Month: July 2022

Congregational Assembly

Posted on by Diane Smyth

‘Our Congregation’s Charism Journey in this Twenty-First Century’ was the theme of the gathering of the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland at a Congregational Assembly August 27-29, 2007.

The Assembly was the culmination of our charism journey over the past year wherein we as individuals, communities and/or circles entered into a theological reflection process to explore and deepen our sense of the Mercy charism.

The Assembly moved us further into the journey as we continued our reflection on our experience of the living God in this century taking for our consideration the areas of suffering people, especially the poor; the struggle of women for equal human dignity; our dependence on diversity for life and growth; the awareness of earth as a place of beauty and suffering in an evolving universe; and leadership.

Each area opened with three voices speaking to the issue – the voice of Scripture, the voice of Catherine McAuley and the voice of contemporary experience – and following a time of quiet reflection and dialogue in small and large groups, we attempted to discern what these voices were saying to us as a Congregation and what is the new place to which we are being called.

To assist us in our exploration we were very fortunate to have had with us Sister Mary Sullivan, RSM of Rochester, New York, who was the voice of Catherine; and Sister Carmelita Murphy, OP as facilitator for the whole assembly. Prior to the assembly, we were privileged to have Sister Mary Sullivan share with us, our Associates, friends and family members on the life and spirit of Catherine.

The Assembly was a time of sharing, ritualizing, socializing and, indeed, one of blessing for us as individuals, as communities and as Congregation.

Sister of Mercy Receives National and Provincial Awards

Posted on by Diane Smyth

On September 26, 2008 Sister Elizabeth Davis was one of four recipients who were awarded an honorary fellowship in the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

In its designation, the College noted that the award “honours distinguished physicians, surgeons and others for outstanding performance in a particular vocation or a specific area of professional activity. The 2008 recipients are exceptional individuals whose contributions through their commitment to human rights, leadership and collaboration at all levels of society are exemplary”. Sister Elizabeth received the award in recognition of her leadership in health services and health education.

Sister Elizabeth has been a public representative on the Royal College Council since 2004. Since 2006 she has served as chairperson of the Governance Task Force of the Council and was named the Council’s lecturer for the year 2006. The Award was presented at the 2008 Convocation of the Royal College held in Ottawa.

Recently, Sister Elizabeth was named the 2008 Alumna of the Year of Memorial University of Newfoundland, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. The award “recognizes an individual’s contribution to and distinction in their chosen professional fields. It honours individuals who inspire others by displaying exceptional human values”. Sister Elizabeth was chosen as the 2008 recipient of this Award for her remarkable energy, her insight, enthusiasm and compassion, having made a giant contribution to the health care education and services in the province. The Alumna presented Sister Elizabeth with a beautiful armillary sphere which the University had adopted as a symbol of exploration, discovery and leadership for recipients of its Lifetime Achievement Award.

In her acceptance of the Award, Sister Elizabeth noted that in the “Hebrew and Christian Scriptures, there is an image of Woman Wisdom who ‘passes into souls and makes them friends of God and prophets.’ I accept this honour knowing that I am being honoured, not for my own personal gifts, but for the many ‘friends of God and prophets’ with whom I have been privileged to walk.”

The Award was presented on October 23 at the Memorial University’s annual Alumni Tribute Awards ceremony.

The Gathering Place

Posted on by Diane Smyth

The Gathering Place opened its doors in 1994 and offers services to people who are homeless or live in less than desirable housing conditions, are often unemployed or do not have adequate social supports.

“I needed some help and you gathered here with me”

The goal is to foster among Guests independence, self-respect and dignity. While those who come for programs and services now live in St. John’s, many have come from across Newfoundland and Labrador and some from outside the province.

Founded by the Presentation Sisters and the Sisters of Mercy in response to the needs of those coming to their doors seeking food, The Gathering Place now provides many programs and services including meals, foot care, a clothing supply boutique and hair care service. Through collaboration with other agencies, guests of Gathering Place have access to housing experts, nurses and social workers. Guests can avail of advocacy, literacy and computer programs. Inner-city churches have assisted the venture since its beginning, and many other service organizations, church groups, foundations, corporations and individuals make financial and in-kind donations towards the ongoing operation.

The Gathering Place is housed in the former Mercy Convent School, located in the heart of St. John’s. It is a registered charity governed by a Board of Directors with members from the Leadership Teams of the two congregations and from the community at large. The programs and services are offered through a
volunteer-driven operation led by a leadership team (an administrator and two Sister co-directors) and two employed staff members. More than 150 volunteers ensure that programs and services are consistently available.

“We are on the move!!!”

