by Sr. Sheila Campbell MMM Ireland 22.03.2025
I am sure you are like me – you do not like going to the doctor. Yes, I am a nurse, and I know the value of the medical profession, but when it comes to oneself – keep me far away! So recently I have been having a few symptoms that need to be checked out.
“Nothing serious”, I say to myself. “Don’t waste the doctor’s time.” I”t will sort itself out.” You know how the first phase of denial goes. So, you keep talking to yourself, and the guilt feelings begin to creep in. What if it is something that could be treated and I have neglected God’s gift of medicine to correct the issue? Will I be causing a worse problem if I don’t get it looked at? And then the denial comes back, and I circle around the question for another couple of weeks.
So today I bit the bullet and saw the doctor. I thought my appointment was for 10am but I was bustled in early so didn’t really have time to chicken out. When I was ushered into the doctor’s room I sat down quickly, took a deep breath and began my story. After a careful examination, “nothing serious to worry about” was the verdict. Was there relief? Yes, somewhat, but them the guilt comes back – why did I make so much of it? Am I a hypochondriac?
I really need to learn to laugh at myself and not take life so seriously!
I do believe that my life and my health is a gift from God that the I should cherish and protect, but one day it will all be gone and I will be called to a different sort of life in Christ. So, yes, look after my health but not so much that I am focused on it. That is my life’s lesson for today. I share it with you as many will be going through the same range of emotions as they sit in the doctor’s waiting room. Take a deep breath and thank God that I am truly alive to recount the experience!
by Silvia Angel, Early Intervention Educator Ireland 21.03.2025
Today, Friday, we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day to honour and recognise the incredible people with Down syndrome in our lives.
For me, this celebration is deeply personal. One of my childhood friends, Monica, had Down syndrome, and growing up together shaped my life in ways I did not fully realise at the time.
She was my friend. We played, we laughed, and we went to school together. There were no big awareness campaigns or classroom talks about disability; there was just kindness and a strong sense of community.
Looking back, I see how my experiences with Monica influenced my work, parenting, and understanding of what inclusion truly means.
Today, I want to share some of those lessons with you.
Children Learn by Watching Us
As a child, I always knew there was something unique about my friend, but there was never a conversation explaining it. Instead, I saw how our teachers and parents treated her. They were kind, encouraging, and supportive, always celebrating her achievements, no matter how small.
Naturally, we, as children, followed their lead. We cheered her on just as they did. No one told us what to do; we simply learned through their example.
Learning through example is something I often think about when talking to parents and educators. Children are always watching us. The way we treat others teaches them how to navigate the world. Small acts of kindness, inclusion, and encouragement mean more than any formal lesson on empathy.
Inclusion Supports a Child’s Development
My friend attended our local school, which was unusual at the time. Many children with disabilities were either at home or in special schools. Looking back, I realise her parents were forward-thinking and understood the value of growing alongside same-age peers.
Inclusion benefits children with Down syndrome, and research supports this. Studies show that children with Down syndrome who attend mainstream schools tend to develop stronger language skills, cognitive abilities, and independence.
However, inclusion isn’t one-size-fits-all—every child has unique needs. But from my own experience, I can say this with certainty: being part of our class helped her grow, and it helped us grow, too.
The school adapted Monica’s curriculum, and she received extra support when needed, but as children, we did not even notice. However, I will never forget how alarmed we were one day when she got to use a calculator in math class when we were not allowed to! Our teacher, always wise, turned it into a teaching moment. Instead of shutting down our complaints, she asked Monica to teach us how to use the calculator. Suddenly, we were gathered around, watching her demonstrate, and just like that, she became the expert.
Inclusion is not just about allowing children to be in the classroom—it is about valuing their contributions and finding ways for them to participate actively.
Family, Love, and Strength
In our small town, everyone knew each other, and Monica’s family was no exception. As she got older, she faced health challenges; she spent more time in hospital and at home. We visited often, and every visit felt like a big celebration for all of us.
Now, as a parent of a child with a disability myself, I look back with even greater appreciation for her parents. At the time, I was too young to see the challenges they faced, yet they navigated it all with grace, strength, and a deep commitment to making sure Monica felt loved and happy every day.
I have often heard discussions about the strain that raising a child with additional needs can place on a family. And while I completely understand those challenges, I have also seen the opposite—families coming together and growing stronger. Love, resilience, and a shift in priorities can bring families closer as much as they can challenge them.
Inclusion Teaches Kindness and Empathy
Growing up with my friend Monica taught me something important: given the opportunity, kindness comes naturally to children.
