On 8 December 2004 we, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart will celebrate 150 years since the time of our foundation. Fr Jules Chevalier, our founder, though small in stature possessed a huge heart and was motivated by a worldwide vision. His first concern was to act locally, trying to find answers for the needs of his closest neighbours. At the same time he had the heart of a missionary reaching to the ends of the earth. The motto he adopted for his followers expressed his universal zeal ‘May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved’.
  
 
Fr Jules Chevalier MSC
     
 
Not long after the foundation of the Society the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIII asked him to send missionaries to Papua New Guinea and the far flung islands of the Pacific.

And so today, inspired by Jules Chevalier, we find ourselves working in over 50 countries. We have accepted a huge enterprise and we know we cannot do it alone. Thus we throw open our doors to all who are willing to pray with us, to work beside us, and to contribute in any way possible to make the Sacred Heart of Jesus known and loved everywhere.
   
150 water tanks for 150 years
On pages 3 & 4 we have suggested a practical way of celebrating 150 years. Can we together supply 150 water tanks to people who do not have adequate drinking water?

Fraternally
Fr Adrian F Meaney MSC, Director — MSC Mission Office
The Four Candles
The four candles were burning slowly, The atmosphere was so silent, so quiet that you could hear their conversation.

The first said: ‘I am Peace'

However, nobody is able to keep me alight. I think I will go out. ’

Her flame decreased quickly and she went out completely.

The second said: ‘I am Faith'. From now on, I am no more essential, I have no reason to remain alight any more.’

When she finished talking, a breeze blew on her and put her out.

  
   
Sad, the third candle expressed herself in turn: ‘I am Love' .
I have no more strength to remain alight .

People leave me aside and don't understand my importance. They even forget to love those who are close to them . ’

And without waiting she went out.

All of a sudden a child comes in and sees the three candles extinct,

‘Why are you extinct? You should be alight until the end!’
 
Saying this, the child started to cry. And then the fourth candle spoke: ‘Don’t be afraid, as long as I have my flame, we can light the other candles. 'I am Hope.’

With shining eyes, the child took the candle of hope and lit the others
 

May the flame of hope never go out inside you during this year 200And may each one of us know how to be the tool this child needed to keep alive

— Hope, Faith, Peace and Love.
 
   
     
The main purpose of Mission Outreach, a newsletter of the Australian Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, is to inform the people of Australia about our mission work in the world today. We will suggest areas where you can support and assist the missionaries such as by:
(a) prayers and contact with individual missionaries;
(b) becoming lay, religious or clerical missionaries;
(c) giving financial and other support.
Design &Layout by Pixie Publications Pty Ltd, Burleigh Waters Qld 4220 Fax: (07) 55 200102
 
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