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Honouring Mental Health in Mbougong Mbouda Mission

Posted on May 23, 2025May 23, 2025 by admin

Honouring Mental Health in Mbougong Mbouda, Cameroon

The month of May is dedicated to raising awareness and support for individuals living with mental disabilities. Since 2020, when the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary (MSHR) began their new mission in the West Region of Cameroon, we have witnessed a growing number of individuals suffering from mental health conditions, often seen wandering the streets in distress.

Our Response at Holy Family Health Facility, Mbougong Mbouda

Currently, we are providing care for five individuals with mental illnesses at our Holy Family Health Facility in Mbougong Mbouda.

Our mission has expanded to include mental health care as a core component of our services.

Recognition and Inspiration

Two years ago, I submitted a collection of stories to the African Sisters Education Collaboration (ASEC), one of which focused on our mental health outreach.

The story received recognition and appreciation from the ASEC program. This acknowledgement has

deepened my compassion and strengthened my commitment to serve this vulnerable population.

With the support of our health management team and board, we officially integrated mental health care into our service package. Thanks to the generous support of ASEC, we received a one-year donation that helped us enhance our efforts.

Our Services and Impact

We provide comprehensive care addressing the following needs:

Basic and physical needs

Medical care and monthly therapy

Social support and interaction

Hygiene education and environmental awareness

These interventions have had a remarkable impact. The individuals under our care are showing signs of improvement — they are more stable, increasingly self-aware, and beginning to reason clearly.

Challenges We Face

Despite the progress, we continue to encounter significant challenges:

Families struggle to provide continued care and follow-up.

Limited infrastructure and resources hinder sustainable support.

Financial constraints persist; our facility is currently waiving medical fees, which is not viable in the long term.

Looking Ahead

We have achieved a lot, but the need remains great. With additional support, we can expand our reach and deepen our impact. The families are grateful, and the progress is visible. These individuals deserve our continued compassion and care.

A Providential Pilgrimage to Rome

Posted on May 22, 2025June 13, 2025 by admin

MSHR Reflections | A Providential Pilgrimage to Rome By Sr Chinyeaka Ezeani MSHR

“If anyone had told me…”

A couple of months ago, if anyone had told me I’d be present when Pope Francis’s successor appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, I would’ve laughed it off as a big joke!

But then came a call in February…

A Calling from Rome
Sr. Margaret Ledwith informed me that a General Councillor of the Sisters of Marie Reparatrix in Rome was looking to contact me. They wanted me to accompany them for one of their General Chapter days in May.

After some discernment, I accepted.

May 7: A Day of Grace
The day was filled with presentations, reflection, and deep spiritual sharing. Sisters from around the world joined via Zoom for a day set aside for nourishment and renewal. It was moving for them, and for me too.

That evening, I climbed to their terrazzo for aerobics, my eyes constantly drawn to the dome of St Peter’s and the Sistine Chapel. The first “black smoke” had appeared. We waited in hope.

Hope and White Smoke
On Thursday, May 8, I prayed white smoke would appear before my journey ended. After yet another black plume, I joined the faithful in St Peter’s Square—astonished by the crowds, media presence, and palpable anticipation.

Security was tight, and returning to the square after buying rosaries proved impossible through the same route. Exhausted, I went back to the convent—but remained alert.

Moments after I refreshed myself, I heard jubilant shouting. I glanced at my phone—white smoke!

Running to the Square
Like Peter and John after the Resurrection, I ran—joined by three sisters whose Chapter session ended the moment the white smoke rose. Using Rome’s hidden shortcuts, we reached the square in 15 minutes.

The atmosphere was electric. Even children and pets joined

the celebration. A sister beside me whispered in French, “How proud I am to be a Catholic!”

The New Pope Appears
Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the balcony. He was clearly emotional, his sniffles were audible through the mic. One phrase stood out: “Grazie, Papa Francesco!” Large lettering of that very phrase adorned a tall building along Via della Conciliazione.

It was a deeply moving moment.

A Pilgrimage of Gratitude
On Friday, May 9, I visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. I passed through the Holy Door and prayed at Pope Francis’s tomb before attending Mass in his favourite chapel.

Later, at the Church of St Ignatius—a place of many memories from my student days at the Gregorian University—I lit real candles for every MSHR, novice, aspirant, and friend.

Unexpected Reunion
Another joy was unexpectedly meeting my former professor, Sr. Mary Pat Garvin, on a Vatican street! We hadn’t seen each other in nearly 20 years. She was in Rome for the UISG Formators programme.

A Journey’s End
On Saturday, May 10, I headed to Fiumicino Airport. Despite a two-hour Ryanair delay, we landed safely in Dublin.

This journey—made possible by a simple “yes”—was full of grace, surprise, and joy. The Sisters of Marie Reparatrix repeatedly told me how blessed they felt by my presence.

And I felt exactly the same.

“God’s providence works in mysterious ways.”

MSHR Centenary and Documentary Zoom Event

Posted on April 29, 2025April 29, 2025 by admin

The Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary marked their Centenary Closing event and Documentary Launch on Zoom on 26 April 2025. The recording can be watched below.

MSHR Centenary Closing and Documentary Launch

Posted on April 27, 2025May 23, 2025 by admin

MSHR Centenary Documentary, Launched 26 April 2025.

