by Nadia Ramoutar MMM Communications Coordinator Ireland 04.06.2024
Turbulent Skies Reflect Climate Change in new ways
For many of us who care deeply about ecology and the impending challenges caused by humans in regards to climate change can feel like rearranging the furniture on the Titanic. It is frustrating that so many people in the world are refusing to believe that it is true despite infinite amounts of evidence.
Last week however something happened that shocked the world of the wealthy. A person died on an airplane due to turbulence and several others were severely injured. Apparently this is very rare on a commercial airline but private planes have been majorly impacted by this new variation of deadly turbulence but we hear very little about it.
According to a recent article in the Irish Times ‘This phenomenon is caused by the meeting of air at different temperatures, pressure or velocity, where different wind patterns collide – not unlike boats suddenly encountering choppy waters.’
This article along with many others globally identified that the climate change is contribution to the new impact of not only more turbulence on airplanes but that it lasts longer and is actually rougher than before. The airline industry is unable to keep up with this apparently and needs to modify to prepare for it.
According to the article there is ‘evidence that turbulence is worsening with climate change, as CO² emissions affect air currents. Weather patterns are more disturbed with a warmer atmosphere.’ Paul Williams, a professor and scientist at Reading University have concluded that higher temperatures were increasing levels of turbulence encountered on transatlantic flights. By how much? Interestingly the incidents of severe turbulence increased by 55 per cent between 1979 and 2020.
For so long now some of the worst impacts of the climate change or climate crisis have impacted poor people and unfairly the very people who did not cause the negative impacts as they have very low carbon footprints.
Sadly, it may take things like travel for work or for pleasure being disrupted to really get some people’s attention. We are running out of road to speak in trying to get people who have the power, influence and money to listen to the pleading of people who care. It has been a discouraging and upsetting experience to see our earth continue to suffer and people in the West and Global North not care enough to do more.
As we look at this new development in aviation, is this what it will take to shake things up for people in power? When they are inconvenienced will the reality of the climate crisis actually sink in? Thankfully there are people like Prof Paul Williams at University of Reading who are making these findings public showing we are not imagining this. This climate crisis is real and the longer we wait, the worse it will get. It’s time to elevate our efforts.
by Sr. Bernadette Fadegnon Republic of Benin/ Brazil 02.06.2024
It all started with a visit after a parishioner shared with two of the Sisters about Maria, a woman in her 80s who had been an active parishioner but she was no longer able to participate in the community. She could not even leave her house due to her age, depression and ill health. Maria had expressed a wish to go to the old people home because she has no relatives in the city and, since she left the village in her youth and now with no siblings alive, she didn’t want to go back. The parish priest knew but took no action.
Like the attitude of Mary at the Visitation, we set out in haste to visit this woman. We arrived in a dark place like a hole. It looks like nobody lived there. It was a tight passage leading to a narrow staircase up to a small house. Thank God there was a bit of opening upstairs that allows air and light to enter. Maria again expressed her desire to go to the old people’s home. Why? She said that it was not just a desire but a necessity.
We left her and agreed that one of us would make inquiries and see the possibility of bringing forward her request. We had no idea that looking for an old people’s house for her was going to be so quick! Sister Ana made contact with one of the old people’s homes of the Missionaries of Charity of Mother Theresa. They said they would visit Maria within a week.
The day they visited Maria, one of us accompanied them, on their way back from the visit, they made a short call sharing how excited and anxious the woman was about the old people’s home.
Following up on her case we went to visit her another day and it was one of the days she was very low. She was quite depressed. When I shared the message of the Sisters, she started asking a series of questions like “Who are there? Where is the place? How many people do they have? And the questions continued and finally she said she thinks that she can’t go because she is sick and this and that… Her fears and doubts seemed to expand at every word she spoke. That was a day of deep depression!
Here came a wise suggestion. The other older Sister who went with me whispered to me. “Maybe we should propose to her a day for a casual visit to the old people’s home so that she can see and have a feel of the place? Maybe that may help to provide answers to her questions?” I loved the idea and asked her to share it directly to Maria in the hearing of everyone. Obviously that was a smart idea that everyone liked. We suggested that Maria come with us and bring a second person of her trust to come with her. Then, I made an appointment with the old people’s home.
