by Nadia Ramoutar MMM Communications Coordinator 14.02.2023
The 14th February, St Valentine’s Day seems to have become some kind of commercial fiasco of chocolates, gifts and overpriced cards in much of the world. In some places, children give all the other children in their class valentine cards. Some people think of it now as a romantic holiday between people in relationship. Some people dread the day altogether and become Valentine Grinches like their cousins the Christmas Grinches. It does seem that whatever way we look at it, St Valentine’s Day does not really seem to be about the Saint at all anymore. A closer look at the origins of the holiday may explain why this is. For one thing, there may not even be only one St Valentine, as there are in fact several of them – and a Pope!
The original St Valentine is noted as a real man who died about 270 AD. His true identity however is still in question and why he became a saint. There are later accounts of the courageous acts of Valentine being a temple priest who defied Roman rule to marry couples in love. At the time, it was documented that single soldiers were better fighters so young men were not allowed to marry. This Valentine was beheaded by Emperor Claudius II for his romantic gesture.
There was also claims that Valentine was the Bishop of Terni who also continued to marry lovers also martyred by Claudius I. So it is not clear if this is the same person or two different Valentines. There is enough confusion here that St Valentine’s true identity is a mystery still though his name remains on the list of officially recognized saints. There are actually dozens of St Valentines on the Saint’s roster. As recently as 1988, when he was canonized, we have another one. St Valentine Berrio-Ochoa, a Spaniard of the Dominican order who travelled to Vietnam where he served as Bishop until he was beheaded in 1861. One thing for certain is that it doesn’t appear like the St Valentines had an easy path. Little is known about Pope Valentine except that he only served for about 40 days. So they are not a particularly lucky bunch either.
The reason for the date of the 14th February is also a mystery shrouded in confusion. Some believe it was to replace a pagan fertility holiday, others think it was the birthdate of one of the St Valentines. Somehow between Christmas and Easter, St Valentine’s Day falls to bless the loving people of the world.
Maybe the holiday of love being confusing in its origins is only fitting for a holiday of a state of being that, for some people, is confusing and shrouded in mystery. What might be an option for us now, is to see every day as a celebration of love. We can eat what we love, spend time doing what we love, go where we love and invest what we love with our time and effort. Why should love only be celebrated one day a year? Imagine living in a world where love is valued daily globally? What a difference could this make? If people valued love as much as money or possessions? It seems with so many St Valentines and so many stories of their valiant efforts (and quite a few beheadings!) that their sacrifice should not be in vain.
Here’s to celebrating love every day.
by Sr. Sheila Campbell MMM Ireland 12.02.2023
All of a sudden, the mornings are getting brighter and the evenings stretching out a little. At least that is true here in the Northern Hemisphere. But of course, it is not “all of a sudden”. I am just noticing the fact.
This made me realize today what else is going on around me that I don’t notice, caught up in my own dream world. So today I paid attention.
The first thing I noticed is the Sisters I live with. Each one greeted me with a smile and a “good morning!” I examined my conscience, how often do I pass by without noticing, or giving a grunt as a reply? Winnie, our receptionist, stood back to let me climb the stairs. This was the first act of kindness I noticed. Then, I went to get a cup of coffee and found freshly baked scones. What a treat! I remember in Brazil often longing for something like this, but of course, the flour was different, and it never felt the same as the home baking.
Today we had a lot of visitors in the house. They came to Mass and stayed for lunch. I noticed how the Sisters made each one welcome, helped the elderly with their coats, sat and enjoyed their company during the meal. I t made me feel slightly guilty as I scurried away to go back to my office. But I am grateful that others made the time and effort that I could not do today. Thank God for community life. Today the priest shared an African proverb. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, take a companion.” I liked that and am grateful all over again for the companionship of my Sisters.
The evening is closing now. We have just had a visit from a male voice choir. They came for Mass and entertained the Sisters for a short concert. I noticed one of our African Sisters really caught up in the rhythm of the music and swaying her body. She was enjoying it. I also saw the pride on the women’s faces as they saw their husbands perform. It was an enjoyable night for all.
