Oct 8, 2026
The summer season was jam-packed at the Fr Jules Chevalier MSC Mission Centre in Lapu-Lapu City, in the Philippines. Their Facebook page has been keeping us updated with a whole host of wonderful photos that give us a glimpse into the busy and productive ministry and community in this warm and welcoming space.
Corpus Christi was a beautiful occasion on June 10th, presided over by Rev Fr Cirilo Asister Jr. MSC, and with the perfect musical accompaniment from the choir of the Fr Jules Chevalier Mission Center Music Ministry.
The mission centre welcomed Fr Jaime Duero MSC to the fold at the end of June, with great joy and excitement at this new arrival. “The Fr. Jules Chevalier Mission Center Community warmly welcomes you with joyful hearts and prayers,” posted their Facebook page. “May your presence among us bring renewed faith, hope, and inspiration as we continue our mission of serving God and His people.”
MSC scholars at the centre have continued with their Monthly Values Formation Programme throughout the summer, led by Mr Benny Tan. “Through reflection, dialogue, interactive activities, and faith-sharing, the scholars are encouraged to become compassionate, responsible, and mission-oriented leaders in their families, communities, and the Church,” the Facebook page explains.
The centre regularly plays host to feeding programmes for vulnerable families in the community, with an outreach programme sponsored by the Saint Egidio Community at the end of June. “Your generosity and compassion brought not only nourishing meals but also joy, hope, and smiles to the children and families in our community,” wrote the Mission Centre team. “Together, we continue to make a meaningful difference—one meal, one act of kindness, and one heart at a time.”
The Patronal Visit of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart took place through the last weeks of July, with the image of Our Lady visiting several chapels in the area, in a beautiful celebration of prayer and thanksgiving. Ceremonies took place at the Our Lady of Fatima Chapel in LEUPA, the Our Lady of All Nation Chapel in BNCA/Kolo, the San Vicente Ferrer Chapel, the San Isidro Labrador – Tangke Chapel, and the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception – Modena Subdivision, all across the region of Barangay Basak in Lapu-Lapu City. Even bad weather on some occasions didn’t deter the faithful, and special Masses were said at each visit, with guided reflection and prayer for the communities gathered.
Preparations abounded for the 2026 General Assembly, which took place on August 9th with the theme of ““Journeying Together as a Listening Church: Building Communities of Hope through the Mission of the Sacred Heart”.
“The assembly provided an opportunity to share updates, present reports, discuss community concerns, and develop recommendations and action plans for the mission center,” reported the Mission Centre’s Facebook page. “The gathering also strengthened collaboration, unity, and shared commitment among the different communities and ministries in serving the people and continuing the mission of the Sacred Heart.”
As the Centre moves ahead into the autumn months, we wish our MSC brothers and the community there every blessing for an equally fruitful autumn and winter season. May God bless and guide them as they continue in their untiring ministry to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in the region.
Images via the Facebook page for the Fr Jules Chevalier MSC Mission Centre.
Aug 27, 2026
In a beautiful celebration of togetherness and faith, the Fr Jules Chevalier MSC Mission Centre in the Philippines spent the month of May marking Flores de Mayo, in honour of Our Lady.
As the month began, the Facebook page for the Fr. Jules Chevalier, MSC Mission Center sent a welcoming invite to all who might wish to participate:
“Join us in honoring Mama Mary through prayer, devotion, and community. Let us come together with hearts full of faith and gratitude as we celebrate this beautiful tradition.
Bring your flowers, rosary, and joyful spirit as we offer love and devotion to the Blessed Mother. ”
The photographs shared throughout the month showed a wonderful display of unity and community in honour of Our Lady, “where every smile, flower, and moment reflects devotion and joy. ”
From artwork, processions, and prayer, to games, music, and song, this was a truly special event, bringing local youths and their families together in a touching tribute to the Blessed Mother.
“Under the flowers and prayers, we celebrate faith, beauty, and devotion. ,” posted the Facebook page for the Fr. Jules Chevalier, MSC Mission Center.
“Flores De Mayo 2026 — a tradition filled with grace, love, and gratitude to our Blessed Mother. ”
Images via the Facebook page for the Fr. Jules Chevalier, MSC Mission Center.
Aug 20, 2026
It has been a busy summer for our MSC community in the Philippines, with the MSC Centre for the Poor hosting community development sessions and their annual Scholars’ Summit, while the Philippine Province also welcomed four new postulants for the new formation year.
Community bonding
June saw a two-day community bonding programme for the staff, scholars, and volunteer community of the MSC Centre for the Poor, in a “meaningful and joyful” experience in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur.
From June 12th – 13th, the team worked on a communication programme, meditation sessions, and fun team-building activities. One of the main focuses was on “the importance of honest and trusting communication as the foundation of a healthy community,” explains the Facebook page for the MSC Centre for the Poor.
