by Sr. Genevieve van Waesberghe, MMM Ireland 26.11.2025
The Missionaries of Africa (M. Afr.) -or ‘White Fathers’ as they are often called because of their long white north African Gandura (robe)- just celebrated the 200th birthday of their founder, Cardinal Lavigerie.
As MMMs missioned to Tanzania, we owe much to them: they taught us Swahili and introduced us to the people’s local culture. This enabled us to work more closely and efficiently with the people.
Personally, If I am an MMM, I owe it to a White Father who, in 1952, admired the MMM sisters who started Kabanga Hospital (Srs. Gemma Breslin, Sybil Magan and Margaret Garnett.) He saw them as free, unafraid, creatively responding to different medical needs and situations. Knowing my interest in medical missionary work, he gave me Mother Mary’s address and said: “with MMM, you will be FREE!” I took a chance, went to Ireland, met Mother Mary, joined MMM which I never regretted despite many challenges.
Later working in Namanyere Hospital – Sumbawanga Diocese (formerly Karema) – we held monthly clinics in Kipili, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Patients came from afar, rowing their canoes. Alfonsi Kakokere was our dedicated Medical Assistant, who, as I learned later, trained with a certain Dr Adrien Atiman in Karema (see below).
In 1974, while in Kipili, I received an emergency call. I had to go to Karema. It was a 100 kms’ journey, north of Kipili, with a small motor canoe. Karema had been a Belgian military base. Then, in 1884, the White Fathers arrived from North-West Africa with 500 ‘redeemed’ slaves. They established a village there. Karema became the main mission in what was known as the Apostolic Vicariate of Tanganyika.
I cannot forget my visit to Karema. I was introduced to a very old woman, the last of the slaves. She lived in a hut on the compound. In 1884, she surely was a baby (or a very young child!).
It is also in Karema and nearby that the extraordinary and saintly Adrien Atiman lived . Born in Mali, he was taken as a slave and later ‘freed by the White Fathers’ who brought him to Algiers. He converted, became a catechist. Lavigerie, seeing his talents, sent him to the Malta Institute to train as a doctor. In 1888, Atiman joined a White Father caravan to Zanzibar and across Tanganyika and arrived in Karema in 1889 where he worked for 67 years as a Catechist and a skilled Doctor until his death in 1956.
I am grateful to God for having known the Missionaries of Africa in Tanzania. Their history and humble prophetic presence in a changing Africa continues to be inspiring and challenging.
By Sr. Noeleen Mooney, MMM Ireland 22.11.2025
The coming of November brings back a very special memory for me. Having been an only child for over eight years, I had not given any thought to a change in that status. I had noticed that my Mam was wearing loose, smock-type dresses, but no comment was made.
I was in the third class and used to bring a flask of warm milk for lunch. One day the flask got broken. It seemed a big issue to me, and I knew I had to tell Mam about it.
When I got home, she wasn’t there! Most unusual, and no comment about where she might be. Instead, our next-door neighbour gave me my dinner and then – most unusual for a dark November evening – sent me out to clean her car with her daughter who was older, and would have known what was going on.
Some time later I was called in, and brought upstairs to meet my Mam and my new baby brother – safely delivered, and wrapped in a soft pink blanket. It was amazing!
My Dad was due home from work about an hour later and I was so sure that since I did not know about the baby’s expected arrival, then he could not have known either! Cold or dark, it did not matter. I had to swing on the gate to await his arrival! You can imagine the scene,
Next day, the teacher asked about the broken flask. Of course, I had not given it another thought! “It’s O.K! I have a new baby brother.”
Now, 67 years later, I can still remember the joy of that special day.
by Nadia Ramoutar MMM Communications Coordinator Ireland 20.11.2025
It is winter here in Ireland now. But the climate crisis has made for confusingly warm temperatures until this week. The result is that the bulbs I planted in the garden for Spring are starting to shoot. Today, it is supposed to hit freezing. I am not sure what my poor baby plants will do. So I will cover then tonight in hopes of protecting them.
