Author: Diane Smyth

April Associates Newsletter is Now Online

Posted on by Diane Smyth

“Kitty’s Chronicle” is a monthly newsletter distributed to all Mercy Associates. Each month the latest  issue is posted online in the Associates section of our website. The newsletter contains news and views, requests for prayers and material for reflection

Download the April issue

Prayers for the Sick, Resources from the Wisdom Circles, Items of Interest, Important Dates, an archival moment and a delicious recipe for coffee cake,

are among the many topics covered in our latest issue.

Visit the Associates section of our website to find out about Becoming an Associate and the Associate Program.

Holy Week 2026: March 29 – April 4

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Given the right kind of conditions, it is possible to enter Holy Week from the inside rather than the outside – not as a series of commemorative events surrounding the final days of Jesus’ earthly life, but as a way of actually accompanying Jesus on His timeless passage through death to the very source of life and back into this world, with the unshakable certainty that “nothing can separate us from the love of God.”

It is a passage, as Christian mystics from time immemorial have proclaimed, that changed the very foundations of this world. And it is a passage that we ourselves will personally make, carriedon the wings of this one Great Passage, when our own human lives have reached their fullness of time.

-Cynthia Bourgeault

Si se dan las condiciones adecuadas, es posible entrar en la Semana Santa desde dentro y no desde fuera: no como una serie de actos conmemorativos en torno a los últimos días de la vida terrena de Jesús, sino como una forma de acompañar realmente a Jesús en su paso intemporal a través de la muerte hasta la fuente misma de la vida y de vuelta a este mundo, con la certeza inquebrantable de que “nada puede separarnos del amor de Dios”.

Es un paso, como han proclamado los místicos cristianos desde tiempos inmemoriales, que cambió los cimientos mismos de este mundo. Y es un paso que nosotros mismos daremos personalmente, llevados por las alas de este Gran Paso, cuando nuestras propias vidas humanas hayan llegado a su plenitud.

-Cynthia Bourgeault

 

Join the Global Prayer for Peace on March 26

Posted on by Diane Smyth

The World Council of Churches (WCC) invites people and churches to join in global prayers for peace, starting with the Middle East on 26 March.

In a world marked by growing conflict, suffering, and uncertainty, the WCC reaffirms its calling as a fellowship of churches to stand together in prayer for peace.

Through the initiative, the global fellowship is invited not only to pray for those affected, but to pray with them-drawing from the spiritual traditions and lived faith of the churches of the region.

A common prayer resource will accompany the gathering, offering prayers from the Middle East to guide in shared moments of intercession and hope.

The WCC invites all churches and people of goodwill to take part in this ongoing commitment to prayer, bearing witness together to a shared longing for peace, justice, and reconciliation

Join the Global Prayer for peace by registering online here

If unable to join online, offer your own prayer on 26 March for peace in the Middle East 

Post your prayer in our prayer space here

El Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) invita a las personas y a las iglesias a unirse a las oraciones mundiales por la paz, comenzando por Oriente Medio el 26 de marzo.

En un mundo marcado por el aumento de los conflictos, el sufrimiento y la incertidumbre, el CMI reafirma su vocación como comunidad de iglesias de permanecer unidas en oración por la paz.

A través de esta iniciativa, se invita a la comunidad mundial no solo a orar por los afectados, sino a orar con ellos, inspirándose en las tradiciones espirituales y la fe vivida de las iglesias de la región.

Un recurso de oración común acompañará el encuentro, ofreciendo oraciones procedentes de Oriente Medio para guiar los momentos compartidos de intercesión y esperanza.

El CMI invita a todas las iglesias y a las personas de buena voluntad a participar en este compromiso continuo con la oración, dando testimonio juntos de un anhelo compartido de paz, justicia y reconciliación.

Únase a la Oración Mundial por la paz registrándose en línea aquí.

Si no puede unirse en línea, ofrezca su propia oración el 26 de marzo por la paz en Oriente Medio .

Publica tu oración aquí, en nuestro espacio de oración

World Water Day- March 22

Posted on by Diane Smyth

World Water Day 2026 takes place on Sunday, March 22, 2026. The theme for this year is: “Water and Gender” under the campaign slogan “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows”.

World Water Day is an annual UN observance, established in 1992. It highlights the importance of fresh, clean water as a basic human right. It promotes sustainable management of freshwater resources and also helps raise awareness of 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water.

The 2026 theme highlights the disproportionate burden that water scarcity and inadequate sanitation place on women and girls.

  • Gender Disparity: In 8 out of 10 households without on-site water, women and girls are responsible for water collection.
  • Empowerment: The campaign calls for “gender-responsive” water solutions that center women’s leadership and voices in water governance.
  • Human Rights: Safe drinking water and sanitation are emphasized as fundamental human rights.

 

El Día Mundial del Agua 2026 se celebra el domingo 22 de marzo de 2026. El tema de este año es: «El agua y el género», bajo el lema de la campaña «Donde fluye el agua, crece la igualdad».

