MSHR Foundation Day 2025

Foundation Day Message to the Sisters

"Photo of MSHR Congregational Leader"
Sr Franca Onyibor, Congregational Leader

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.

Bishop Shanahan

On June 6th, 1920, Fr Joseph Shanahan was ordained Bishop of Onitsha in south-east Nigeria, where he had been on mission for twenty years. His mission was to bring God’s love to the people.  After dying in Kenya in 1943, his body was brought back to be buried in Onitsha Cathedral among his people.

Cause for Canonization

Bishop Shanahan’s cause for canonisation was initiated in 1997 and is still on.

People are encouraged to pray through his intercession.

 

Motto: Lord, That I May See!

Let Us Pray with Bishop Shanahan

Almighty God, You blessed your servant Joseph Shanahan with a deep sense of your presence in all of all of life. You inspired him with a great missionary zeal to spend his life in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Grant that we also experience Your Presence in our lives and give us the same generosity and enthusiasm for the spreading of the Good News.We ask that, if it be in accordance with Your Will, the holiness of  his life may be acknowledged by the church for the glory of Your Name. Hear our prayer that through his intercession we may obtain the favours we now request.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen!

“God is our good Father and He alone knows what is best for us and He always does what is best for us.”

“Love and trust Him with love and trust unbounded.”

   -Bishop Joseph Shanahan

Please inform the Vice-Postulator, Holy Rosary Sisters Convent at vicepostulatormshr@gmail.com or mshren2002@yahoo.com of favours attributed to the intercession of Bishop Shanahan.

With ecclesiastical permission.