Life goes this way.
We think one thing will happen and then it doesn’t or it happens slower or faster than we expected. Getting life “just right” is so rare. I would have to say that I think the hope of expectation that life should be a certain way causes so many of us disappointment, grief or even anxiety. We live in an angst driven world and I can’t help but feel that this is the downside to the human capacity to think.
In overthinking we often lose our connection to a more organic way of letting what is best emerge. For the past few years now, we have been hosting a Christmas Craft Fair at the end of November at the Convent in Drogheda. This is something we brought back after realising that the “Sales of Work” were a big hit back in the early MMM days and Mother Mary Martin, our founder was encouraging of interactions with the community – she also fully understood that fundraising was the only way to grow her congregation.
In past years, the local children’s choir have come to our Christmas Fair and perform. This summer our MMM Sisters formed a choir to perform and record a song dedicated to our found Mother Mary Martin. (You can watch this on our YouTube channel). The children’s choir leader had the idea to invite our MMM Sisters to sing with the children. He selected “Lean on Me” as a song which seems ideal.
Our MMM Sisters work so hard all over the world to make life better for children. It will so lovely to see them singing with the local children here. It is so wonderful to see our choir performing with the children live. How exciting for the children who will always have such a lovely memory? Also, for the families to be there to see it too. There’s just so much beauty in seeing our Craft Fair grow to be a place where such a moment will take place.
When we began the Craft Fair years ago we never dreamed it would grow in such a beautiful way. It has slowly progressed and become a day of great joy. Perhaps we all need to keep in mind that if we do something small with great love that is the best way for anything to grow.
Amidst the ghoulish and ghostly decorations along our main corridor in the Motherhouse MMM Beechgrove Ireland we had another activity – the booster vaccinations for Covid and Influenza. These were provided by a 10-person team from the HSE (Health Service Executive) with about fifty people being vaccinated – mainly sisters but a few staff members also. The organisation was detailed and left nothing to chance with a large, printed list reminding us of who belonged to what community and telling of the time of arrival of the team.by Sr. Margaret Anne Meyer, MMM USA 15.11.2025
Our hopes and expectations were high because we realized that the number of patients were increasing every day and we needed another Doctor. Finally, a new lay Doctor and his wife and four children were on the way. Dr. Rijken was a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology. His wife Margriet was also a doctor. They had previously completed a missionary tour in Suriname.
I can still see them the day they arrived at the door. They looked young and energetic and so were their children, aged from 10 years to two and a half. They were all extremely good looking and we welcomed them all with open arms. We had a large staff house whose kitchen overlooked a view of Mount Hanang in the distance and was bright and cheery. Doctor Margriet had planned on home schooling the children and wanted to look after the Pediatric Ward. This was very agreeable to all of us, and I offered to do call for her when she was thus occupied.
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One time an incredibly young baby, about 3-4 months of age, fell from a height and suffered a depressed fracture of the skull. Margriet had the brilliant idea of lifting the skull with the smallest cup of a vacuum extractor. Her husband did it in our presence and praised her inventive remedy very much. It was a beautiful experience to behold. They were a wonderful couple. I learned much from them and their true missionary dedication.
It was a wonderful experience for me to assist Dr. Ynze Rijken with surgery.
Cases that were extremely difficult like deep machete wounds to the neck just millimeters away from the carotid artery, he was able to suture and restore the person to health. There continued to be accidents along the escarpment. One man fractured his pelvis and suffered urethral complications. He always knew what to do, and made you feel you were part of it.
One cold early morning, I rushed to assist him with a Caesarean section and after the baby was delivered I felt faint. I told him I did not take the time to have a cup of coffee before the operation. In his soft Dutch accent Dr. Rijken said. “You must have your coffee, Margaret. It is good for you.” I thought he was exceedingly kind and understanding.