No one had to tell us to help her—we just did. Some naturally stepped into that role, looking out for her in their way. And I see the same thing in every school I visit today—some children instinctively take on a caring role, watching out for their friends.
While I often remind children to let their friends try things independently, I also love nurturing that caring nature, perhaps because I see myself in those children. Maybe because I know that those small, everyday interactions helped lead me to where I am today, dedicating my life to working with children with disabilities.
We talk a lot about teaching children empathy, but there is no better way than letting them experience it. Inclusion does not just benefit the child with additional needs—it shapes every child in the classroom, helping them grow into more understanding, compassionate people.
Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day
As World Down Syndrome Day is today, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible people with Down syndrome in our lives.
Thank you, Monica, my childhood friend who taught me so much by being herself. Your presence shaped who I am today, and I carry those lessons with me every single day.
To the hundreds of children I have worked with, you have brought so much joy into my life. It has been an honour to watch you grow, and while I may have been your teacher, I have learned just as much from you!
To all the parents raising children with Down syndrome, to the teachers and SNAs supporting them, and to the friends walking alongside them, I see you, I celebrate you, and I honour the love, joy, and strength you bring to the world.
Happy World Down Syndrome Day!
P.S. Why Do We Wear Odd Socks for World Down Syndrome Day?
If you see people wearing odd socks on World Down Syndrome Day, it is not just a fun fashion statement—it has a special meaning!
This idea started because chromosomes are shaped like socks, and people with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome. Wearing odd socks is a simple but powerful way to celebrate uniqueness, start conversations, and show support for inclusion and diversity.
So, if you have not already, pick out your brightest, most mismatched socks and wear them with pride!
by Sr. Rita Kelly MMM Ireland 19.03.2025
Hope in him, hold firm and take heart, Hope in the Lord! Psalm 26.
This is a quote from Wednesday’s Evening Prayer in the Office of the Church. For some reason it keeps going around in my head! In to-day’s world, maybe we feel that hope is in short supply. Watching the daily news one can be overwhelmed with the news of climate disasters, wars and conflicts.
One of the conflicts, that saddens me is the news of war in Goma (Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo). In 1994, I volunteered to go to Goma in response to the emergency crisis in Rwanda. Refugees were pouring in from Rwanda to Goma. I was assigned as a midwife to the Refugee Camp.
One day comes to my mind. It was a very wet day, tropical rain pouring down. We were struggling to keep the muck and rain out of the tents. A lady was in labour. She was on a mat on the floor. I was praying she would deliver while we were in the Refugee Camp, because for security reasons we had to leave at night. After some hours, a healthy baby was born. First, the happiness on the mother’s face. A poet captures the scene by saying “The fond look from the mother’s eyes, with the newly born she holds with joy”. When the word of the birth of the child went around the camp, many of the volunteers and staff took a moment to come and rejoice with us. A moment of hope, a moment of grace.
Mother Nature is a great teacher. After a long dark winter, what pleasure and moments of joy we experience when we see the first snowdrops peeping through the barren ground. Gradually the crocuses, daffodils, the buds in the trees appear. Moments that lighten the heart. We look forward to the longer days and summer days.
“To be at the mowing of the meadows, the cutting of the corn, feel the fullness on the senses. Oh, the suddenness and wonder of a love that’s newly born.”
As a missionary order we experience the generosity of people, through finance, volunteers, staff and encouragement. But also, in our daily comings and goings we experience the kindness of people, the smile, the chat.
During these Lenten days may we remember the moments of hope and joy we receive daily. Lent is a preparation for the great celebration of Easter, the Risen Christ. We are journeying with Christ in His passion and death, but, also, with faith, hope and the knowledge that we will experience, participate and celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. May you have the blessing of the Lenten Season and the Peace of the Risen Christ.
(Quotes from Mystical Path with Poetry by Peter Owens)
by Sr. Margaret Anne Meyer MMM USA 15.03.2025
It seemed like such a flurry. Returning from my father’s funeral in New York and venturing to the airport a few days later to begin my first mission trip to Uganda. I do not recall packing but have a vid memory of Mother Mary. She had a big smile on her face when she gave me a chocolate mouse eating a piece of cheese. She said, ‘Bring this to the Sisters, dear, this will make them laugh.’ The next day I was off to London to get my visa for Uganda.