When I begin to pay attention to the small details of life, I realise how blessed I am. Of course, life is not rosy all the time. I have my moments of worry, anxiety, and sheer panic when a publishing date is drawing close. But generally, God has been very gentle with me, and I can only stop tonight and say “thank you”.
by Sr. Noeleen Mooney, MMM Ireland 10.02.2023
There were no flashing lights or sudden inspirations. Initially I joined a medical missionary Congregation to become a nurse – no more, no less. There was a vague attraction of ‘missionary’ travelling, but it was not something I considered seriously at that point.
So you may ask – am I a nurse? The answer is no, and while it is true that when I was told I could not be one, the bottom seemed to fall out of my world. It is also true that this discovery was a small beginning into realizing that what I was about was not so much to do with a particular job of work, but with a way of life that was to call me out of my family, my country, but most of all out of myself. After all, coming from a family of two to join one of over four hundred was bound to leave its mark.
One of the greatest blessings is getting to know my ‘extended family’ as I travel or move house. There is a special bond because we are all in this together. There is a phrase in our MMM Constitutions which says that we live with people ‘chosen not by us, but by the Father’. I’m glad it is like this as, left to ourselves, our choices would be too human. One of our greatest needs as missionaries, that of belonging to a community where we can grow, might have become a cosy comfortable place instead. That might be nice, but I doubt that it would be life-giving for myself or for those I am called to serve. ‘being called to serve’ might sound a bit pious, but if Jesus could say “I came not to be served but to serve”, then I believe there is a lot I can do to try and make these words my own.
by Sr. Ese Idogen MMM Nigeria/Angola 08.02.2023
Never underestimate the power of storytelling! Some years ago, I was very excited as I read a story about the missions written by an MMM sister. I still remember the story. It was a difficult mission but it was challenging and yet thrilling. I admired the Sister, and yes, I really wanted to be like her. I wanted somehow to be part of that story. Some people call it wanderlust, a longing for adventure! Whatever it is, I am sure you know what I mean!
Fast forward to many odd years later, here I am on my first mission. It is almost a year now since I arrived in Angola. I still remember the walk from the check in to the departure. Though it was less than ten minutes, it was really a ‘long walk’. As I walked, I was excited I was going to my mission, but at the same time, there was a bit of tension and uncertainty.
The realization that I am moving to a new place in hope, to embrace a new culture, to learn a new language, all these became very clear to me. I felt my feet getting cold, but I remembered a returned missionary once told us novices ,“When you are sent on mission, you just go with the assurance that God has gone ahead of you”. That somehow calmed my anxiety. So here I am, making my baby steps. Holding on to old memories and making new memories. Making new friends despite the language barriers. Searching for common grounds because there are somethings that never change no matter how near or far I am; the sound of a laugh, the touch of a friend, the song of a bird, the warm hug of a child, a friendly smile…these things never change. So, I can begin from there!
As I reminisce about the Sister whose story I read some years ago, I begin to wonder what it was that really attracted me to the Sister. It wasn’t a kind of story that involved so much ‘great and marvellous” work. I was really inspired by her loving presence to the people she served. Her willingness to enter into their stories, their pain and their joys. The way she shared her story with so much simplicity and joy. She didn’t make it so rosy, neither was it all misery. As I have begun my own missionary life, I have come to appreciate more deeply the early missionaries whom, not minding barriers, crossed frontiers to reach out to others. Finding God on the faces of those they minister to.
I have not being able to delve fully into my own story like the Sister whose story inspired me, but one thing is certain, I have begun my baby steps.
by Nadia Ramoutar MMM Communications Coordinator Ireland 06.02.2023
I love learning new things and blogs are the ideal place to share such gems with other people. I recently found out that the word February is one of the most commonly misspelled words in the English language. It is often appearing misspelled even on calendars! Why is February such a short and tricky month? The word comes from the Latin word “Februum” which mean purification. Speculation is that February was the time of year that the Romans had an early spring cleaning festival. Forgive me if you live in the other hemisphere as February marks the end of Summer!
So in this part of the world, February is the time of year when days in this part of the world are starting to get longer and there are hints of Spring in the air. Early blooms are starting to appear. The idea that Winter is on her way out is starting to sink in. Daffodils, Snowdrops, Crocuses and Irises start to appear in full colour here in Ireland, letting us know we survived another winter. Phew!
Spring marks a time of new beginnings and getting rid of what no longer serves us. When we think of getting a jump start on Spring cleaning, perhaps a good place to start is with our thinking! As we ease on into the second month of the year, it is a good time to evaluate how well things are going so far. We have an opportunity to look at what we believe to be true, and to question if things are as we want them to be. We can do some sprucing up of our ideas. Are there negative occurrences in our world that we are slow to question?