Because of political problems, the Kenyan-Tanzanian border was closed and many useful commodities were prevented entrance into the country. This lack of imported goods led some of the men using the money that they intended to use for the benefit of their wives and children, for drinking in the bars. They had worked hard all year to obtain a good harvest from their farms and now they had money but were unable to buy especially useful commodities. They felt very frustrated and got into tavern fights. Many jaws were fractured. Dr. Rijken spent many hours in the operating theatre wiring the jaw together with wire sutures. I often assisted him. For three weeks the men would get nourishment through a straw and then the sutures would be removed. They suffered a lot.
Doctor Margriet was fantastic in how she managed to homeschool her children, look after the children’s ward and be a loving and caring mother. We always loved a visit from her and the children. They certainly livened up our community with their pranks and laughter. I admired how she not only diagnosed a little boy with lymphoma but was able to get his proper treatment flown out from Holland.
It was a terribly busy but happy time for all of us working and living on the same compound. In October we both received the news that my mother was coming from the USA to visit for three weeks and at the same time, Dr. Margriet’s mother from Holland was coming to visit. Again, we managed to arrange everything very agreeable to both mothers and us, but that is another story.
By Vera Grant AMMM Ireland 12.11.2025
Thirteen years ago I sat in the same chair looking down at the garden, the grass cloaked in an array of yellow, orange and red leaves and the trees, some of them bereft, having already shed their leaves in preparation for winter. I remember wondering what bits of me was I going to have to shed? Was I going to grow old and spindly like the bare branches whose arms stretched out as if in prayer.
That was then and this is now. I watch for a few minutes admiring the beauty of the ending season of mists and yellow fruitfulness. It has a grace of its own, quiet and serene, accepting the cycle of life knowing that its time will come again to bloom and shine in a new coat of green.
I am enjoying the moment, one day at a time, no need to think ahead about the cold, the wet, the snow…all that for another day. This is today, a day to be quiet, serene and accepting the gift of life, in nature and in self.
Smiling to myself I think how much I have learned in the past thirteen years. Then it was looking for something, not knowing what, but it took me to China, for a whole year to teach English to university students. I loved the students and I had forgotten how much I enjoyed teaching.
Today I love not having to do anything for the moment, other than to sit and marvel at the miracle unfolding before me and thanking God too for the inner miracle, at peace, content and embracing what every new day brings.
by Sr. Sheila Devane, MMM Ireland 08.11.2025
Recently I was a patient in hospital. The evening of my operation I was lying in bed grogged with the anaesthetic, some great opiate drugs and with every possible contraption attached to me. Thankfully, I still knew my name and in case I did forget it I had a label on both wrists!
Monica introduced herself as a night carer; checking my name-band she exclaimed: “oh a sister.” Seeing the rosary beads on my table she continued: ….“so you say the rosary.” I boastfully answered in a cloud of euphoria: “I said three rosaries today before my surgery Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious.” She then asked loudly: “and the Luminous mysteries?” to which I replied: “I never managed to remember them so I just continue to pray with the first three mysteries.” Monica was shocked saying: “but you must know the Luminous mysteries as a sister, they were created by a pope saint.” Well, Sister or not I didn’t know the Luminous mysteries. I was now in the eye of a spiritual storm and while only vaguely recalling the rest of the dialogue I thought I heard her saying: “I will send a referral to Pastoral Care for the Luminous mysteries.” I fell asleep.
Two nights later a nurse appeared telling me that Gemma from Pastoral Care was coming to pray the rosary with me. Surprised I saw a large dog arrive at the door and a lady entered with a white stick – she was blind. She was a senior nurse in this hospital before a sudden, serious eye condition left her with little vision; a few times a week her husband drives herself and Brandy, her guard dog, to the hospital to pray the rosary with patients. She brought a leaflet for me on all the mysteries and rosary beads for anyone needing them. We had barely started with the Baptism of the Lord when a Gárda (Irish police officer) appeared asking if he and the prisoner, Johnny, and to whom he was chained, could sit outside and join in. Warmly welcomed, rosary beads in hands we continued. Ciara passed by on her walk – I had met her earlier in the day- a young woman who had complex urological surgery; she stopped, took a seat, and prayed. Gemma invited us to pray individually and there was no problem with someone taking the lead for each decade. Johnny actually knew the Luminous mysteries while Ciara and the Garda admitted to never having heard of them though knowing the rosary well.