At that time, we had no house in Ealing, so I stayed with the Sisters of the Cross and Passion. They were truly kind and the next day I was brought to Victoria Station and knew that the Ugandan Embassy was somewhere in the vicinity. I had several hours to spare before my appointment in the Ugandan Embassy. As I was near Westminster Cathedral, I ventured in to make a visit for an hour with the Lord. Then I spied a Kentucky Grill and ordered a big piece of Mississippi Pizza for 40 p. I remember thinking that that was around 8 shillings in the former counting of English money. Anyway, it certainly tasted good. Then I sauntered over to Westminster Abbey and saw so many statues of renowned English men who had made history eons ago. Soon I passed Big Ben and the chimes sounded beautiful and clear as I walked by and soon found myself at the Ugandan Embassy where I speedily collected my visa and then proceeded to the Queens Art Gallery The security guard asked me if I were a student and I told him, “no”. He replied well you look like one, so he gave me free admission. One painting on the wall was more exquisite than the other but after a while I found a lovely lady in a painting called “Agatha”. I bought the postcard print of Agatha and sent it to Mom.
Then it was time to get the plane to Amsterdam. I took the Underground to the airport and when I got off; I did not know where to go. My father told me to follow the crowd and half the crowd went to the left and half took an elevator. I thought I would like to try the elevator and could not believe how my prayer to Daddy for direction was answered when I got off right in front of the locker where I had placed my luggage upon arrival to London. I was so relieved to say the least. Thank you, Daddy.
The plan was to meet Sr. Dr. Maureen O’Mahoney in Amsterdam and from there we would travel together to East Africa. This was my first missionary journey, and I felt a little prepared because one of the student nurses in the IMTH, Jane —– had been teaching me Luganda. To my dismay, a Luganda word for king, Kabaka, was on the front headlines of the paper we received on the KLM plane bounded for Uganda. “KABAKA Is Overthrown”. I knew that meant there was a coup, and the country would be in turmoil. I was very frightened. I was glad Sr. Maureen was with me but unfortunately, she soon traveled on to Tanzania after our landing at 2 AM in Entebbe, May 24th, 1966. I said in anguish, “God did you bring me all the way to Africa to have me killed”?
I got no reply but somehow the strength came to stay and to see what would happen next?
by Sr. Sheila Campbell MMM Ireland 12.03.2025
As we celebrate 50 years since Mother Mary’s death this year, I have been finding small nuggets of gold among the many memories of Mother Mary recorded over the years.
This is one of them.
“Sister Monica Prendergast (recently deceased in February this year) recalled that when the hospital was built in Drogheda, the chapel was placed opposite the telephone room. There were complaints that the noise from the telephone room could be heard in the chapel, disrupting prayer. Mother Mary commented, ‘I’ve been thinking about that – that God is in noise as well as in quiet. When I hear about an accident, I think of the staff going out and the patient coming in. I pray for them. The chapel should be in a public area.’ Perhaps this recollection illustrates most clearly how Marie Martin was a woman deeply aware of the world’s realities, who felt a call to contribute to its healing. With gratitude we celebrated her response to that call and the example she gave to others, encouraging them to share in the gift that she received.” Healing and Development 2017.
God is in the noise, as well as in the quiet. These are not words usually heard among religious people. But they gave me heart this morning as I listen to all the “noise” coming from social media, from our politicians, from complainers and protesters of every sort. Can I avoid the desire to flee from the noise and listen to the heartbeat beneath it? As Mother Mary implied, it is the world we live in, and we are called to reach out to the needy of this noisy, fractured world.
Do I also find God in the quiet? Of course, I do! I love walking on a wind-blown beach in Donegal, or sitting at a lake, watching the swans glide by. Especially those of us who are introverts need the quietness and peace, so for me the challenge is not to box God into any one place or situation. God is in everything – even the noise!
by Josephine Namutebi AMMM Uganda 09.03.2025
In John 14:27, Jesus tells us: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
This peace is a healing gift, but we must first receive it ourselves before we can pass it on to others. Healing is not a one-time act; it is a continuous journey, and in that journey, we find the capacity to heal others.
There are two kinds of people in this world: the patients and the healers. Yet, the healers cannot truly heal if they themselves remain wounded. We can only share what we possess—our experience, strength, and hope. For many of us who struggle, whether with addiction or other burdens, prayer has been a source of relief and renewal. But more than that, it reveals a deeper truth: healing is not only a personal responsibility but a collective one. We must “carry the message,” not just for others but for our own growth. Only by tending to our wounds can we guide someone else down the path we’ve travelled. If we focus only on others—their crises, their struggles—without attending to our own healing, our capacity to help is limited. The challenges we face are not obstacles; they are our greatest teachers.