El Día Mundial del Agua es una celebración anual de las Naciones Unidas, establecida en 1992. Destaca la importancia del agua dulce y limpia como derecho humano básico. Promueve la gestión sostenible de los recursos de agua dulce y también ayuda a crear conciencia sobre los 2.200 millones de personas que viven sin acceso a agua potable.

El tema de 2026 destaca la carga desproporcionada que la escasez de agua y el saneamiento inadecuado suponen para las mujeres y las niñas.

  • Desigualdad de género: En 8 de cada 10 hogares sin agua corriente, las mujeres y las niñas son las encargadas de recoger el agua.
  • Empoderamiento: La campaña aboga por soluciones hídricas «sensibles al género» que centren el liderazgo y las voces de las mujeres en la gobernanza del agua.
  • Derechos humanos: Se hace hincapié en que el agua potable y el saneamiento son derechos humanos fundamentales.

Add Your Voice: Current Campaigns & Calls to Action

Posted on by Diane Smyth

The Office of Religious Congregations for Integral Ecology (ORCIE) of which the Sisters of Mercy Newfoundland is a member, is supporting Give it up for the Earth!,  Citizens for Public Justice’s national faith-in-action campaign that raises awareness about the climate crisis and mobilizes people across Canada to reduce their personal greenhouse gas emissions while calling on federal leaders to strengthen Canada’s climate commitments.

This year’s open letter asks political leaders to close coal-related loopholes and uphold meaningful climate action. Many of you are already familiar with the campaign, and we’d love to help bump the numbers—so we invite you to sign the letter as individuals to add your voice to this growing call.

Read and consider signing  the letter: Canadian Political Leaders, Will You Give it Up for the Earth?

Remembering Our Newfoundland Mercy Story 40: Sister Mary Ann Joseph Tarahan

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Mary Ann Joseph Tarahan was the third daughter of Mary and Thomas Tarahan to enter the Sisters of Mercy in Newfoundland. 

In early 1863 Sister M. Xavier Bernard, who had succeeded Sister M. Francis Creedon as superior of Mercy Convent, received a request from the parish priest of Burin for sisters for his parish.  Father Michael Berney, the zealous Irish priest who had established St. Patrick’s Parish in Burin in 1833, was anxious to ensure a solid education for the children of Burin. Sister M. Francis Xavier Bernard was open to his proposal but was keenly aware of the shortage of sisters at Mercy Convent due to two recent foundations – St. Michael’s Belvedere in 1859 and Brigus in 1861. However, Father Berney’s persistent entreaties led to a positive response and on March 19,1863 Mary Ann Tarahan was accepted as a postulant for the Burin mission.

Mary Ann entered the novitiate on June 6, receiving the name Sister Mary Xavier.  A month later she became part of the founding community of St. Anne’s Convent in Burin. With her were Sister M. Liguori, superior, newly professed Sister M. Charles McKenna and postulant, Mary McAuliffe.

Sister M. Xavier was professed in Burin on August 22, 1867, and remained there until September of 1871 when she was transferred to St. Lawrence as a member of its founding community.  With her in the new community were Sister M. Rose Murphy, Sister M. Stanislaus Taylor and postulant Mary Burfitt. The sisters’ early years in St. Lawrence were filled with hardship. Indeed, they shared the lot of the people, most of whom were suffering from extreme poverty and deprivation. The sisters’ first school was in a fish shed and their home for the first five years was in the priest’s residence. Although the new Sacred Heart Convent was opened in 1876, it was far from being a finished product and for many years the sisters lived under very meager and primitive circumstances. However, they remained undaunted and continued their ministry in the school and community with great vigor and trust in God’s providence.

In 1877 Sister M. Xavier replaced Sister M. Rose as superior of Sacred Heart Convent.  She remained in St. Lawrence until her death on March 2, 1902, teaching in the school and visiting the sick and needy of the community. She is buried in the sisters’ cemetery in St. Lawrence. Her two sisters, Sister M. Baptist and Sister M. Clare had both died some thirty years before her death.

March Associates Newsletter is Now online

Posted on by Diane Smyth

“Kitty’s Chronicle” is a monthly newsletter distributed to all Mercy Associates. Each month the latest  issue is posted online in the Associates section of our website. The newsletter contains news and views, requests for prayers and material for reflection

Download the March issue

Prayers for the Sick, Resources from the Wisdom Circles, Items of Interest, Important Dates, an archival moment and a delicious recipe for Irish potato Pancakes, are among the many topics covered in our latest issue.

Visit the Associates section of our website to find out about Becoming an Associate and the Associate Program.

Participate in the Worldwide Prayers for Peace on March 6

Posted on by Diane Smyth

In the face of escalating violence and war, affecting numerous regions of the world, the International Union of Superiors General (UISG), representing more than 1,900 congregations of consecrated women religious present on six continents, calls for prayer, fasting, and action for an unarmed and disarming peace.