Two nights later Gemma returned; Brandy sat outside guarding us and with a different, but eager, young Gárda and Johnny quickly joining us. Ciara arrived too and our newest addition was Joanne a doctor who was at a computer, heard the rosary turned her swivel chair around and came on board. Nurse Jenny said she was opening the door to the main ward as the patients heard the rosary and wanted to be included. Fortunately, Gemma had what seemed like a ton of rosary beads so once they were distributed, we all prayed together. The night nurses told me later that the whole ward was answering the rosary and many were blessing themselves.
I have been at several retreats and have had the opportunity to pray in many different circumstances, but none can compare with that inspiring impromptu experience of praying the Luminous mysteries with a guard dog, a blind woman, a Gárda, a prisoner, hospital staff, and patients on a hospital ward. May they all be blessed as I surely know they are!
by Nadia Ramoutar MMM Communications Coordinator ireland 05.11.2025
This Monday in Ireland, 3rd November, we woke up to the news that Sr Stanislaus Kennedy, better known as Sr Stan, passed away this morning, aged 86.
A wave of grief flooded over me when I heard the news initially as I have admired her for so long. In her activism, advocacy, writing and leadership she has inspired me greatly. I know that the time she spent on Earth is something to fully celebrate and also use a guidepost to direct us. Sr Stan showed us what is possible when humans see a problem and set about to correct it for others less fortunate. She didn’t just “help” people, she created systems so people could be empowered to help themselves. Which is really taking the higher road in what is referred to as “charity”.
She has been a role model for me in her clarity, faith and tireless persistence that the world could and should be better. In our humanitarian efforts, I often feel we get confused because we come to accept things that are “normal” rather than finding ways to make meaningful changes. When someone is unhoused and without a place to live, there is a whole system that has failed them. Needing a roof over their head is such a small part of a bigger issue. Sr Stan set about addressing these issues and the underlying causes personally and systematically for people to have a safe and stable home they can afford.
In a news statement, the Religious Sisters of Charity said she worked tirelessly to support the homeless, immigrants and those in disadvantaged communities throughout Ireland and beyond. It is amazing to see the difference that one persistent person can make in activating others to see things in a new way. Almost every problem people face is one of a complex system that does not work.
After finding Focus Ireland, Sr Stan then went on to establish the Immigrant Council of Ireland, Young Social Innovators, and The Sanctuary.
She stood up for those most marginalised in our society, and inspired others to do the same. Thousands of lives were made better, brighter, fairer and safer because of her work. The work of the organisations she established. And because of her courage and foresight, thousands will continue to be impacted through her legacy, for many years to come.
It’s one thing to be a good person but it’s another to bring out the best in other people too. Creating ways for people to have a good life and then be empowered to help other people is essential. There is too much darkness in the world for us not to light a small candle and bring light.
My heart is expanded by the life of Sr Stan and that is a tremendously rich gift to leave us in the world as she journeys on spiritual path. May she finally get the rest she certainly earned. Rest in Peace, Sister.
by Sr. Rita Kelly, MMM Ireland 01.11.2025
I read an article on the internet with the above heading “Making the dead welcome- All Soul’s Day in Ireland” (cf. IrishCentral). I immediately remembered my time in Mexico many years ago.
I was staying with a Mexican family studying Spanish. On 2nd November I was amazed at the Mexican tradition of commemorating their Dead. It was truly a day of celebration. They celebrate the day as EL Dia de Los Muertos (The Day of the Dead). The family set a special table for their deceased. It was a feast, food that the deceased would like, also drinks and cigars. Skeletons were dressed in the good clothes of the deceased relatives.