Today’s world is filled with immense adversity: poverty, famine, grief, broken relationships, chronic illness, financial struggles, and the weight of uncertainty. These hardships are universal, yet how we choose to respond to them defines the healing we bring into the world. The more we accept healing for ourselves, the more we contribute to the healing of the world.
For me, as Josephine, I find this healing in prayer, faith in God, and sharing my journey with others. As Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, “He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Healing comes when we seek it earnestly, and when we allow ourselves to be healed, we become living examples for others. In today’s world, many are sinking into despair. Depression is widespread, and isolation deepens. We need each other more than ever. By lifting others up and encouraging them to continue despite the weight of the world, we become enablers of hope.
We do not heal alone; we heal together. When we rise, we help others rise as well. The only way to truly heal is to first allow ourselves to be healed.
by Nadia Ramoutar MMM Communications Coordinator Ireland 08.03.2025
It would make me so happy if we didn’t need to have another International Women’s Day. If things were going so much better for women that we could say “Oh, no need. Let’s not have it this year.” Unfortunately, the opposite is true. The theme this year “Accelerate Action” makes total sense. It’s not enough for us to “celebrate” women when so many women in the world are unjustly suffering. At the rate we are going, women are actually falling further behind even though we make up 51% of the world’s population.
According to Focus 2030’s research “at the current rate of progress, it will take 131 years to achieve gender equality worldwide.” Clearly, this statistic is beyond the current life expectancy of any human so none of us will be here to see if it is right. We seem to be playing on an uneven field where the goals just continue to move further away. In any category we select, women are generally doing worse. Education, health, violence, poverty… over and over we see that women are struggling globally to survive, let alone thrive.
What is also sad is that when a woman suffers, it is usually children that will also suffer. We have entire generations of children who will experience extreme poverty, starvation and even die from dehydration because their mother never stood a chance to make ends meet. At so many levels our MMM missions work to empower women and families so that they can be sustainably fed and keep themselves. The old phrase “give me a fish and I eat for a day, teach me to fish and I can eat for a lifetime” is the logic in creating a way to treat the entire woman and prepare her.
We have not found a way to correct for the injustice of gender inequality in the world, but we cannot give up hope in finding a way to do it. International Women’s Day is a way to remind people that the issues facing working women globally are still dire. It is not a way of saying that women deserve more than men, but to ask for efforts towards equity. For many of us working in this realm the ways of the world at the moment seem to make things seem even more grim.
The challenge here is to carry hope in our hearts and put that into action. We have to do something rather than throw up our hands and shrug. We are standing on the shoulders of giants in terms of efforts to empower women since the pioneering years of the MMMs. We will acknowledge International Women’s Day this year by standing up yet again and saying “yes, you can count us in.”
by Mary Essiet Nigeria 05.03.2025
I think people do not share enough about hearing a “yes” from God. We often hear stories of those who long for a “yes” but instead receive a “no.” Have you ever desperately wanted to clear your doubts on something by wishing that God would say no to you, but His response was a yes? Oh dear!
I feel that most times when people want God to say yes, it’s often because they already feel that the answer would be a ‘no’ but hope within them that He’ll say yes. So it appears easier to handle the outcome because it was expected.
However, when people want God to say ‘no’, the situation always seems different. You know that feeling when you sense something significant but try to run away from it? At that moment, you begin to doubt the authenticity of His voice. You question your spirit of discernment: why would God ask this of you? Ultimately, you wish that the cup would pass from you. Still, you pray, saying, “Lord, if it really is your will, please say yes.” And if you are like me, you give Him instructions and specifications of the signs you need to be sure it is a ‘yes’. Then, against all odds, you hear that dreaded ‘yes’. Sometimes He adds toppings because who are you to try to run away from His calls? Another Jonah?
When this happens, it doesn’t matter that it’s from the all-knowing God. You fidget. Fear sets in about how you’ll handle the demands of the task – the what-ifs, the why me, and all those swirling thoughts. It’s okay. You are not alone. Even Gideon doubted his abilities. He asked God for signs. Remember Moses, the one whom God used to free the Israelites from slavery? He questioned the Lord too, saying: “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?” If it helps, bombard Him with every possible question you can think of.
However, if you give it some time, you will see for yourself why. Because all things work together for our good, and the Lord makes everything right in His time. Moreover, His plans towards us are that of good and not of evil. So, trust in the Lord with all your heart, especially in those moments.
Take it one step at a time.
Peace!
by Nadia Ramoutar MMM Communications Coordinator Ireland 01.03.2023
I am such a lover of words that I receive a Dictionary word of the day. Often it is one I already know or have heard but every now and then a random word pops us and I am very taken with it. Meliorism was one such word. Now, if you have not heard it before either I wouldn’t be surprised but I think it is a word that we need to use more often and to actually bring to life.