A moving documentary highlighting the selfless missionary service of the Sisters as they bring compassion, hope, and healing to humanity.

Through powerful stories and real-life encounters, this film reflects the heart of their vocation— serving the poor and vulnerable with love, faith, and steadfast dedication.

Sr Franca Onyibor’s Earth Day Message

Posted on April 18, 2025May 23, 2025 by admin

Centenary Year Closing Press Release

Posted on April 17, 2025May 23, 2025 by admin

Press Release

Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary celebrate the conclusion of their Centenary year with gratitude and hope for the future

March 7, 2025 (on the eve of International Women’s Day), marked the end of a hugely successful Centenary year of joyful celebration of 100 years of dedicated missionary work of the MSHR to spread the message of God’s love and empower women’s lives worldwide… <<Scan and Read Full Text Below>>

MSHR Foundation Day 2025

Posted on March 8, 2025March 18, 2025 by admin

Foundation Day Message to the Sisters

Sr Franca the congregational leader marks the 101st anniversary of the congregation, celebrating the sisters’ dedication worldwide and encouraging them to deepen their ministry of presence.

She reflects on the joy of the centenary celebrations, inviting them to embrace the ongoing jubilee year, “Pilgrims of Hope,” by witnessing hope in their communities.

She also urges prayers for Pope Francis’s recovery and echoes his call to journey in hope while caring for the marginalised, including migrants and refugees.

She pointed out key updates, which include the 2024 General Chapter’s focus on synodality, trauma healing, and strategic growth. Sisters in Cameroon have begun trauma care initiatives, and efforts are underway to expand support to other regions. The Organisational Capacity Assessment is progressing and is crucial for

future funding.

The much-anticipated centenary documentary is near completion, while the Generalate’s move to Killeshandra House, Cavan, will begin in April. The letter also celebrates 15 Jubilarians and provides every sister with a copy of The Second Burial of Bishop Shanahan to

reconnect with their Founder’s spirit.

She expresses solidarity with sisters facing political shifts in the USA, conflict zones, and global injustices, reaffirming the congregation’s mission for peace and justice. The Nonviolent Communication (NVC) program in Nigeria has fostered reconciliation

across diverse groups.

Ahead of International Women’s Day (March 8), she calls for renewed action on gender equality. She closes with a blessing from Bishop Joseph Shanahan, wishing every sister a richly blessed Foundation Day as they step forward in faith and hope.

Centenary Grand Finale

Posted on August 28, 2024May 23, 2025 by admin

Photo Story

On August 3, 2024, the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary celebrated their 100th anniversary at St. Patrick and Felim Cathedral in Cavan. The event included a Mass led by Bishop Martin Hayes, featuring a meaningful procession, a graceful East African dance, and a vibrant multilingual choir.

A joyful photo session captured the centenary spirit, with sisters celebrating silver, golden, and diamond jubilees honoured in group photos.

The festivities continued at St. Patrick’s College Hall, where a PowerPoint presentation highlighted the congregation’s rich history and global contributions to education, healthcare, and social justice. It was a fitting tribute to a century of Mission.

Pilgrimage to Kildallan

Posted on August 28, 2024January 28, 2025 by admin

Pilgrimage to Kildallan

The Holy Rosary Sisters went on a pilgrimage to Kildallan and Killeshandra in Kilmore Diocese, special places associated with the MSHR foundation story. The people of Kildallan welcomed the sisters and prayed with them at Mass in St Dallan’s Church.

The Key celebrant was His Lordship Dr. Martin Hayes, the Catholic Bishop of Kilmore Diocese. It was a beautiful and simple ceremony, with people present who had fond memories and connections with the “Killeshandra Nuns,” as the sisters were popularly called. After the Mass, the congregation proceeded to the grotto, where a chair donated to the sisters as a memoir of their spiritual impact on the people of Kildallan was unveiled. The unveiling took place amidst singing, dancing, reflection, and prayers.

Photo Gallery

Everyone moved joyously to the tree-planting part of the pilgrimage. The tree would stand as a sign of the special connection and bond between MSHR and the people of Kildallan. The reception followed immediately with eating, drinking, and sharing lovely stories and memories of the sisters from way back.

The sisters left immediately for Killeshandra their first home. It brought back beautiful memories. Though the property no longer belongs to MSHR they have erected and preserved a monument and cemetery for posterity. These were the two key spots visited during the pilgrimage. Sisters took photos posing close to the memorial and later proceeded to the graveyard where prayers were said for all the deceased.

Pilgrimage to Co. Tipperary

Posted on July 31, 2024January 28, 2025 by admin

PILGRIMAGE: CO. TIPPERARY

Photo Story

Borrisoliegh

The Holy Rosary Sisters set out on the 13th of July 2024 on a pilgrimage from Mount St. Annes Portalinghton, the Congregational 16th General Chapter venue to Borrisoleigh in Co. Tipperary Ireland the birthplace of their founder, Bishop Joseph Shanahan.

The Sisters participated in the sacrifice of the Holy Eucharist at the Church of the Sacred Heart and afterwards proceeded to a lovely reception at the parish centre.

The highlights of the day include the visit to the churches in Borrisoleigh and Templederry where Shanahan received sacraments growing up, the presence of two grand nephews of Bishop Shanahan, the visit to the grotto of Shanahan, and viewing the plaque donated by the students of Holy Rosary College Edenvale, South Africa.