In late 2010, the Board of Directors led a one-year strategic planning process to assess the quality of work being done at The Gathering Place and to determine whether the ministry was still needed. Advice was sought from guests, volunteers and representatives from many agencies interfacing with and related to concern for the Guests. Throughout the consultation process, there was unfailing support for the work, a conviction The Gathering Place provides an essential service which must be maintained. The Gathering Place was encouraged to do “more of the same” and to enhance programs where possible. It was strongly recommended that renovations to the facility would broaden the range of services provided and ensure continuation into the future.

To facilitate the renovations project begun in September 2012, programs were relocated to The Lantern, a spirituality centre owned by the Presentation Sisters near The Gathering Place. Despite limitations of space there, many programs continued to be available to the Guests. A fundraising campaign to finance the complete renovation of the facility was initiated with a goal of $7,000,000 ($5M for renovations and
$2M for endowment). To date, the campaign has reached the $5.6M mark thanks to the donations and efforts of many corporate, community and church groups and individuals as well as municipal, provincial and federal governments. Eco-friendly and energy-efficient guidelines were adhered to in developing an accessible, safe and versatile facility.

Programs and Services

The programs and services of The Gathering Place returned to the totally renovated and enlarged space in September 2014. The re-designed facility better meets the needs of the Guests. Increased capacity for noon meal and breakfast programs accommodates the ever-increasing numbers of people who are in need of food. A laundry room has been added, and showering facilities will help those who experience restricted access to showers in their boarding houses. There are quiet spaces where guests can read, listen to music and think. An elevator makes all areas fully accessible. A clothing supply program provides shoes, clothing and household items. Volunteer seamstresses help guests with minor repairs and adjustments to clothing. Computers and computer training are available to allow guests to access many government services available online only. Education and training in health and wellness are offered. A mailroom gives guests a fixed address where they can receive correspondence. Programs such as art, jewellery-making and crafts not only develop creative talents but may be a source of a little pocket money for the artists and artisans.

Deep Gratitude

Deep gratitude is extended to the Presentation Sisters, the Sisters of Mercy, the Board of Directors, the Project Team, the Gift Team, the project manager, contractors, tradespersons and donors (government, corporate and personal) for making this venture possible. Special thanks go to the Guests who have been patient and understanding with the ongoing renovations and to the staff and volunteers who have continued to serve guests throughout these two years of transition.

We ask God’s blessing as we look forward to moving back to new space and enhanced programs. We pray that all involved will be energized and excited by the potential to make even greater things happen at The Gathering Place!

Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/gatheringstjohns.
Visit our website at https://kindnesswanted.ca/
Email us at info@gatheringstjohns.ca
Or call us at 1-709-753- 2351.

Sisters from Americas, Ireland and Newfoundland Gather in Peru for Formation Journey Retreat

Posted on by Diane Smyth

The Formation Commission of Latin America and the Caribbean sponsored a four-day retreat outside Lima, Peru, on February 16-19, 2012.

Led by Sister Mary Pat Garvin (Americas), 12 sisters from CCASA Community (Americas), Newfoundland and Ireland explored ways to strengthen their ministry in vocation promotion and the many phases of the formative journey.

Beginning with Catherine McAuley’s Suscipe as a means of enkindling and sustaining their own gift of self to God and others, they moved to “Centered in Mercy” and the process of formation. Their topics included the use of autobiography in discernment, indicators of human maturity across cultures, accompaniment in initial formation and developmental growth plans that build on the strengths of women discerning a life in Mercy. “I recognized once again,” observed Sister Mary Anto (CCASA/Peru), “that it is my own growth and development that helps me help others.” Sister Liz Brennan (Newfoundland) said, “Our days together reaffirmed my commitment to this ministry and opened new ways of understanding the formative process.”

Mercy on Mission in Monsefu, Peru

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Today, 1 November, marks 56 years (1961) since the Sisters of Mercy arrived in Monsefu, Peru to provide education for local children. We invited the Sisters to share with us from those beginnings and their present story…

Story of the Beginning of the Mission in Peru

In 1959, Pope John XX111 asked the Superior Generals of Religious Congregations and Bishops of the world to send missionaries to Latin America.  The church of Newfoundland, Canada was one of the first to respond to the call.

Bishop Patrick Skinner missioned Father Charles O’Neill Conroy from the Archdiocese of St John´s, Newfoundland, to the parish of Monsefu in the Diocese of Chiclayo, some 500 kilometers on the North coast of Peru.   He arrived in Monsefu for the first time on February 19, 1961.  The pueblo awaited with shouts of “Long live the Canadian Fathers” and “Long live Catholic Monsefu”.