A definition of Meliorism is ‘the belief that the world tends to improve and that humans can aid in its betterment.” According to the dictionary in 1877 British novelist George Eliot wrote about it almost claiming to have invented it though it was used about 40 years before. She used it in her letters and correspondence and really did try to advocate for it. But to little avail.
It most likely has its origins in the Latin word “melior” which means “better”. Considering the condition of the world at the moment, might it be a good time to really promote the concept that humans can make a difference and are capable of doing good in the world too?
As bad as the news can be, there are ways in which we as humans have shown that we are capable of making the world better for one another. We are also capable in aiding in its betterment. This is perhaps why I love working with the MMM because I am continuously uplifted by the efforts of the MMM Sisters and what they are doing and what they have done.
Recently, I was reflecting on the work of the MMM Sisters in medicine and treating people many years ago and realised how pioneering the efforts were and continue to me. If you don’t already do so I encourage you to listen to our MMM Podcasts and read more of our blogs. In there we hear the stories of the Sisters who casually talk about the miracles they performed in dire conditions.
We are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the death of Mother Mary Martin this year and it is stunning to see how her legacy lives on in the work of the MMM missions so many years after her death. Her vision was so strong that it sustains today and her faith was so fierce.
If we can get passed the fear of the modern politics, I believe it is essential we embrace this concept that humans can be and are capable of being agents of good in our world.
As we face the darkness each day, let us find within ourselves the light to shine on – regardless.
by Sr. Sheila Devane MMM Ireland 26.02.2025
In Ireland, as in some other countries, there is a special devotion to the Child of Prague. Brides seeking a fine day for their wedding traditionally put a statue outside in the open – preferably in the garden- praying that the rain stays away. This works with varying success – a rain free day in Ireland is a big ask and if it happens is a huge gift!
On January 25th here in the Motherhouse in Beechgrove, Drogheda, Ireland we planned a special celebratory event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of our beloved foundress Mother Mary Martin. January in Ireland is winter and can be a month of really challenging weather but it is the variation and changeable nature of Irish weather, especially at this time of year, that proves especially difficult for anyone planning a January event!
I decided to do my bit and play my part in beseeching God for a mild day or at least one without too much rain, snow, sleet, or storms so that guests could travel and the day be honoured. The forecast was looking grim, indeed serious, as the meteorologists, day after day, in the week leading up to the event warned of storms, orange alerts and most of all a red alert – the most serious weather alert possible- for the day before in what has been called ‘Storm Eowyn.’
A friend had travelled to Prague some years ago and decided to bring me back a gift: there it is the tiniest of tiny statues of the Child of Prague. It is sitting beside a teaspoon in the photograph to illustrate its diminutive size. Looking at it I wondered if something so small would “work” but, remembering that ‘small is beautiful’ , I placed it in a shrub outside the door and hoped it would not get lost in the soil or be blown away or indeed forgotten (by me!) I looked at it each time I passed and said a prayer ………..always asking for a mild day.
The bad weather forecast continued – not only was Storm Eowyn forecast but another storm with a Spanish name – Hermina – was coming on its tail. How could this be? So, Friday was to be the apex of Storm Eowyn and Storm Hermina was due to begin on Sunday morning.
I travelled to Drogheda on Thursday as all non-essential travel was banned in Ireland on Friday 24th and we experienced one of the worst and most devastating storms in our recorded history – as I write on Feb 3rd thousands of homes, businesses, and farms still remain cut off from electricity & phone connections and some are still without water too.
Fortunately, the east coast of Ireland did not experience the devastation of those areas on the Atlantic Ocean – all along the western seaboard. Saturday was a beautiful, dry, sunny, mild day in Beechgrove; most guests were able to travel and we had a memorable celebration unmarked by any weather catastrophe. On the following day, returning to Dublin, Storm Hermina was making its presence felt as the wind blew the car along the motorway, trees were shaking, it was raining and the grey sky was ominous.
We were blessed to have had a day of anniversary remembrance between the two storms, to have been able to gather, to travel in safety and not to have experienced the destruction and chaos prevalent in much of the country.
I am thankful to the Child of Prague and I think too that ‘the lady of the day’ – our dear Mother Mary Martin – once again worked her magic or miracle and made sure that we were able to be where we wanted to be. Travelling is so much part of our MMM lives and we all have weathered a few storms too – on that occasion we were certainly living between two of the biggest!
With gratitude for a very happy and safe celebration!