D day came and Maria was ready for the visit. The Centre, which is also the sister’s convent, was spacious, and clean. We met the other nine old women that were being cared for by the Sisters. Maria and her companion were shown around and the Sister answered some of her questions. Maria seemed to be happy and loved the place. On our way back it was obvious she was chattier though that doesn’t mean her fears were totally removed.
She thanked us as well as others. We left praying that the visit may help her to make the decision.
After three days, Maria decided to go to the old people’s home. We helped her make the move on the assigned day.
We kept contact with the Sisters through phone calls and we paid them a visit. She seemed to be keeping well and she looked well.
We thank God for the opportunity to express the MMM healing charism through going in haste and in collaboration with the lay people and the Missionary Sisters of Mother Teresa. May God reward all those who have been part of her story bringing food and or cooking for her and those who indicated her to us for our intervention. We are grateful to each one of them and especially to the Sisters who were very open and generous to accept her unconditionally, to give her care and attention. Maria had motivated a big solidarity among the women of the neighborhood. This case was a lesson for me, that being vulnerable is not just sad or bad. It can also be looked at from a positive side and open other peoples’ hearts and minds for their kindness.
We pray that all will go well for Maria and that she will find a home in the old people’s home so that there won’t be any need to come back to live alone at her age of 84 years.
by Sr. Irene Balzan MMM Ireland/Malta 31.05.2024
The feast of the Visitation is at the core of who we celebrate to be as MMMs and AMMMs.
Personally, this day always infuses me with renewed life and energy as I ponder on the loving and
spirit-filled encounter between these two amazing women – Mary and Elizabeth. This year the
Visitation comes just two weeks after Pentecost. It offers us a quiet moment of reflection in the
midst of all that is happening around us. The encounter of two women – waiting, tending to the
unanticipated seed of new life deep within each one of them, supporting one another in a time
of great uncertainty- and of incomprehensible joy and wonder in knowing that God had chosen
them as the carriers of his saving message.
But also, two women whose plans were disrupted; turned-upside-down; intruded upon by one
who slipped into their normal course of affairs, sight unseen. And their lives were transformed!
And as they visited, they found in each other a kindred spirit, engendered by The Spirit. Mary and
Elizabeth…witnesses to the God of the impossible.
It seems that our world today is filled with crises of all sorts – wars; ecological devastation; the
massive movement of peoples around the globe, forced from their homes and livelihoods due to
conflict, climate change and its accompanying famine, drought, floods, fires; and perhaps the
lingering effects of a pandemic.
I wonder if we are still with the Apostles in the upper room not knowing what to do or what to
say; wondering how we can ever be witnesses of Good News to the ends of the earth in these
extraordinarily uncertain – and dangerous times. But Mary, strengthened and supported by
Elizabeth, is with us too. And she is waiting – as she did so many times before; gently reminding
us, today, that the God of the impossible, can never be outdone! So infused by this encounter
let us dare to hope and believe in the newness of life!
Mary and Elizabeth be our guides!
Like us all I sometimes think of Heaven. What will it be like there, what will God look like, what body will I have, and will I easily recognise everyone else? What will we all be doing?By Sr. Siobhan O’Keefe SHJM Ireland 27.05.2024
‘We are very sorry, there is no more active treatment that we can offer you, we are referring you for palliative care.’ These can be frightening words, even when they are not totally unexpected.
We are all fragile human beings and illness in its many guises can visit us uninvited at any age. Modern medicine has made wonderful advances offering cure or comfort to an increasing number of illnesses. Ethical medical research continues to expand offering a better quality of life to many who suffer. Sadly, cure is not always possible, and in such situations, compassionate care is a fleshing out of the Gospel where Jesus reaches into the heart of all who suffer with the touch and words of comfort, wholeness and peace The sick person needs to know that their voice is heard at every stage of their illness and in a particular way when they have reached a palliative stage of their journey. Many but not all wish to be told the truth about their condition by their doctors and the manner in which this news is delivered is important.
