“Immeasurable” is word that crops up frequently in the course of this work and is very apt to describe what these Irish people have done. A relatively small number compared to the Irish population have been the backbone of the educational and health care system of numerous countries all over the world.
Matt Moran has made a stunning compilation of testimonies, many from secular sources, about so much good that has been done and touches on the enormity of the contribution. Each item mentioned probably deserves a book in itself. Here we have a helicopter view from a man who was at the centre of financial support from the Irish government. He was the chairman of Misean Cara an amalgam of eighty-seven Irish missionary organisations for a number of years. That figure alone tells a story.
There is a contrast between what the author describes and the obscurity of what has been achieved, almost unknown in Ireland. Like Ronnie Delaney in 1956, who now knows about these historic achievements? This book could be on the reading list of secondary schools.
It is another motive to be proud of our Church and an important piece of Irish history. It reflects how as a country materially we may have had little to give the world but spiritually we have punched high. The background support of the ladies of Apostolic Work in so many dioceses receives high mention.
What is narrated in the book is impressive but the reality on the ground is much bigger, difficult to capture in words.
“It is worth noting that the Catholic Church is the largest non state provider of health care services in Kenya. It has an expansive network which consists of close to 500 healthcare units and over 50 community based orphanages and vulnerable children’s programs. Currently the Church has over 8,000 primary and secondary schools, five colleges, a fully fledged university, and also provides facilities for people with special needs. These programs have gone a long way to improve the life of the people of Kenya and the socio-economic development of the country” (Senator Beatrice Elachi quoted on page 41).
The story is the same in all other places. As a businessman and marketer Matt Moran brings his lay professionals skills to the fore in a refreshing, clear, articulate and enthusiastic narrative.
The role of faith and faith based groups is highlighted with surprising testimonies from government representatives. It is no longer a secret. The story needs to be told.
Looking ahead one wonders if Irish medical schools should create more rotations with hospitals in needy areas abroad and give students a more global perspective for their future careers. One can only be inspired by what Irish doctors and nurses have managed under difficult circumstances.
We need more books like this to make this great story known.
About the Author: Fr Conor Donnelly
Fr Conor Donnelly qualified as a medical doctor in University College Dublin in 1977 and worked for a year at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin. After ordination he has spent twenty-two years doing pastoral work in Asia, in the Philippines and Singapore. He is currently an assistant chaplain at Kianda School in Nairobi.