OUR NEW MISSION IN IRELAND

The first mission of the MSFS Congregation in Ireland under the auspices of the Nagpur Province was established on 31 March 2026 in the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore, marking a significant milestone in the Province’s missionary history. The Congregation had previously maintained a pastoral presence in Ireland through the English Province. Fr. Martin Griffin, MSFS, served as Chaplain at Nazareth House, Dublin, until 2016, followed by Fr. Sean Fleury, MSFS, who continued this ministry until his death in 2021. Since 2023, Fr. Issac John, MSFS, has been serving as Chaplain at the International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine at Knock while pursuing his doctoral studies in Rome. The establishment of this mission owes much to the initiative and missionary vision of Fr. Manoj Tirkey, MSFS, Provincial Superior of the Nagpur Province. He personally visited the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore and engaged with Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, whose openness and support helped facilitate the establishment of the MSFS mission in the diocese.

The new mission is a moment of thanksgiving as the Congregation's missionary charism takes deeper root in Ireland. The Nagpur Province has identified three principal pastoral priorities: forming and accompanying families; preaching and conducting Silent Inner Healing, Growth and Eucharistic Renewal Retreats, together with parish mission preaching; and promoting Divine Mercy devotion. To date, six Silent Inner Healing Retreats have already been conducted at Knock, and preparations are underway for an extensive programme of parish mission preaching in 2027. The present assignment is at Holy Cross Parish, Tramore, a coastal parish in County Waterford. The ministry includes pastoral care in four churches during the week and assistance in six additional churches for Saturday Vigil and Sunday Eucharistic celebrations. The shortage of priests in the region presents both challenges and opportunities for missionary service. Through this mission, the MSFS seek to proclaim the Word of God, strengthen families, conduct retreats and parish missions, and promote the message of Divine Mercy. With the establishment of the new MSFS religious community and the arrival of the second missionary, Fr. Lalji Pattathil, MSFS, the mission enters a new phase of growth and commitment, strengthening the Congregation’s presence and service to the local Church. The MSFS entrusts this new mission to God's providence, praying that it may bear abundant spiritual fruit for the Church in Ireland and the Congregation.