It did not take Father Conroy long to see that there was a great need for a school which would provide education for the children of the poor families.  He immediately contacted The Sisters of Mercy in Newfoundland and in May 1961, Sisters Imelda Smith, Superior General, and Sister Dorothy Carroll arrived in Monsefu for a firsthand experience.  After much discernment it was decided that the Sisters would dedicate their full time to the desperate need for education in Monsefu.  On November 1, 1961 Sisters Mary Dorothy Carroll, Immacula O´Leary, Maura Mason, Marion Collins, Concepta Best and Gabriella Walsh arrived in Lima.  They made the first visit to Monsefu on November 7 and were royally welcomed with music, bands, and fireworks.  An article written on occasion of the Golden Jubilee in 2011 began with “On that day Light arrived to Monsefu¨…

While the convent was in construction the Sisters had many moves: an apartment in the Hacienda Pomalca, Dominican Sisters in Lambayeque, apartment in Chiclayo. During this time they were mastering the Spanish language and visiting Monsefu where they finally moved to live in Dr Miguel Custodio’s house on March 11, 1962. A few weeks later in April they began daily Primary classes in a small chapel next to church with night classes for young men and women who had to work by day.

They moved into Our Lady of Mercy Convent, on February 25, 1963 which was blessed during Mass celebrated in chapel by the Bishop of Chiclayo. As true Sisters of Mercy they quickly moved out to the periphery of many small villages offering catechetical programs. Two sisters devoted themselves full time with the same  programs in other public primary schools in Monsefu. A dream came true in April, 1964 when Our Lady of Mercy School was opened next to the convent.

An unfortunate car accident occurred on March 1, 1966 taking the lives of Father Conroy, Sister Dorothy and Sister Aquin who had joined the Sisters eleven months before.

Another dream came true with the opening of High School Carlos O’Neill Conroy in April, 1967. The following year The Christian Brothers joined the Sisters in this school. Both schools were passed over to the State in 1974 and Sisters present then began a new pastoral ministry.

In March 17, 1988 Sisters Lily Ferro, Carmelita Power, Mildred Brennan and Alice Mackey vacated the larger convent in Monsefu and moved to a smaller and simpler house in Puerto Eten, a couple of kilometers away. There and in Cuidad Eten and Reque they continued their ministry. Further expansion occurred in 1993 to the mountainous region of Peru. On May 3, 1993 Sisters Lily, Verna Aucoin, and Rosa Cumpa established a second Mercy community in Ichocan in the sprawling Diocese of Cajamarca in the Andes.

Present Story in Peru…2017

Today there are eight Mercy Sisters – four Peruvians: Sisters Lily Ferrero Butters, Rosa Silva Cumpa, Alita Sanchez Sanchez, Rosali Vargas Mendoza and four Canadians: Sisters Marion Collins, Alice Mackey , Mildred Brennan, Veronica Aucoin. After ministering in Ichocan, Cajamarca for 22 years as Administrators of the Parish and working in religious education area and after prayerful discernment, Sisters Lily, Marion, Rosa, Veronica and Alita moved to the coast in February, 2015 to the town of Huarmey, Chimbote. There they work in the area of religious education but continue serving in the area of parish work in three shanty towns on the edge of the city of Huarmey.

Sisters Alice, Mildred, Alita and Rosali form the Community in Puerto Eten, Chiclayo. Their ministries are lived out with a special Pastoral Care of the sick, Diocesan and Parish formation with accompaniment of lay leaders in a base Christian Community who in turn form other base Christian communities. They are also engaged in education and accompaniment of women in arts and crafts, study and sharing social, political and ecological issues with lay community groups. Mildred frequently attends planning meetings of the Peruvian Mercy Formation team for discernment of Religious Vocation.

At the present moment Alita is studying Law in the Catholic University in Lima. Rosali is studying Initial Education in a Chiclayo University and presently has taken time from study for an intense preparation in Lima to make Perpetual Vows in 2018.

The Body Holds the Story

Posted on by Diane Smyth

I wrote this poem to describe the journey of a girl who had been a victim of human trafficking

The body holds the story

Tag or word cloud human trafficking awareness day related in shape of hand or palm

Chapter 1: Birth Until 11 Years

a tiny bud so fresh so new
nurtured by sunbeams
watered by dew drops
rooted in soil rich and deep
blossomed in the garden
blew carefree in the wind
danced vibrantly amidst others
pulsating with life

chapter 2: ages 12 years-14 

but chaos and confusion penetrated the garden
climaxing in violence and upheaval
thrusting the bud into a place of fertile emptiness
the bud-
now plucked from its stem
torn and tossed by foreign elements
displaced from the warmth and security of her home
no longer aroused by sunbeams and dewdrops
no longer shaded from destructive forces
no longer tended by gentler spirits

perceived now as a prized trophy
lured and groomed into a heinous crime
one that wrenched through my body
tore through my soul
pierced through the chasms of my heart
and the body continued to hold the story…

Messages to: Margie Taylor rsm 

Sisters of Mercy Newfoundland Recognised as ‘a Blue Community’

Posted on by Diane Smyth

On Friday, 19 October, Ms. Andrea Furlong, Interim Chief Executive of the Council of Canadians, presented the Congregation with a certificate as a Blue Community, the 20th group in Canada to commit to the honoring and protection of water, and one of only 47 groups yet to do so worldwide.