Looking back on my own memories, in Ireland, I had an image of myself as child with other children going in and out of the Church saying prayers for the dead. It was a day of memories, but I did not remember it as a day of celebration. Somehow there was a sense of sadness. I have a memory of an uncle telling us ghost stories around the fire. Of course, in Mexico, the sun is shining, but November, in Ireland, in the Northern Hemisphere, the days are getting shorter and darker. Some traditions here may have died down, but for three days there are practices and rituals for Halloween – “Samhain”, All Saints Day and Holy Souls’ Day (31st October, 1st November and 2nd November) remaining from our Celtic tradition.
In the Celtic tradition, very like the Mexican tradition, it was believed that the souls of the dead would return to their family home on Holy Souls’ Night. Great care was taken to make sure they were welcomed. To welcome the dead, floors were swept and a good fire lit. They would set a place at the dinner table for each deceased relative. Cemeteries were visited. Graves were cleaned and prayers were said. Candles were lit for those who had passed. On Holy Soul’s Night the door of the house was always left unlocked.
Today, Holy Souls’ Day remains a day of commemoration. In the parishes we will attend Mass, prayers will be said for our dearly beloved. Cemeteries will be visited. Here in Drogheda, people meet in the local cemetery to say the rosary daily,
Also, families have their own traditions for remembering their loved ones. In my own family, we will arrange a day to meet to attend Mass, to visit the graves and to share a meal. November is more poignant now, as my mother died on 20th November 2001. It was my mother who started the family tradition when my father died in 1979.
I am grateful for this time to remember our dead, the people who passed through our lives who were present and part of our history. But we also pray for those who have died who have no one to remember them.
We pray:
“Eternal Rest, grant unto them, O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon them
May they rest in peace” Amen.
by Sr. Margaret Anne Meyer, MMM USA 29.10.2025
Yes, the Christmas celebration at Dareda was very breathtaking to behold the deep faith of the people who came from far and near to fill the Cathedral-like church adorned with Connemara marble and festive banners tied between the large columns. All this brought me close to the people and after four months I was beginning to settle in the place.
There was an established routine which seemed to work most of the time but as usual in the medical field emergencies can topple the best intentions.
The Medical Assistants were very capable. Sr. Doctor Maureen Mc Dermott was medical officer in charge and held a meeting at 8:45AM to hear the report of the night admissions and who it may be serious for us to see. We were kept busy with ward rounds, operations, and difficult deliveries. For a few hours every day, one of us did Out Patients. We alternated night call. I loved our cup of coffee in the wee hours of the night before doing a Caesarean Section. Maureen was very skilled in surgery, and she taught me many things. I loved working with her.
To celebrate, New Years Eve, Maureen and a few of the Sisters went to the Maryknoll Sisters who headed an agricultural school near Mt Hanang. They had an enjoyable time. A few nights later, a boy of 14 years was gored by a buffalo and air was escaping out of a hole under his heart. We took him to the theater and found that his right lung had collapsed. We thanked God that his heart was not injured at all and continued to beat very well. We closed the hole and inserted an underwater seal into his pleural cavity. Slowly his lungs began to expand. After a week, the seal was removed, and his lungs were normal. We were incredibly grateful to God.
Upon finishing, a woman with obstructed labor came. The baby was dead, and her uterus was very damaged. She needed a hysterectomy which we did. Then afterwards a man came with intestinal obstruction. By this time, it was 3:30 AM and we decided we would observe him with an IV drip and nasogastric suction. We thought we were finished for the night when another man walked in whose scalp had been split open by a machete. A medical assistant had pity on us and sutured the man’s scalp. By the time the sun rose that morning, all four patients were doing well.
We were incredibly grateful to God. I do not remember having another night as busy as that one and I was extremely glad Maureen was with me dealing with all these emergencies.
We were both delighted that in a few weeks another doctor would be coming to help us but that is another story.