Recently, I read an article that for the first time in a long time, sexual trafficking numbers are starting to go down because of more effective ways of disrupting the trafficking rings. Sisters involved in counter human trafficking like our MMM Sisters, are intervening in the way children and vulnerable women are being recruited or tricked by traffickers. Going into vulnerable communities and educating people about these real dangers is making a difference. Standing between the community and the traffickers is paying off, though it take enormous courage to do so.
As we Spring Clean our cupboards, closets and wardrobes, imagine if we also clean up our communities. Imagine us questioning some of the ills and abuses that have gone on for a long time. Recently, when I was out for a walk I saw wrappers and cans left on the ground. I picked them up and put them in bins and recycle places. It didn’t take me long but I grumbled at first “Why should I pick this up? I didn’t leave it here.” I laughed at myself as I cleaned up. I think lots of us questions why our lives need to be about cleaning up other people’s messes. But the truth is a mess is all our mess.
So, for our Spring cleaning I invite you to join me in cleaning up not only my possessions but the ideas I hold dear. I hope to expand my thinking to find ways to make the world better for everyone, not just some. I want to be part of cleaning up what or has been neglected. Let’s make February a time of purification.
by Sr. Cecily Bourdillion MMM Ireland 04.02.2023
As Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was laid to rest in the crypt below St. Peter ‘s Basilica on 5th January 2023 I remembered when I had seen him in person. Pope Benedict made an historic visit to the UK in 2010. During the visit, he beatified John Henry Newman on 19th September at Cofton Park, Birmingham.
I was on leave from Malawi visiting family in England. My sister living in Cambridge asked me if I would like a ticket to attend the Beatification. I was delighted with the offer. And so it was that I joined my sister her husband and one of her daughters on the pilgrimage to Cofton Park. With the ticket came a package containing information about the event that was to take place. It contained a brief history of John Henry Newman and a CD telling of the motto he had chosen for himself- COR AD COR LOQUITUR – Heart speaks unto heart.
The pilgrimage began with the preparation of a large picnic basket that would provide us with breakfast and then lunch. My sister was always good at preparing a picnic basket and she had willing hands to help her. We set our alarms for 2 am as we needed to be at the bus station for the 3.30 am coach to Birmingham. It was not punctual, so we waited around with no shelter from the cold and rain except our umbrellas.
At last, the coach arrived and we embarked. At that hour of the night there was not much conversation and soon heads were nodding. As we drew nearer to Birmingham the progress became slower. I woke from sleep to look out in wonder at so many coaches in front and behind us. They were at the roundabouts, coming from all directions, all heading for Birmingham. There was strict security. The coaches parked a good distance from Cofton Park. We disembarked with our raincoats, umbrellas, ground sheets and picnic basket and got ready for a long walk. Tickets were checked and so were we at a security barrier.
We were among the 50,000 people attending the Beatification of John Henry Newman. We were all walking in the same direction – to Cofton Park! As we walked along a wet road the new day was dawning so we could see the way and enjoy the lighting up of the world around us. We reached the park. It was a large area of sweeping, grassy hills looking down towards the large altar erected for the occasion, a perfect natural stadium. We chose our patch and arranged our ground sheets and stools and prepared for our breakfast. There was an atmosphere of excitement and togetherness. There was a light rain, but suddenly we heard the sound of the helicopter bringing Pope Benedict to us and the rain stopped and the sun came out. Pope Benedict began the Mass and a good choir helped to lift up our hearts.
It was wonderful to be there cheering and clapping and praising God when Pope Benedict declared John Henry Newman Blessed. Blessed John Henry Newman’s face appeared on the large screen at the side of the altar. A very sacred and special moment!
In his homily, delivered in English, Pope Benedict highlighted the virtues and qualities of the one who he had just declared “Blessed.” The Church recognized the holiness of a Confessor, a son of this nation, who bore eloquent witness to Christ. He spent his long life devoted to his priestly ministry, preaching, teaching and writing. He also cared for his people in Birmingham, ministering to the sick and needy and visiting prisoners. His motto was ” Cor ad cor loquitur” which is “Heart speaks unto heart”. This gives us an insight into his understanding of the Christian life as a call to holiness. It expresses the profound desire of the human heart to enter into communion with the Heart of God.