The organization, which brings together nearly 600,000 sisters worldwide, has convened an international moment of prayer for Friday, March 6, at 11:00 am (Newfoundland time), to be
livestreamed here and open to the faithful and all people of goodwill.

“As consecrated women religious, present in the most fragile contexts of society and close to those who suffer, we cannot remain silent in the face of a spiral of destruction that undermines human dignity and jeopardizes the future of new generations,” says Sr. Roxanne Schares, SSND, Executive Secretary of UISG.

More details can be read in the press release here

Pink Shirt Day 2026 – February 25

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Canada officially recognizes Pink Shirt/Anti-Bullying Day annually on the last Wednesday of February. This is a day to remind ourselves of the importance of respect for one another.

The theme for this year is Sprinkle Kindness.

What is bullying?

Bullying is a form of aggression where there is a power imbalance; the person doing the bullying has power over the person being victimized. In additional to any physical trauma incurred, bullying can result in serious emotional problems, including anxiety, low self-esteem, or depression.

Types of bullying

  • Physical bullying: using physical force or aggression against another person (e.g., hitting)

  • Verbal bullying: using words to verbally attack someone (e.g., name-calling)

  • Social/relational bullying: trying to hurt someone through excluding them, spreading rumours or ignoring them (e.g., gossiping)

  • Cyberbullying: using electronic media to threaten, embarrass, intimidate, or exclude someone, or to damage their reputation (e.g., sending threatening text messages).

This theme presents us with an important reminder in our current reality where there is so much suffering, anxiety and depression.  Let us continue to sprinkle kindness, hope and encouragement wherever we are.

Canadá reconoce oficialmente el Día de la Camisa Rosa/Contra el Acoso Escolar cada año el último miércoles de febrero. Este es un día para recordarnos la importancia del respeto mutuo.

El tema de este año es Espolvorear la Amabilidad.

¿Qué es el acoso escolar?
El acoso escolar es una forma de agresión en la que existe un desequilibrio de poder; la persona que acosa tiene poder sobre la persona acosada. Además del trauma físico que puede causar, el acoso escolar puede provocar graves problemas emocionales, como ansiedad, baja autoestima o depresión.

Tipos de acoso escolar

  • Acoso físico: uso de la fuerza física o la agresión contra otra persona (por ejemplo, golpear).
  • Acoso verbal: utilizar palabras para atacar verbalmente a alguien (por ejemplo, insultar).
  • Acoso social/relacional: intentar hacer daño a alguien excluyéndolo, difundiendo rumores o ignorándolo (por ejemplo, chismorrear).
  • Ciberacoso: utilizar medios electrónicos para amenazar, avergonzar, intimidar o excluir a alguien, o para dañar su reputación (por ejemplo, enviar mensajes de texto amenazantes).

Este tema nos presenta un recordatorio importante en nuestra realidad actual, donde hay tanto sufrimiento, ansiedad y depresión.  Sigamos esparciendo bondad, esperanza y ánimo dondequiera que estemos.

Pope’s Lenten message: Abstain from harsh words and rash judgement

Posted on by Diane Smyth
Ahead of the start of Lent (February 18 – April 2), Pope Leo XIV invites Catholics to open ourselves to listening, fasting, and community, urging us to abstain from words of hatred in order to make space for words of hope and peace.

“I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbor.”

Pope Leo XIV made that invitation at the heart of his message for Lent 2026, which was released on Friday, February 13.

As Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, the Pope said this liturgical season offers Christians an opportunity to place the mystery of God back at the center of our lives.

Every journey of conversion, he said, begins by letting God’s word touch our hearts, so that we may renew our commitment to follow Christ in the mystery of His saving passion, death, and resurrection…”

  • Read the complete article in Vatican News here
  • Read Pope Leo’s Lenten Message in full here

Antes del inicio de la Cuaresma (del 18 de febrero al 2 de abril), el papa León XIV invita a los católicos a abrirnos a la escucha, al ayuno y a la comunidad, instándonos a abstenernos de palabras de odio para dar espacio a palabras de esperanza y paz.

«Me gustaría invitarles a una forma de abstinencia muy práctica y a menudo poco apreciada: la de abstenerse de palabras que ofenden y hieren a nuestro prójimo».

El papa León XIV hizo esta invitación en el centro de su mensaje para la Cuaresma de 2026, publicado el viernes 13 de febrero.

Al comenzar la Cuaresma el Miércoles de Ceniza, 18 de febrero, el Papa dijo que este tiempo litúrgico ofrece a los cristianos la oportunidad de volver a situar el misterio de Dios en el centro de nuestras vidas.

Todo camino de conversión, dijo, comienza dejando que la palabra de Dios toque nuestros corazones, para que podamos renovar nuestro compromiso de seguir a Cristo en el misterio de su pasión salvadora, muerte y resurrección…».

  • Lea el artículo completo en Vatican News aquí
  • Lea el mensaje de Cuaresma del papa León en su totalidad aquí