Gracias Irlanda – thank you Ireland – greeted us from the moment we arrived at Trujillo airport to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Cork & Ross mission to Peru. Srs. Clare O’Reilly, Nora Anne Lombard, Josephine Keohane, Lily Hurley and myself, Maura Nagle left a snowy – frosty Cork airport and in Trujillo, the sky was blue, the sun shone brightly and the Irish tricolour mingled with the red and white flags of Peru. Hundreds had gathered with balloons, bouquets, banners and bands. We were left in no doubt that we were special in the hearts of everyone.

Thanks & Welcome

Over fifty years ago, Canon Tom Duggan left St. Patrick’s Parish in Cork and joined St. James’ Missionary Society, founded by Cardinal Cushing. Canon Duggan opted to work in Lima, Peru. Just six weeks after his arrival, he was studying Spanish and was running for a bus, when he collapsed and died of a heart attack. Bishop Cornelius Lucey went to Peru for the funeral and was invited to visit the sandy shanty towns outside the city of Trujillo. At that time, these areas were being inhabited by people from the mountains, who were looking for a better way of life, where there would be a chance of education and healthcare into the future. The bishop went back to Cork and very soon the people of Cork took over the shanty towns. Schools were built, healthcare centres were opened, churches were built and the Mercy Sisters began their missionary journey to Peru in 1966. Money was poured into the various projects and, though Ireland was not a rich country at that time, the generosity of the people was remarkable.

The Bon Secours Sisters also travelled to Trujillo and began their mission in late 1966. Both congregations have been present from that time and priests and Sisters have lived to see the wonderful development that has taken place in the fifty years since 1965. Time and space would be needed to describe the great developments that have taken place over these fifty years.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations that we witnessed would have to be experienced and will forever remain etched in our hearts. The people just wanted to say thanks. Huge banners were hung across the streets – Thank You Ireland – with the flags of Peru and Ireland adorning the banners. Many people would remind us of the days gone by, when their families depended on the rich milk powder that was sent out from Ireland – this helped to sustain them when many suffered from tuberculosis. Others reminded us of the good medicine we provided in the clinics, all from donations of money from home. Children were being educated for the first time.

It would be hard to pick out the highlight of our visit as there were so many outstanding events that we will never forget – one such being a parade in the Plaza de Armas in the city of Trujillo. The city came to a standstill and as guests of honour, the seven priests and five sisters from Ireland were seated on the viewing stand. The army and police – in full military uniform, led the parade. The National Anthem was played and sung, flags hoisted and in spite of the heat, it was very emotional to witness all the different groups that have been part of the Mercy and Bon Secours mission down through the years. It took almost two hours for the various groups to march past. Every parish was represented. St. Patrick featured on many banners and tee shirts. Catherine McAuley was very much in evidence in the banners and tee shirts of all associated with Mercy. Our Mercy Sisters marched with their groups. After this huge display we marched to Miraflores Cemetery where a special tent was erected and Sisters and Priests, who had served on the mission and who have since died, were remembered in a very moving tribute. Each name was called out and prayers said for each one.

Welcome

Every parish hosted a day of celebration. Quotations from the new Testament were written over the altars “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news,” “the grain of wheat must die.”  Masses were celebrated followed by typical dances and music as we enjoyed food together, all in the open air, under cloudless skies. The heat was overwhelming at times, but it was a small price to pay for such festivities.

Looking back on the resilience of the Peruvian people who have lived through terrible poverty and deprivation in the early days of the Cork and Ross mission, we can only thank God for the wonderful support that was given to them from Ireland. Cork and Ross stand out, and also the priests and Sisters who joined the mission from Kerry have made a wonderful contribution and are remembered with great affection. The message everywhere was clear – “convey our love and gratitude to all those at home who were part of our lives over the years and will be forever in our hearts”.

Maura Nagle rsm
Southern Province