John Henry Newman understood vocation, the call of God. He wrote that Our Divine Master has assigned a specific task to each one of us, a definite service. ” I shall do His work; I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place if I do but keep His commandments and serve Him in my calling”.
In the Popemobile Pope Benedict was taken through the large crowd, blessing us and bidding us farewell. Then he entered the helicopter and was gone from us.
By Sr. Prisca Ovat MMM Nigeria/Kenya 02.02.2023
Pope Francis cries once again in a voice louder than we have ever heard. It is climate change and care of the earth. As young people growing up in an environment where whatever little was available was rather misused for lack of the concept of recycling and preservation. For several generations and seemingly for many more, “pure water” has been heavily relied upon in a population of over 200m people. Consumed by a desire to advocate for the earth, I reflect on how many of these empty sachets litter the streets, streams, and drainages. I still see them today. In view of the fact that the use of pampers is a great convenience for mothers, however the discipline of proper disposal is lacking. They are discarded all over the streets, and in drainage. We never miss coming upon stray pigs feeding off them. This is only to mention but a few examples. Environmental contamination is one way of spiting at the creator for giving us all we have. So we forget gratitude. We are too comfortable to give thanks, to recycle because we can create what we want, when, and how, no longer out of necessity. Recycling becomes unimaginable when one is settled in life, and at the expense of younger generations.
Why does it appear mostly that we care less? “The worse thing” as Pope Francis puts it, is that “we are becoming used to a terrible illness.” So, if we know that in half a century, millions of people will be displaced by climate change, does it not call for a change in attitudes? The enjoyment of today and for as long as we live is not all that matters. This generation is the most vulnerable when it comes to climate change, and it will be worse for future generations if this age group does not embrace radical advocacy for climate change. Since the Pope extended the invitation to both religious and secular leaders in response to climate change, how much has transformed? Or are we getting worse?
“Building a tower of human arrogance with bricks of power and economy by a few powerful people”, in the Pope’s words, was likened to the Tower of Babel where a brick was of more importance than human life. These bricks today are as high because humans have been compelled to work like slaves, and of course, no slave is of any importance as they are replaced at ease. So only the energetic are subjected to labour day and night creating what we see, purchase, use, discard, and purchase again. This is a fresh call for a new way of living, living for today, living for the future. I spend most of my free time learning all manner of crafts (fabric painting, baking, sewing, foot mat, soap, and rosary making) to empower my generation-that they may not depart from it.
We know what to do and how to do it. It is up to each of us to act.
by Nadia Ramoutar MMM Communications Coordinator Ireland 29.01.2023
Recently, the much respected Benedictine Sr Mary Lou Kownacki died after a long struggle with cancer. She was a major influence on Benedictine Sr Joan Chittister’s work. Sr Joan is a major influence on someone I consider to be a mentor, Sr Sheila Campbell, MMM. If we were to do a survey, I would find several younger women who consider me to be a mentor. It’s as if women mentor one another much like the trees do in the forest do. Let me branch out here and connect this thought for you. (Pun intended!)
Last summer, I was fortunate to visit a friend, Amy in Scotland who considers me a mentor to her especially in her work around inspiring and empowering young women and girls in Glasgow. I also learn a lot from her, and I feel the rapport is very symbiotic as they best relationships tend to be. We spend many hours strategizing ways to do more meaningful activities as there is so much to do in the world with so few resources for those who need it most. A lot of my work revolves around making life better for young women in Africa and Brazil through the MMM missions there.
As I seek answers to challenges in my work, I find that walks in nature really help me expand my thinking. I learn a lot from my time in nature about improving systems and making organic strategies that make life better for all involved. Taking time to connect with nature helps me grow as a person. I have a huge interest not just in trees, but in the way trees live in community, much like our MMM sisters do.
When in Scotland, I fortunately went to Ardkinglas Woodland Garden which is the stunning home to an arboretum with Champion Trees. These are some of the largest and healthiest trees in Europe. While there I read about how the trees connect in an underground network in which the older trees are sometimes referred to as the “Mother Trees” and will provide via mycorrhizae fungi, a complex web of connections. Resources are shared with younger or less healthy trees this way. The trees are able to even identify when neighbours may need to fend off an attack. Research shows the trees may be able to adjust the temperature around themselves too. Much more research is being done but what is clear is that the older, wiser and stronger Mother Trees play a crucial and harmonious role in the wellbeing of the entire forest all completely invisibly to the human eye.