“Filled with laughter, fellowship, and valuable insights, the two-day gathering strengthened relationships and renewed the community’s commitment to journey together in unity and service.”
Celebrating a new missionary journey
On July 14th, the Philippine Province formally welcomed four new postulants for the new formation year, in a special Mass celebrated by Provincial Superior Fr Edwin Borlasa MSC.
The Facebook page for MSC Philippines shared photos of this wonderful event, posting from Valenzuela City: “Join us in praying for our brothers Nichols Miano (Pagadian City), John Paul Nudalo (San Francisco, Camotes, Cebu), Mark Lemuel Plata (Batangas City), and Jennel Barzo (Bantayan Island, Cebu).”
Scholars’ Summit 2026
Finally, the end of July brought the 2026 Scholars’ Summit for the MSC Centre for the Poor, at Kamalig Rest House in Brgy. Sabang, Butuan City, with the theme: “Committed to Grow, United to Serve, Building a Better Community Together”.
This gathering takes place every year, and serves as a “meaningful and successful” way for the scholars to “reflect, grow, and prepare for the year ahead”.
“The program began with a meaningful formation on self-awareness and life’s processes, followed by the planning of the scholars’ activities for the entire year,” posted the Facebook page for the MSC Centre for the Poor. “The summit concluded with a creative Group Mandala artwork, symbolizing unity and shared purpose. The following day, the activity culminated with the blessing of our scholars during the Holy Mass.”
As ever, our prayers are with our brothers in the Philippines as they continue in their remarkable work, from emergency aid in the face of natural disaster, to dedicated sustainability practices encouraging self-sufficiency and ecological awareness while providing poor and disadvantaged communities with the skill sets and means to build a positive and productive future.
Images via the Facebook:
The MSC Centre for the Poor
MSC Philippines
Aug 13, 2026
The MSC Centre for the Poor and the extended community in the Philippines have been working throughout the summer to bring aid to survivors of an earthquake and flash flood that devastated the region of Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, in July.
“Help is on the way!” posted their Facebook page in mid-July. “The MSC Center for the Poor team is on its way to Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental to bring hope and support to families affected by the recent earthquake and flash flood.”
The team were armed with a plan to support 250 families affected by the disaster, through the distribution of relief packages and Psychological First Aid. “Together, may we become instruments of compassion and hope for our brothers and sisters,” wrote the Facebook page for the MSC Centre for the Poor.
Two days later, the Facebook page posted news of the team’s successful arrival at the relief site. “Despite the challenging and hazardous road condition, the MSC Center for the Poor Relief Team has safely reached one of the communities severely affected by the earthquake and landslides in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental,” they wrote.
Finally, on July 18th, the relief team posted news of a successful mission accomplished. “The MSC Center for the Poor successfully carried out its Relief Operation and Psychological First Aid for families affected by the earthquake and flash floods in Brgy. Magulibas, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental last July 16, 2026. A total of 100 families received assistance through the provision of rice, food packs, cash support, and psychological first aid, bringing hope and comfort during this difficult time.”
The project aimed to reach 250 families, but extremely hazardous conditions made further travel impossible at this time. The mission still ensured that the emergency supplies reached those in need, although the full team were unable to get to the site. “Although our team was unable to reach the devastated community of Brgy. Nuing due to landslides that made the roads impassable, we were still able to extend our support by sending 150 sacks of rice, 10 boxes of drinking water, and food items through the parish to ensure that help reached those in need.”
“Despite the long, difficult, and dangerous journey, our mission was successfully accomplished through God’s grace and the generosity of many compassionate people.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the MSC Mission Office for facilitating the donation drive, to all our donors, benefactors, volunteers, and everyone who supported this mission. Your generosity has become a source of hope and healing for our brothers and sisters affected by this disaster.
Together, we continue to be instruments of God’s love and compassion. May God bless you all!”
Our prayers remain with all those affected by the earthquake and flash flood, and all who have worked so hard and given so much to help at the MSC Centre for the Poor and beyond.
Images via the Facebook page for the MSC Centre for the Poor.
Aug 3, 2026
Welcome to the Summer 2026 edition of the MSC Message!
• Read a special greeting from Fr John Fitzgerald MSC, Director of the MSC Missions Office.
• Find out more about our latest crisis relief aid in the Philippines, where approximately 500 families received crucial support following severe flooding and destructive fires.
• Read all about the five young men who are beginning their formation journey on the Mozambique mission.
• Catch up on the latest news from the mission fields, including updates from Cameroon and Ecuador.
• Join us as we take a walk down Memory Lane, in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the MSC Missions Office on the Western Road, Cork.
• Find out the latest updates from Fr Alan Neville in South Sudan, where we are helping to support a care programme for vulnerable baby twins.
Read the Summer 2026 edition of the MSC Message