A private meeting where the sick person may have the company and support of a loved one needs to be set up where the sick person, clinician and their advocate can speak openly and honestly about their concerns, fears and hopes for the future. Some may wish to be on their own with their doctor and nurse and this too needs to be respected. Many ask families and staff to listen to and honour their wishes at this most critical time. Some may wish to ask what medical and nursing care will be made available to them and is it realistic? What are the cost implications and if so, who pays? Will the person be able to continue to live at home or is admission to Nursing Home or Hospice necessary? They may need help to put financial or legal affairs in order and may need the support of a Social Worker and Solicitor to do this. All will wish to be kept comfortable and every effort undertaken to keep pain or distressing symptoms at bay.
Depending on the nature and stage of illness, the person may have a list of wishes that they would like to enjoy while they are able. A chapter of a book may need to be completed, a favourite place visited or a grand-child welcomed into the family. Some may wish to celebrate their marriage to their partner or attend a child’s wedding. Reconciliations with family or others may be necessary before the person is able to complete their journey on earth and every effort needs to be made to help them to achieve this desire.
The search for meaning in their illness will continue, all the stages of loss and grief, like anger, denial and bargaining will bubble up at different or maybe unexpected times. The person and family throughout this journey need sensitive, compassionate understanding and support so that acceptance and peace can finally be found. The cultural and faith norms of the person and family must be respected and honoured. Where an active faith is present, the presence of a minister of religion and the reception of the Sacrament of the Sick or other ritual can be a source of healing and comfort for the person and family, enabling them to surrender their lives in peace to the God who is calling them home. Many wish to plan their funeral liturgy, both in its content, place and meaning, and the celebration of their life, these wishes should be given respect.
‘Palliative care accompanies the sick person and their family on this final journey, whether the care is at home, in a hospice or hospital.’
First published in the Sacred Heart Messenger, February 2021
by Jo Doyle Ireland 25.05.2024
When I linger on the mysteries of God, I realize that I don’t really know an awful lot. Pentecost, however, is one of the big mysteries.
I ask, what does Pentecost mean? Often the reply is, oh, it’s the coming of the Holy Spirit. So, I ask again, what does that mean?
Most answers don’t touch my core and certainly don’t touch me enough to change me.
The tongues of fire, large winds, speaking in tongues, all connote the presence of God. Remember Moses in front of the burning bush and unable to speak! Is union with God about Pentecost?
The coming of the Holy Spirit is a bit like pulled pork, it makes sense in bits and pieces. In one Corinthians 12, there is context to the Body of Christ, which is not a single part but many. Jew, gentile, Greek, slave or free, all seemingly were included into the Body. Is inclusion part of the meaning of Pentecost? Then there were others who were called into the body, after Pentecost. Saul the antichrist who became Paul. Of course, the apostles, who had experienced the fire of the Holy Spirit, somewhat like Moses and the women, these friends of Jesus who stood at the foot of the cross, Mary his mother, along with all the other Marys, knew something powerful had happened. Even though at the descent of the Holy Spirit Mary’s name is not mentioned in the Bible, the Church says she was there. Imagine if there were no women, there would be no life.
If we are all invited by the Spirit into the Body of Christ then can you imagine the variety of gifts, but the same spirit, what a diversity of life we would have.
Are we afraid of this? A variety of people with many gifts? Life would be boring without it. It seems the spirit is inviting us into the body to use our gifts for the common good. Imagine living where only the elite were invited to use their gifts. We would end up with small myopic closed off groups afraid of change, excluding others and terrified of themselves. This is the opposite of Pentecost.
To be a Pentecost survivor you need to have the courage to be led by the Spirit. Pentecost enlightens us and aligns us to the wants of the spirit. There are few certitudes walking this way, but those who walk with Him are not naive and are willing to be led and transformed into compassion and relationship. Spirit is about relationship and if you look close enough at life, unity is created by diversity where we discover a sense of belonging to the larger. When we cling to the smaller, however, oddly enough that emphasizes difference and can isolate and alienate.
Now back to Pentecost. One body with diverse gifts. Is this a gift or do we have to earn it? We think if we are good, we will earn God’s love but being open to unity, diversity and belonging is the gift that falls on everyone if we are open to receive it. Pentecost is a discovery of who we are and what part we play.
I look to Good Friday and the wounding. The descent, rising and healing of Resurrection and then the discovery of who we are with Christ. Karl Rahner says that the only future of the Christian Church is the mystical church. Is that the call to union, to die with Him so as to rise with Him and now to answer the call of the Spirit where we will belong to the larger body?
