Memorial Mass for Jesuits missionaries and lay volunteers
The annual memorial Mass for deceased Jesuit missionaries and lay volunteers took place at Gonzaga Chapel, Sunday 12 November. Read the report below from Joe Munnelly of Irish Jesuits International.
Sunday afternoon was a great calm before the storm we had on Monday, and the autumn sunshine set a peaceful tone for this years Memorial Mass for deceased Jesuit missionaries and lay volunteers organized by Irish Jesuits International.
The Mass was led by the provincial Fr Shane Daly and he was accompanied by Fr John Guiney, Fr Charles Davy, Fr Joseph Wanhui Hao, Fr Hector Mwale & Fr Kevin O’Rourke. Fr Brian Grogan attended the mass on behalf of Eileen Kane, sister of deceased Ciaran Kane.
Many friends and relatives of missionaries who had passed on had gathered together and the mass was a time of quiet and reflection including a candle lighting ceremony in remembrance of loved ones and the lives of those who had dedicated many years to Mission and outreach to the marginalised.
Fr John’s homily was a joyous one recalling the lives of three missionaries who passed away this year. Two Irishmen, Fr John Russell in Hong Kong and Brother Gabriel McKinney in Chikuni, Zambia and Canadian Jesuit, Brother Paul Desmaris.
All three men left a positive and loving mark on the world from companionship to those in need of a listening ear to organic farming and tackling poverty. These men, like other Jesuits and volunteers, remembered yesterday have made a huge difference to the lives and communities in which they worked.
The mass was accompanied by beautiful music by Gardiner Street parish parishioners and musicians Brian and Berna Cunningham.
After the memorial mass people gathered for lunch to close a heartfelt day.
Finally, Irish Jesuits International are launching their Christmas gift catalogue which gives people the opportunity to make a huge difference to the lives of the poor and marginalised.
For more information, Call: 01 836 6509 or Email: [email protected]”
