Author: Diane Smyth

The Sisters of Mercy in Newfoundland : their contribution to business education

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Abstract of Masters Thesis by Augusta Bonita Ford, Memorial University of Newfoundland

The purpose of this study was to trace the work of the sisters of Mercy in Newfoundland in the field of business education. The Sisters began their work in the late 1800’s, when they first introduced business education courses into the curriculum of their convent schools. Their work continued until the mid-1900’s, when they began phasing out the formal business education programs which they had developed over the years in their schools. Their activities in this area constitute an important and lasting contribution to the field of business education. There has been no previous in-depth scholarly investigation into this aspect of the Sisters’ work. Therefore, a study of the Sisters’ contribution to this field is long overdue.

The first part of this study provides historical background of the Sisters of Mercy, the establishment of the early convent schools in Newfoundland, and the introduction of business education subjects into the curriculum of these schools. — The second part of the study deals with the opening of Commercial Departments at several of the Sisters’ schools and colleges around the Island, the development of comprehensive business education programs in these departments, and the introduction and development of business education programs at convent schools where Commercial Departments were not established.

The Sisters of Mercy in Newfoundland started their business training at a time when business education was in its infancy and when the field of employment for women. The foresight, energy, and determination of the early Sisters won the respect of educators and business people across Newfoundland. An, the outstanding achievements of so many of their students won for the institutions they represented a recognized place not only in the educational and business circles of the Island but also in international business education competitions. — In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, many schools and colleges in Newfoundland began closing down their Commercial Departments or phasing out their business education classes. The convent schools and colleges operated by the Sisters of Mercy were among this group. New educational institutions such as Holy Heart of Mary Regional High School for girls and The College of Trades and Technology in St. John’s, along with the District Vocational Schools across the Island, now took up the task of preparing the youth of Newfoundland for the world of business.

By the time the Sisters were ready to concede the responsibility for business training to the new institutions, they had already helped to raise business education from a small cluster of basic skills courses to a highly sophisticated field of learning for young men and women. In addition, the Sisters had trained for the business communities of the Island thousands of qualified typists, stenographers, and bookkeepers. In so doing, they had given well over half a century of dedicated service to the field of business education in Newfoundland.

Read the thesis here

Mercy’s Legacy

Posted on by Diane Smyth

I recently attended a ceremony that truly marked the end of an era – the closing of St. Clare’s Mercy Convent. Its history began 102 years ago, as St. Clare’s Home for Working Girls and was the first location of St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital.

Sisters who lived in St. Clare’s Mercy Convent in recent years:
Front row (l-r): Sister Marie Etheridge, Sister Jane McGrath, Sister Marian Grace Manning, and Sister Madonna O’Neill
Back Row, left to right: Sister Brenda Lacey, Sister Elizabeth Davis and Sister Madonna Gatherall

Over the years, 92 Sisters of Mercy called it home.

In her emotional remarks during the recent closing ceremony, one of its former residents, Sister Elizabeth Davis, reminisced: “It is a holy space which has seen and heard joy and laughter, music and dancing, pain and tears, anger and gentleness, fear and hope, dreams and promise.”

But the Sisters have left their mark on face of health care delivery in this province.

Sister Elizabeth believes it’s a lasting legacy. “While the physical convent may be gone, we have far more than the memories of the place and of the women who once called it home.”

“We have the energy that flows from the spirit of mercy that lived in the convent and now lives forever in this hospital and in our world.”

Read the complete article here

The two lives of St. Clare’s: Religious roots of 100-year-old St. John’s hospital still stir pride in the Sisters of Mercy

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Legacy was enshrined by the care and compassion of the pioneering order ‘walking nuns’ who became the heart of N.L. health care for decades

L-r: Srs Diane and Charlotte
Image: Peter Jackson, Saltwire

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — Sister Diane Smyth remembers the family dinner her mother cooked the night before Smyth joined the Mercy Convent in St. John’s in 1964.

“My uncle said to me, ‘It’s just like you’re dying,’” she said.

“He said, ‘No daughter of mine is going to join the convent,’ as if to say, now that they’re taking you away, you’re going to be locked up for the rest of your life. That was the image of the cloister.”

In fact, the Sisters of Mercy was never an order to shy away from engagement with the community. Quite the opposite.

“In Ireland, we were called the walking nuns,” says Sister Charlotte Fitzpatrick — who recently wrote a book about the local order called “Standing on Their Shoulders” — “because most of the congregations of women in religions at the time were enclosed, they didn’t go out among the people as much…

Read the rest of the article here

“Mercy above all” since 1922: a tribute to a hospital

Posted on by Diane Smyth

“In this respectful tribute to St. Clare’s, The Mustard Seed, Sr. Kathrine Bellamy chronicles the hospital’s development from its opening in 1922 with 20 beds, its growth to an institution of 375 beds and its national recognition in 1992 by Chatelainemagazine as one of Canada’s 12 “great” hospitals.