If you look at the Vatican structure, Vatican Square is really two arms openly embracing all people who walk into it, and in alignment with this same Spirit being sent out from that full embrace to the whole world.
Can you imagine a world if that was Pentecost!
Jo Wardhaugh Doyle is farming in Kildare with her husband Matt. She has worked in Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya, but more recently has worked with Sr Rita Kelly MMM doing the REAP programme in the Irish Missionary Union (IMU).
by Nadia Ramoutar MMM Communications Coordinator Ireland 23.05.2024
Recently, three friends of mine in their early 50s died only days apart. They didn’t know one another but I knew them all well. One died at her own birthday party of a massive heart attack. All three women were vibrant and loving family members who seemed so strong and resilient. But when death comes, that doesn’t seem to really have any significance. As my own birthday approached, I found myself fluctuating between being glad to be alive and being grief stricken with mourning. In these moments in between, the inevitable question emerges “What is the point?”
Such a question is the voice of grief without a doubt. I am sad for the children left without mothers at too young an age. I know that it is unfair that some people get to live very long lives and others do not – or is it?
What is stunning is that when we look around the world we see that certain things are not guaranteed. There is a very disturbing difference in the statistics on how long a person is expected to live based on the geography of their birth.
But, it is also clear that whether or not a woman survives childbirth depends in large part on her geography. On May 23rd we celebrate the Prevention of Obstetric Fistula to try and raise awareness to the whole world about this awful condition that is fully avoidable. After over 100 years of not seeing it often in the West the condition has recently emerged again in the UK. But sadly, we can see here again that it is only impacting a specific socio-economic group.
Seeing women die during childbirth or being profoundly scared so they can no longer experience any kind of quality of life is not just a medical issue, it is also a human rights issue. All women should be given access to what is needed when they are pregnant regardless of status, skin colour or age. Some of those dying are really still girls.
The MMMs have been pioneers in this area for many decades. We continue to provide essential ante-natal and birthing services to some of the world’s most poor and marginalised women. We will continue to expand our efforts and are able to do so through the generosity of our donors who pray for us and who contribute to our efforts.
We shall all pray that relief can be given to more and sooner. It’s only fitting that those who care about God, care about one another realising there are no “others” only us!
by Sr. Helen McKenna MMM Ireland/Tanzania 21.05.2024
Puskins is his name
He’s no more than a growing baby
gone from spoon-feeds to killing rats.
But there’s something special about our cat
He loves to contemplate.
I decide I’d like to pray
I position my cushion,
Sit cross-legged, armed with Bible and pen,
And in no time at all
Puskins has got the message.
Up he jumps, twists and turns,
Finds a comfortable position and curls up.
To be recollected he requires a few strokes
And a help with the scratching of his
pure black, shinny and now healthy coat.
He may even find a button
He’d like to kill and eat!
Then he settles down – just one more
Manoeuvre and he’s ready
He starts his mantra – one long continuous
Purr – rr – rr – rr.
This can go uninterrupted for quite some time
Then the sight of a big stray dog
or the sound of a passing fly
brings Puskins back to full alertness.
He has a look around, decides it’s not worth it
and returns to his restful purr.
I’ve watched this process now for
several weeks and I marvel at it.
How I’d love to contemplate so easily.
And I am to Puskins,
what God is to me:
The constant one, protector:-
“I sit in his longed-for shade.”
“As a child has rest on its mother’s knee…”
“Come to me, all you who are overburdened…”
“Be still and know that I am God…”
Lord, teach me to purr
To purr in the joy of your Presence
To come to you unarmed, just pawed.
Give me a greater longing
To sit curled up in your Presence
Lord, teach me to purr.
by Mary Essiet Nigeria 19.05.2024
Recently, I enrolled in a listening course as one of the requirements to join a listening group where people can just sign up to talk to someone. And it has been one of the best decisions I have made.
It reminded me of when I had tried to offer solutions to a friend’s problem, when in fact, she only wanted to talk. Poor me, I had even gone ahead to tell her to hope and trust in the Lord. But for someone who felt God didn’t love her anymore, I should have been listening more actively rather than passively with the aim of a response.
