Tomorrow, June 4th, is the 150th Anniversary of the birth of Bishop Joseph Shanahan. In our June issue of Africa Magazine, Sr Chinyeaka C. Ezeani MSHR writes about this remarkable missionary who founded the congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary in 1924. He was also instrumental in the foundation of St. Patrick’s Missionary Society founded by Fr Pat Whitney in 1932.
“Whenever history speaks of the great Irish Missionary Movement of the 20th Century, the name of Bishop Joseph Shanahan stands out. He is renowned as one of the most prominent of the sons and daughters of Ireland who gave their lives to the mission of Jesus Christ across the globe. This year 2021 marks the 150th anniversary of his birth. A native of Glankeen, Borrisoleigh parish, Co Tipperary, Joseph Shanahan was born on June 4th, 1871, fourth of the eleven children of Margaret Walsh and Daniel Shanahan.…
Over the years, various people have written about him. Some have remarked on his outstanding zeal and contribution to the Church’s missionary endeavour. He is also remembered for his simplicity, nobility of character, spirituality, and sense of the pervading presence of God in all things. His Christ-like love for everyone in whom he recognised God’s image was also remarkable.”
Read the complete article by Sr Chinyeaka on pages 16 to 19 of our June issue.
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Mass in commemoration of this great Irish missionary will be celebrated in St Brendan’s Parish, Coolock, Dublin, on Friday June 4th 2021 at 12.00 noon (Irish time) by the Papal Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Jude Thadeus Okolo. It will be available on St Brendan’s parish webcam at: http://www.stbrendanscoolock.org