Since 1842, the Sisters of Mercy had been ministering to the sick, poor and needy of St. John’s, thus when this established tradition of care was redirected toward hospital patients it was not difficult for St. Clare’s to live up to the motto “Mercy Above All.” Accordingly, St. Clare’s became home to Newfoundland’s first alcohol and detoxification centre and its first palliative care unit, and absorbed the chronic care of tuberculosis patients following closure of the city’s sanatorium; from 1922 until the obstetrics unit closed 70 years later, 83 000 babies were delivered…”

From the book review by J.T.H. Connor PhD, John Clinch professor of medical humanities and history of medicine, Faculty of Medicine Memorial University St. John’s, NL

Read the rest of the review here

Pope Francis Writing a Second Part of Laudato si’

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Pope Francis is writing a second part to his 2015 environmental encyclical Laudato Si’, he announced during an audience with European lawyers on Monday, 21 August. Speaking off-the-cuff to a delegation of lawyers from member countries of the Council of Europe on Monday, Pope Francis said he was writing a second part of his Laudato si’ encyclical to update it to “current issues”.

The Pope was expressing his appreciation for the attorneys’ commitment to developing a legal framework aimed at protecting the environment.

“We must never forget that the younger generations have the right to receive a beautiful and livable world from us, and that this implies that we have a grave responsibility towards creation which we have received from the generous hands of God,” said the Pope. “Thank you for your contribution.”

In a statement later on Monday, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, explained that the new updated version of Laudato si’ will focus in particular on the most recent extreme weather events and catastrophes affecting people across five continents.

Read the rest of the Vatican News article  here

El Papa Francisco está escribiendo una segunda parte de su encíclica medioambiental Laudato Si’ de 2015, según anunció durante una audiencia con juristas europeos el lunes 21 de agosto. Ante una delegación de juristas de los países miembros del Consejo de Europa, el Papa Francisco anunció que estaba escribiendo una segunda parte de su encíclica Laudato si’ para actualizarla a los “problemas actuales”.

El Papa estaba expresando su aprecio por el compromiso de los abogados para desarrollar un marco jurídico destinado a proteger el medio ambiente.

“No debemos olvidar nunca que las jóvenes generaciones tienen derecho a recibir de nosotros un mundo bello y habitable, y que esto implica que tenemos una grave responsabilidad hacia la creación que hemos recibido de las manos generosas de Dios“, dijo el Papa. “Gracias por vuestra contribución”.

En un comunicado posterior al lunes, el director de la Oficina de Prensa de la Santa Sede, Matteo Bruni, explicó que la nueva versión actualizada de Laudato si’ se centrará en particular en los últimos fenómenos meteorológicos extremos y en las catástrofes que han afectado a la población de los cinco continentes.

Lea aquí el resto del artículo de Vatican News

 

 

Prayer for our Suffering World

Posted on by Diane Smyth

We are all aware of the ways in which extreme weather patterns are impacting our world – devastating wildfires in Maui, widespread flooding in many parts of Asia, severe droughts in the southern US, hundreds of wildfires raging in Canada, extreme “off the charts” heat in many countries around the globe.

Used under licence

What happens in one part of the world affects us all in this new awareness of our interconnectedness as one global family.

Let us hold in prayer all our sisters and brothers whose lives, properties and livelihoods have been forever changed by these climate disasters.

Post your prayer in our sacred space

Todos somos conscientes de los efectos de los fenómenos meteorológicos extremos en nuestro mundo: incendios devastadores en Maui, inundaciones generalizadas en muchas partes de Asia, graves sequías en el sur de EE.UU., cientos de incendios forestales en Canadá y un calor extremo en muchos países del mundo.

Lo que ocurre en una parte del mundo nos afecta a todos en esta nueva conciencia de nuestra interconexión como una familia global.

Oremos por todos nuestros hermanos y hermanas cuyas vidas, propiedades y medios de subsistencia han cambiado para siempre a causa de estos desastres climáticos.

Publica tu oración en nuestro espacio sagrado

Remembering Our Newfoundland Story 9: Death of Sister M. Perpetua O’Callaghan

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Sarah O’Callaghan, born in Ireland in 1877, is one of the leading lights in Mercy educational history in Newfoundland.