Severally, I have ranted to God and he never interrupted me. He is never about chastising me or suggesting a way forward, he allows me to go on and on with my complaints and that is in itself relieving and therapeutic. I believe that God wants us to let this healing of having a listener pass through us to others. It would make so much difference if we all consciously worked towards being great listeners.
In our world today, with so much noise around, active listening has become such a rare, yet powerful gift. Listening seems like a simple act yet so impactful. It gives room for connections and allows you to walk through the path of others, feeling the emotions in their whispers/words or even the absence of both making you better equipped to show empathy and compassion.
Today, the majority seem eager to speak, but few are willing to truly listen. However, I know we do, we wish to hear and understand others, the emotions in their eyes, fear in their voice, the increased heartbeat, we want to connect with it all. We want others to know that when they wish to speak, our ears are open and our attention undivided. We probably just needed a reminder.
Are you wondering how I knew? Haha… because there is so much we can achieve through it.
Listening is hearing without judgment
Understanding without interruption
Observing in silence
With compassion and zero pretense.
It means stretching out a hand
To those in darkness that they may hold
So that together we may walk the dark path with an open heart
Climbing the hills and valleys, crossing the bridges until we see the light
All these can be achieved by first, a strong resolve to listen with intent. Let us take one communication at a time, Poco a Poco we will make the world a more compassionate place.
Mary Essiet is a native of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, and a medical student who heals through writing.
by Sr. Rita Kelly MMM Ireland 17.05.2024
My first reaction on seeing this photograph was “I hope no -one will steal those poor man’s sandals.” This poignant picture was taken in Mount Street, Dublin. It is a photograph that has stayed with me. I wonder who is person inside the tent? Where did he come from? Has he a family in Afghanistan, Syria, Africa.? Wife and children? Did he leave his home, with the hope of a better life in Europe? Who and how much did he pay to cross borders of hostile countries and oceans? Is he still hoping or is he in despair to find himself in this country, at the western edge of Europe. Does he feel welcomed?
Coming from our own Irish history of emigration and at the same time a desire to be a land of a “thousand welcomes”, there is a sense of being overwhelmed. There were two protest marches in Dublin on the first Monday in May, a Public Holiday. One was an anti-immigration march, and the other pro-immigration. On 16th March when I saw on RTE news the big machines removing the tents on Mount Street, all I could feel was disbelieve. The last time I saw such images was in Nairobi and the Kenyan government breaking up the shanty towns. I did not think I would it happening in Ireland. How did we come to this state of affairs?
Immigration is complexed; there is no easy answer. I am living in Drogheda. Some months ago, the one and only main hotel in the town was destinated to be a centre for Ukrainian refugees. The local people were upset. There was no communication with them from the government. Post Covid, the local politicians, businesses and community have worked hard to improve the town to encourage tourists. The question was asked why were we not part of the consultation? There are many empty buildings in the town which could be upgraded. Sixty empty buildings were counted!! Another good point was made that if Refugees and Asylum Seekers were spread throughout the town, they would integrate quicker with the local people.
Difficult conversations are required at all levels. In many communities in Ireland there are already big issues in the lack of houses, health, and education facilities. Naturally then, there will be tensions when immigrants appear to get houses before local people who have been a long time on waiting lists.
I do believe in the good will of the Irish people. The Tent City has moved from Mount Street to the Canal. I am heartened when I hear the asylum seekers being interviewed and they say the local people and volunteers are kind. However, tensions and anti-immigrants feelings will grow if IPAS (International Protection Accommodation Service) has not the capacity and support to respond. The number of immigrants coming is unprecedented, but we are a rich country and have the resources.
Each person who comes to our shores is a human being with their own hopes and fears. I think of this man who put his sandals outside the tent, and I hope we will treat each person with dignity and not get lost in our conversations and debates.
Exodus 23:9
God of Love, I pray that You fill Your people’s hearts with even more compassion. I pray that the refugees and asylum seekers are not oppressed by those around them. I pray that people do not oppress the foreigners because we all know how it feels to be a foreigner or someone who does not neatly fit in their environment. Let Your people’s hearts be filled with empathy, let those seeking refuge be blessed, Amen.