The presentation took place at McAuley Convent, St John’s, where a number of Sisters had gathered for this event. A brief ritual which included a blessing of water was prepared and led by Sr. Mona.

A ‘Blue Community’ adopts a water commons framework by taking three actions:

1.       Recognizing water and sanitation as human rights.

2.       Banning or phasing out the sale of bottled water in municipal facilities and at municipal events.

3.       Promoting publicly financed, owned, and operated water and wastewater services.

In May the Congregation prepared its Statement of Commitment outlining its dedication to implementing water and sanitation as human rights.

Commitment Statement in EnglishCommitment Statement in Spanish

‘We make this commitment for the good of all in keeping with the integrity of all creation and in a spirit of humility and gratitude for water and the many gifts lavished on us by the Creator of all.’

A guide prepared by the Council of Canadians, providing information and resources to help a group become a blue community, can be downloaded
here (28pps, PDF)

Images: Used with permission . Sam McLeish, The Telegram

180 Years of Mercy Ministry in Newfoundland

Posted on by Diane Smyth

180 years ago today, 3 June, three Sisters of Mercy from the Baggot Street Community —Francis Creedon, Ursula Frayne and Rose Lynch— arrived in St John’s to commence the Works of Mercy there.

This date marks both the establishment of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland and of the first community of the Sisters of Mercy in the New World. Read more about those first Mercy Sisters (and the 57 young Irish women who went from Ireland to join the Newfoundland Congregation between 1842 and 1907) in the book “Standing on Their Shoulders” (PDF) by Charlotte Fitzpatrick rsm.

Among the ministries the Mercies in Newfoundland are engaged in today is The Gathering Place, established in 1994 as a joint project with the Presentation Sisters. This Centre is frequented by people who are displaced – those struggling with hunger, abuse, mental illness, physical disabilities and addiction, and is for many their only safe place to go. The programs and services are offered through a volunteer-driven operation by more than 2000 people committed to ‘building community, promoting equality and providing nurture and nourishment for those seeking respite from isolation and loneliness’.

Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland Chapter

Posted on by Diane Smyth

The 22nd General Chapter of the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland will commence on 3 June and close on 6 August.

Our prayer card with our Chapter theme and logo Mercying: Imaging the Face of God in All Creation, Misericordiando: Siendo Imagen del Rostro de Dias en toda la Creación can be downloaded here

We invite you to pray with us as we take the next steps in our Mercy journey.

Messages to: Elizabeth Marrie rsm – Chair of the Chapter Coordinating Committee

In Memory of Padre Victor

Posted on by Diane Smyth

On September 29, 2010 Feast of the Archangels Michael, Raphael and Gabriel and birthday of Venerable Catherine McAuley, Padre Victor was buried in the garden of his parish church in Reque, Peru.

Three days earlier, after weeks of serious illness and hospitalization, Padre Victor made his final life’s journey surrounded by loving prayer, song and attentiveness, hope and patient waiting of his people. Victor was much loved. He dedicated his life to being the padre to his parishioners and their families. He loved his life, his faith and his church and his God. He lived the joy of the gospel and stood strong in the face of injustice- he was fierce advocate for his people and cared not only for their souls but also for their dignity and rights. Padre Victor was a strong man yet sickness was stronger and defeated him, in body, but not in spirit nor in the legacy that he leaves to those who knew him. Padre Victor will not be forgotten.

Padres Emigido and Lucho have shared so much of life with Victor from their young days. The three were lovingly known as the three amigos. In speaking of Victor throughout the days before the funeral they stressed over and over his gift of love of life, his “Alegria” which he passed on to all, his total dedication to the people especially the “más pobres”, his untiring service not only to his parish, but nationally, to the whole diocese. There was lots of great singing led by Reque Parish choir, lots of clapping in the midst of the reflection, etc.

The funeral was an especially blessed moment. There were crowds in the thousands in the plaza where the funeral took place. The altar was set in the door of the church facing the plaza. The Bishop officiated with fifty-two priests attending. Among the priests were Eugene Roy from Ontario and Jose Alverez Calderon, a great liberation Theologian based in Lima. There was extensive lay participation in the Mass. After Mass, the body of Padre Victor was brought in procession around the plaza with a special ceremony in front of the Municipal building. His body was then taken to the garden in front of the church where Victor is now buried. There is a small plaque marking his burial place, but a bigger monument is being planned for. Words used to describe Victor were “the saint of Reque,” “our joyful, happy saint in heaven,” and “the alma (spirit) of catechesis familiar. ”Victor was known and loved by many Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland and by some of the priests who worked with him in Peru. He is sorely missed.

Tu nos has muerto; viveras en nuestros corozones y te recordaremos