We can learn a lot from the intelligence of nature. It seems as if we experience some challenges when we get away from an organic model of growth. We can all work together to help one another and be an essential part of the transference of nurturing, care and resources to those in need without any harm to our own wellbeing. We have not only an obligation, but an ability to make life better and easier for those who are younger or more fragile. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the many women who have mentored me over the years and now armed me with the skills to mentor a new generation of leaders.
Perhaps by stepping back we can finally see the forest for the trees.
by Sr. Sheila Campbell, MMM Ireland 29.01.2023
Let me begin by saying I am no spring chicken. I am 73 years old and still in reasonably good health although the wear and tear of the years is beginning to show. So, today, when I want to write about youth, I am letting you know that I am far away from that phase of life.
A few months ago, I helped a group of young people on a college project. They were all in their early twenties and came to the house despite all the Covid-19 restrictions at that time. The group was into film-making and came with a load of equipment. They were such an up-beat group of young adults that I felt good about life and the future for a long time after that two-day workshop.
It has made me think about how good the intergenerational mix is, how it keeps us all healthy. To the young, we elders can pass on our experience and whatever knowledge we have scrambled together during life. The young give us a zest for life, a belief in the future, hope and sheer radiant joy. I love their energy, their passion. Sure, they see things differently, but they are growing up in a different world than the one that formed me. When I was young there was no Internet and thus, I was not as aware of the problems facing other countries. There was no talk of climate change then. What impressed me most about this group, male and female, was their decision-making was based on ethical thinking. I wonder was I as wise or mature when I was their age. Probably not.
So, for all of us in the “older generations”, be it parents, grandparents or, in my case “Auntie Sheila”, let us be glad and rejoice in our young people. I trust them with carrying on God’s message of love and care. They will save our planet and help us oldies pass peacefully into a fuller life.
by an MMM Sister Ireland 27.01.2023
Editor’s Note: Today is the anniversary of Mother Mary Martin’s death. As a tribute to her we share the story of one of our MMM Sisters who met her as a child.
I first met Mother Mary Martin in the International Missionary Training Hospital (IMTH) in Drogheda in the 1960’s.
One evening I, with my mother and brothers, had gone in to visit my father, who was a patient in the hospital. On arrival a nurse on the ward informed my mother that we could not accompany her to the ward to visit my father. The patient beside him was seriously ill. We were advised to sit on chairs outside of the Chapel and opposite the Nurses Station, just up from my father’s ward.
After a short time one of the Sisters came along, sat down with us and proceeded to chat to us asking our names and who we had in the hospital. I recall explaining my father was in the ward down the corridor, that my mother was down visiting with him and how we were unable to go down as the other man in the ward was very sick. The Sister listened and then went over to speak with the nurse. Then she came back and said to us “we can go down to the door and say “hello” to your father for a few minutes”. I still remember the excitement as we walked quietly with Sister down the corridor. There was a look of joy on my father’s face when our heads appeared around the door. No words can adequately explain the sheer delight and relief as a child I felt to see my father well again and sailing. The Sister then accompanied us back to our chairs to wait for my mother. She continued to chat with us and assure me that my father was doing well and would be home soon! She then, with a warm and gentle smile, bade us farewell.
When my mother returned to us from visiting, she asked me “Do you know who that Sister is”? She explained to me that she was Mother Mary Martin, the woman responsible for this beautiful hospital. I remember asking my mother afterwards, “Why she built the hospital”. My mother explained how she had founded the Medical Missionaries of Mary Sisters, the ones we often met in town and why she had done so.
Many years later my father, chatting with me then as an MMM, recalled that night and the sheer joy he experienced. He marvelled too how this busy woman who carried such responsibility, and many concerns could notice three small children sat on a corridor and find time to talk with them, allay their fears and bring them so much joy!
Mother Mary was still alive and here with us as the Motherhouse when I joined MMM. Mother was then frail and the Sisters were caring for her. I had the privilege on a few occasions of helping to care for her and then and later on our missions reflected on that first night I met her in IMTH. Reflecting on my own experience and hearing other Sisters and Staff over the years share their stories of meeting, living and working with Mother Mary, I am challenged to be that healing loving and caring presence she was to the little and the great.
