Mercy International Association was delighted to welcome seventeen pilgrims on the first Whānau Mercy Ministries Hikoi Tapu Pilgrimage. This five-day programme at Catherine’s House was coordinated by Anna Nicholls, with inputs from Patricia O’ Donovan, Margaret Daly, Mary Reynolds, Margaret Roche, Mary Conway, Peggy Collins, Colleen Swain, Cecilie Kern, Isabelle Salter, Siobhan Kenny and Carla Soren. Highlights from the pilgrimage included a walking tour of Catherine’s Dublin, a day trip to Glendalough, in Co. Wicklow, a visit to Coolock House, a leadership workshop, a presentation on Mercy International Association's Preservica digital archiving project, and a fascinating range of talks and workshops on Mercy heritage and the founding women of Mercy.

Accessing eye care in any society can be a challenge for many. In late February, Mercy Hospital hosted an eye health session with our Pacific community. Dr. Francesc March, Dr. Xaviour Walker, and Med. student Solomon Filipo presented their research and information involving dementia and good eye health. Alofa Lale spoke about our surgical fee relief and how we can support cataract surgery if needed. The group asked lots of good questions and enjoyed hearing about how to look after their eyes. This is the first of further eye health sessions for the various communities we serve.

In recent weeks, Mercy students were featured in  ‘A Matter of Spirit’ published by the Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center. This timely publication explores the impact of gun violence on children and teenagers in the United States and offers students an opportunity to speak out. Eliyani Torres, a sophomore at St. Catharine Academy (Bronx, New York), shared her experience of losing a friend to gang-related violence. She reflected, "We live in a messed-up world where gun violence is everywhere. You don't even have to be in a gang or anything. They'll just shoot you automatically. They shoot up schools for no reason. And it's just unacceptable. Put the gun down." Emma Lemieux and Abigail Gomes, seniors at Mercy High School (Middletown, Connecticut), discussed their short film, "Are You With Us?" which explores the impact that gun violence threats have had on their lives. Click on the read more link to view the publication and video.

Congratulations to Sr. Bernadette Maria Knopek, who was among the recipients of the Cork County Mayor’s Awards at Cork County Hall recently. Cllr. Frank O’Flynn hosted an evening of music and feasting to be remembered. The citation in the official programme read as follows: “Sr. Bernadette Maria has dedicated her life to Charleville and the surrounding areas as a teacher and a representative promoting the historical and cultural life of the Mercy Heritage Centre. She has promoted the arts, reading, poetry, and writers’ groups.” Bernadette is involved in the local parish, visits several nursing homes, chatting with the residents, reading poems, and demonstrating artefacts which takes them on a trip down Memory Lane. With Sr. Joan O'Sullivan, she sings and plays music for them and also for the local daycare center. Conducting guided tours in the Mercy Heritage Centre is something Bernadette really enjoys. She takes visitors to see various places of interest in the town and is always willing to facilitate research. Since her appointment at the end of 2016, over seven thousand visitors have come and enjoyed the wonderful exhibits on display.

The Latin America and Caribbean Conference (Sisters of Mercy) was held virtually on February 23 and 24, with the participation of over 35 sisters from various Central and South American communities. The leadership team of the Sisters of Mercy from St. John’s, Newfoundland, also participated. The thrust of the group was centered on the theme of the Synodal of (walking together as Mercy: listening and discerning in the Holy Spirit*)*. The emphasis was on inclusion and openness. Participants were invited to reflect and share in a small group their experiences of a situation in the church that was not synodal and also of a situation in the church that was synodal. Participants also shared their experience and the situation in their country or area. The sessions had time for prayer, reflection, and sharing, as well as artistic expression and body movement that energized. The next conference will be in 2027 in Peru.

The Santa Casa Retreat Centre in southern Victoria, Australia, is hosting a forty-day Sabbatical Retreat this coming September, from the 14th of September to the 26th of October 2024. This year's theme is 'Honoring the Soul'. Click on the read more button for more information about this retreat.