winter is about to arrive. I hope you have enjoyed the summer months and have had a chance for some relaxation with your family and friends. As I write this letter to you, I am keenly aware that Advent – one of the most beautiful times of the year – is nearly upon us.

In many parts of the world there is a lot of unhappiness, as we prepare to celebrate Christmas 2011. Yet your kindness and your donations have made a little of that unhappiness disappear, especially among some children and their families whom we serve in different parts of the world.

Thank God that you think about others and are indeed sensitive to the poor. Your goodness to our MSC Missions helps us to provide food, clothing, medicine, housing and education through our projects that are specifically intended to improve the lives of the desperately poor people whom we serve in many other parts of the underdeveloped world.

On a recent visit to the MSC Mission Support Centre, Fr. Pat McGlanaghy MSC who is based in our mission in South Africa spoke to the staff of the many struggles that they encounter daily, but a story that really touched their hearts was that of a young orphan child now living in an MSC Care Centre, who asked “Could I get a new mother who isn’t sick?"

We often hear it said, “Christmas is for children”. That is true in so many ways but unfortunately this poor child will not get her wish for a new mother but through your continued support she will get good loving care and support for the future.

May the celebration of Jesus’ Birth bring you a joyful and peace-filled Christmas!

God bless,

Fr. Michael O'Connell MSC

Director of the MSC Mission Support Centre

Christmas Triduum Prayer

O Divine Jesus, the Heavenly message at your birth was "Peace on Earth and goodwill to all."

Bring your peace, your joy, your happiness into our home this Christmas.

Bless all the members of our family, those at home and those who will be absent this Christmas.

Inflame our hearts with your love.

Keep us close to you and each other now and throughout the year ahead.

Amen