In 1903 her brother Daniel wrote the bishop of St. John’s, Michael Francis Howley expressing his desire to enter the priesthood and serve in his diocese. In that letter he spoke glowingly of his sister Sarah, noting thatshe was “an accomplished scholar” who was hoping to join the Presentation Sisters in Newfoundland. Bishop Howley was more interested in Sarah than in Daniel, seeing her as a promising candidate for the furtherance of the educational plans for his diocese.

At this time St. Bride’s College, Littledale, established in 1884 by the Sisters of Mercy as a boarding school for young women interested in the teaching profession, was becoming increasingly important in the educational and cultural life of Newfoundland. The need for highly qualified teachers for Littledale was a constant concern for the bishop. Consequently, he was quick to welcome Sarah to the diocese, not for the Presentation Sisters but for the Sisters of Mercy.

Sarah arrived in St. John’s in the Fall of 1903, entered the Sisters of Mercy, was received as Sister M. Perpetua and while still a novice was named headmistress of Littledale. Under her wise and competent guidance, Littledale flourished and in 1917 it was raised to the status of a college.

After seventeen years of intense involvement in the life and growth of her beloved Littledale, Sister M. Perpetua was ready for a change. She went to Fordham University in New York, where in 1923 she was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, the first Sister of Mercy of Newfoundland to receive this distinction. Upon her return to St. John’s she served in a number of positions, including Mistress of Novices. She died at the age of 56 years at St. Bride’s Convent on August 22, 1933, with her brother, Father Dan at her bedside.

Sister Mary Perpetua was a faithful and zealous Sister of Mercy, a woman of extraordinary talent and energy, a great teacher and mentor and a tireless advocate for the cause of education.

Sarah O’Callaghan, nacida en Irlanda en 1877, es una de las figuras más destacadas de la historia educativa de la Misericordia en Terranova.

En 1903, su hermano Daniel escribió al obispo de St. John’s, Michael Francis Howley, expresando su deseo de entrar en el sacerdocio y servir en su diócesis. En esa carta hablaba elogiosamente de su hermana Sarah, señalando que era “una erudita consumada” que esperaba unirse a las Hermanas de la Presentación en Terranova. El obispo Howley estaba más interesado en Sarah que en Daniel, pues la veía como una candidata prometedora para llevar adelante los planes educativos de su diócesis.

Bride’s College, Littledale, fundado en 1884 por las Hermanas de la Misericordia como internado para mujeres jóvenes interesadas en la profesión docente, adquiría cada vez más importancia en la vida educativa y cultural de Terranova. La necesidad de profesoras altamente cualificadas para Littledale era una preocupación constante para el obispo. En consecuencia, se apresuró a acoger a Sarah en la diócesis, no para las Hermanas de la Presentación, sino para las Hermanas de la Misericordia.

Sarah llegó a St. John’s en el otoño de 1903, ingresó en las Hermanas de la Misericordia, fue recibida como Hermana M. Perpetua y, siendo todavía novicia, fue nombrada directora de Littledale. Bajo su sabia y competente dirección, Littledale floreció y en 1917 fue elevado a la categoría de colegio.

Después de diecisiete años de intensa participación en la vida y el crecimiento de su querida Littledale, la Hermana M. Perpetua estaba lista para un cambio.
Fue a la Universidad de Fordham en Nueva York, donde en 1923 obtuvo el título de Doctora en Filosofía, siendo la primera Hermana de la Misericordia de Terranova en recibir esta distinción.A su regreso a St. John’s desempeñó diversos cargos, entre ellos el de maestra de novicias.Murió a la edad de 56 años en el convento de Santa Novia el 22 de agosto de 1933, con su hermano, el padre Dan, a su cabecera.

Sor Mary Perpetua fue una fiel y celosa Hermana de la Misericordia, una mujer de extraordinario talento y energía, una gran maestra y mentora y una incansable defensora de la causa de la educación.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, 9 August

Posted on by Diane Smyth

International Day of the World’s Indigenous People dates back to 1982, the date of the first session of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations. It calls all of us to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of indigenous communities around the world and to advocate for their rights. The theme for this year is Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-Determination.

There are more than 400 million indigenous people in the world spread out over 90 countries, representing 5000 different cultures and speaking 7000 different languages. They represent the greater part of the world’s cultural diversity. Although they comprise 15% of the world’s population, they are 15% of the world’s poorest people. Many indigenous peoples continue to face racial discrimination, marginalization, extreme poverty and other violations of human rights. Despite this, they play a significant role in sustaining the diversity of the world’s cultural and biological landscape. Indigenous people generally have a deep bond with nature and are involved in the protection and preservation of our shared environment.

Let us be mindful of our own indigenous people in Newfoundland and Labrador and throughout Canada who are continuing their struggle for recognition, respect and reconciliation.

El Día Internacional de las Poblaciones Indígenas del Mundo se remonta a 1982, fecha de la primera sesión del Grupo de Trabajo sobre Poblaciones Indígenas. Nos llama a todos a reconocer y celebrar los logros y contribuciones de las comunidades indígenas de todo el mundo y a defender sus derechos. El tema de este año es La juventud indígena como agente de cambio para la autodeterminación.

En el mundo hay más de 400 millones de indígenas repartidos en 90 países, que representan 5.000 culturas diferentes y hablan 7.000 lenguas distintas. Representan la mayor parte de la diversidad cultural del mundo. Aunque representan el 15% de la población mundial, son el 15% de las personas más pobres del mundo. Muchos pueblos indígenas siguen sufriendo discriminación racial, marginación, pobreza extrema y otras violaciones de los derechos humanos. A pesar de ello, desempeñan un papel importante en el mantenimiento de la diversidad del paisaje cultural y biológico del mundo. Por lo general, los pueblos indígenas mantienen un profundo vínculo con la naturaleza y participan en la protección y preservación de nuestro entorno común.

Tengamos presentes a nuestros propios pueblos indígenas de Terranova y Labrador y de todo Canadá, que siguen luchando por el reconocimiento, el respeto y la reconciliación.

 

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, 30 July

Posted on by Diane Smyth

According to the UN, global crises, conflicts, and the climate emergency are escalating trafficking risks. Displacement and socio-economic inequalities are impacting millions of people worldwide, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by traffickers. Those who lack legal status, live in poverty, have limited access to education, healthcare, or decent work, face discrimination, violence, or abuse, or come from marginalized communities are often the primary targets of traffickers. 

The theme for World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2023 is “Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind”. It aims to raise awareness of disturbing developments and trends identified by the latest UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons and calls on governments, law enforcement, public services, and civil society to assess and enhance their efforts to strengthen prevention, identify and support victims, and end impunity.

Talitha Kum, the global umbrella network of sisters, allies, and partners established in 2009 with the International Union of Superiors General (UISG), recently  released  its annual activities report. Rich in data, stories, testimonies, and critical analyses, it details the last year of Talitha Kum’s activity and is proposed as a working tool for all people committed against trafficking.

Según la ONU, las crisis mundiales, los conflictos y la emergencia climática están aumentando los riesgos de trata. Los desplazamientos y las desigualdades socioeconómicas afectan a millones de personas en todo el mundo, haciéndolas vulnerables a la explotación de los traficantes. Quienes carecen de estatus legal, viven en la pobreza, tienen un acceso limitado a la educación, la atención sanitaria o un trabajo digno, sufren discriminación, violencia o abusos, o proceden de comunidades marginadas, son a menudo los principales objetivos de los traficantes.

El lema del Día Mundial contra la Trata de Personas 2023 es “Llegar a todas las víctimas de la trata, no dejar a nadie atrás”. Su objetivo es sensibilizar sobre los preocupantes acontecimientos y tendencias señalados en el último Informe Mundial sobre la Trata de Personas de la ONUDD, y hace un llamamiento a los gobiernos, las fuerzas del orden, los servicios públicos y la sociedad civil para que evalúen e intensifiquen sus esfuerzos para reforzar la prevención, identificar y apoyar a las víctimas, y poner fin a la impunidad.

Talitha Kum, la red mundial de hermanas, aliados y socios creada en 2009 con la Unión Internacional de Superioras Generales (UISG), ha publicado recientemente su informe anual de actividades. Rico en datos, historias, testimonios y análisis críticos, detalla el último año de actividad de Talitha Kum y se propone como herramienta de trabajo para todas las personas comprometidas contra la trata.

Pope Francis’ August Prayer Intention “For World Youth Day”. Intención de oración Papa Francesco “Por la Jornada Mundial de la Juventud”

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Pope Francis has released his prayer intention for the month of August, which is dedicated to the upcoming World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, 1-6 August.

Its theme is: Mary arose and went with haste from the first chapter of St. Luke’s Gospel. In choosing this theme, Pope Francis was sending an invitation to young people to take the path of joyful witness and loving action on behalf of the Gospel

Post your prayer for peace in our sacred space here

El Papa Francisco ha hecho pública su intención de oración para el mes de agosto, dedicado a la próxima Jornada Mundial de la Juventud, que se celebrará en Lisboa (Portugal) del 1 al 6 de agosto.

Su tema es: María se levantó y se fue de prisa, del primer capítulo del Evangelio de San Lucas. Con la elección de este tema, el Papa Francisco invita a los jóvenes a emprender el camino del testimonio gozoso y de la acción amorosa en favor del Evangelio.

Publica aquí tu oración por la paz en nuestro espacio aquí