Author: Diane Smyth

Jubilee – 545 Years

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Five hundred and fourty five years of life and ministry as Sisters of Mercy were celebrated in St. John’s, Newfoundland this summer. On July 16, our traditional Reception and Profession Day,  Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated in Corpus Christi Parish Church in the beautiful Waterford Valley to honour the silver and golden jubilee of nine women of Mercy. Sisters, Associates, colleagues, family and friends filled the church for the joyful event. Afterwards all were treated to refreshments in the parish hall.

Two diamond jubilarians living at McAuley Convent were unable to attend the Mass. They were joined by the other nine celebrants for an afternoon tea party a few days before that. Congratulations and thanks for your generosity and commitment for these so many years.

History of St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital: The Mustard Seed

Posted on by Diane Smyth

 

June 28, 2010 marked the launch of The Mustard Seed, the story of St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital written by Sister Kathrine Bellamy, rsm.  In her book Sister Kathrine set the story of St. Clare’s within the larger story of the Sisters of Mercy, the founding of the Congregation in Ireland in 1831, the foundation of the Newfoundland mission in 1842, the founding moment of the hospital in 1922 and the service and commitment of so many sisters and staff over the past 88 years.
 
Close to 150 people-Sisters of Mercy, the Bellamy family, friends, employees, volunteers and retirees-assembled to celebrate the event. Gary Cranford, publisher of Flanker Press, brought greetings to those gathered and spoke of how pleased he was to publish a second book by Sister Kathrine, referring to her previous book, Weavers of the Tapestry (2007).
 
Sister Elizabeth Davis, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Mercy, brought greetings on behalf of the Sisters, noting that it was an evening to celebrate an author, a book, a ministry and a place of healing.   In her remarks, Sister Elizabeth paid tribute to Sister Kathrine as a woman of Mercy, noting that her legacy to our province and to our Church is a rich and deep one, citing especially her giftedness as a musician, her leadership within the community at large and within our Congregation. as a social activist, and as a historian.   Referring to The Mustard Seed, Sister Elizabeth noted that it is a rich history of St. Clare’s and our city’s health care system.  She described it is a significant accounting of a ministry which we have held precious from the first years of our coming to Newfoundland to this day – the healing ministry. Sister Elizabeth concluded by saying that we celebrate a place of healing, St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital,  and the women and men who have carried out their work over the past eighty-eight years, the many professions and disciplines and support positions which have been and remain the heart and spirit of this place of healing.
 
A number of Sister Kathrine’s family members were present including her nephew, Reverend William Bellamy. Fifteen members of Mercy School Choir alumnae, accompanied by Brenda (Molloy) Mooney and directed by Marilyn (Burke) Murphy added their voices to the celebration.   The musical pieces were chosen to be part of the event in tribute to Sister Kathrine who taught these pieces to her choir and who passed on to them a great love of music and song.   One of the pieces that they sang, Salve Regina, was composed by Sister Kathrine. They were thrilled to have been invited to honor Sister Kathrine and the publication of her book.
 
A collage of photos from the launch of Sister Kathrine’s  Weavers of the Tapestry had been prepared by Marilyn (Mulrooney) Cameron and her daughter, Laura and was displayed during the launch.
 
Following the official launch, a reception for the guests was provided by Flanker Press. It provided an opportunity for friends and acquaintances to converse with each other, to share memories, to tell stories, and to purchase copies of The Mustard Seed
 
 
On a sad note:
Sister Kathrine died before the publication of her book, but it was fortunate that she had already passed her manuscript to the publishing company.   She had already chosen its title, taking it from the address of Archbishop Roche during the Opening of St. Clare’s Liturgy on May 21, 1922. He stated that the Sisters of Mercy are “planting a tiny grain of mustard seed, which we hope will grow into an immense tree, throwing its healing branches over different sections of the country.”
 

End of an Era

Posted on by Diane Smyth

The pastor, Fr. Pat Power, and parishioners of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Bay Bulls expressed gratitude and appreciation to Sister Patricia Gallant and to the Sisters of Mercy in the Eucharistic celebration of July 24, 2010.  Over thirty sisters joined the worshipping community for the special event. 

Patricia retired this year from teaching in the schools attended by children from Bay Bulls. She is the last Sister of Mercy to teach in the school system in Newfoundland, at least at this point in time.  Since 1842 when the first Sisters of Mercy arrived on this island from Dublin, education was one of the dominant ministries of Sister of Mercy.  Patricia’s retirement from her position marks the end of an era.

In his few words John O’Brien, a parishioner, thanked Sister Patricia for her ministry in the school and in the parish community of Bay Bulls.  He thanked the Sisters of Mercy, especially those who ministered in Bay Bulls since 1921 when St. Patrick’s Convent was founded there. 

Sisters Ann Normore and Patricia Gallant continue to reside in Bay Bulls and continue to minister there in various areas, especially in the music ministry of the parish.  Sister Elizabeth Davis received a plaque of appreciation and in turn said a few words of gratitude emphasizing the faithful support and collaboration of the people of Bay Bulls.  She also thanked the people for the gift of so many of their women who became Sisters of Mercy.

A pleasant and generous table, full of delicious food, had been prepared and served after Mass in the adjoining hall.

Sister Betty the Builder

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Bob the Builder may have competition!  During July, 2010 four homes(duplex) are being built in St. John’s, Newfoundland by Cabot Habitat for Humanity. Sister Betty Morrissey is a member of the volunteer team and goes to the construction site each morning at 7:30 (weather permitting) to give of her time and talent. After a couple of hours she then takes up her ministry in pastoral care at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital.

Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national, non-profit, faith-based organization working for a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. The mission of the organization is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty.  

Betty has been involved with Cabot Habitat since 1996. She served on the Board of Directors for almost ten years and is currently part of a group that nurtures the families as they prepare to move into their very own, brand new home. She also supports them as they contribute their hours of labour to the project. Over the nearly fifteen years that Betty has be part of this social housing project she has been part of building more than 25 family homes.

Celebration of 30th Anniversary of Palliative Care Service

Posted on by Diane Smyth

On May 6, 2010 St. Teresa’s Parish church provided the setting for a commemorative ceremony to mark the thirtieth anniversary of palliative care service in Newfoundland and Labrador. The celebration, opening with ‘Nun bitten wir’ by J. S. Bach, centered on remembrance, thanksgiving and blessing.  

In her words of welcome Sister Diane Smyth referred to 1979 and the founding of palliative care service when Sister Mary Fabian Hennebury, administrator of St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital, ‘was concerned that dying patients would receive the care, comfort and compassion that they needed.’ Her response to this need was to open a ten-bed palliative care unit at St. Clare’s. Sister Elizabeth Davis, congregational leader of the Sisters of Mercy, also spoke of Sister Mary Fabian “who held the vision of bringing a palliative care unit to Newfoundland, of St. Clare’s Board and staff who had the wisdom to endorse that vision, and of Laurie Anne O’Brien and her team who had the courage to implement the vision against many obstacles.” She continued to say that the Sisters of Mercy at St. Clare’s were the holders of the vision in many ways over the past thirty years. Others who brought greetings included Louise Jones on behalf of Eastern Health, Dr. John Lewis, and Dodie Glynn, Director of the Palliative Care Unit at the Miller Centre.
 
The greetings were followed by a historical overview by Laurie Anne O’Brien who very skillfully, through a power point presentation and script, depicted patients in the unit living life to the fullest, surrounded by loved ones in an atmosphere of love, caring and comfort. 
 
A moving ritual followed in which seven symbols were then brought to a table placed before the altar, each one celebrating an aspect of care: a candle – symbolizing warmth, light, life and remembrance; a memory book – representing the memories of those cared about and cared for; healing hands picture and statue – symbolizing the bonds of human touch and connection, bringing care and comfort; Scriptures – symbolizing the love and presence of a Higher Power;   tea cup denoting refreshment, renewal and companionship; the rosemary herb as a token of healing power, hope and remembrance; and a quilt, symbolizing the love, care, and comfort given and received by all who are touched by palliative care. 
 

The table, draped in a beautiful lace cloth holding these symbols, provided the setting for a song of praise and thanksgiving and rite of remembrance. This included the song ‘Remember Me’, and a reading from Isaiah 25:6-10 which was followed by a moment of remembrance in silent prayer.

 
While the ceremony commemorated the historic event of the opening of the unit, it also included the growth and development of palliative care over the years as a model of care that moves outside of the acute care setting into the community, into homes of the sick, into long-term care facilities, to help bring individuals comfort and quality of life in their illness and in their dying.
 
Owen Brown, whose 26 year old son died in the Palliative Care Unit in 1995, then shared his own personal and family’s experience during his son’s illness and death. He noted that the experience taught him what living and dying is all about and that it brought home to him so clearly that dying is an integral part of the journey of life.
 
The ceremony concluded with the Song of Blessing ‘The Lord Bless You and Keep You’ followed by a postlude, ‘Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring’, by J.S. Bach. 
 
The ceremony was attended by Sisters of Mercy, family members/loved ones, friends, health care workers, volunteers, physicians and others who have been touched by palliative care over the years.
 

Former Brigus Convent is Restaurant and B&B

Posted on by Diane Smyth

On September 11, 1861 four Sisters of Mercy set out by stage-coach from St. John’s to Portugal Cove, 12 miles away, to board the steamship Ellen Gisborn.  They sailed across Conception Bay for the picturesque and bustling Brigus harbour. Three of these women were professed sisters and one a postulant who had entered the day before.  Three of them were of Irish birth and all four of them under 26 years of age.  They were accompanied by the reverend mother and her assistant from Mercy Convent, Military Road.  The small band of sisters was met with flags and canon shots and a large number of delighted people.  St. Joseph’s Convent, Brigus, was the first foundation of Mercy sisters outside of St. John’s. 

Within the first few days of their arrival the sisters began their visitation of the sick at home and wasted no time in beginning their teaching.  Reports from the Board of Education describes the excellent work and the many achievements of the sisters and their students in education, music and arts.  In 1901 the sisters offered a program to train prospective teachers for the local school board.

From 1861 up to 1991 a large number of Sisters of Mercy were stationed in Brigus and taught in the different schools.  In 1991 the convent closed but one sister continued to commute from Immaculate Conception Convent,Conception Harbour, for a few more years.   

On March 1, 1994 the keys of the Brigus convent were handed to its new owner who intended to open a personal care home for elderly persons.  Since that time ownership has changed a few times until at this date in 2010 the newest owner has opened a restaurant and B&B, Harbour House.

The new enterprise still holds the orignal character of the former convent with useful changes including a large wheelchair accessible deck.  The community room has become a cosy pub that opens up into the adjacent room – the bar; the dining room is still a dining room; and the parlour is now a second, smaller dining room that could be set used for a private meeting.  The former “cells” on the second and third floors have become the sleeping area of the B&B.  Two lovely staircases provide access to this space.

Formation Conference

Posted on by Diane Smyth

The National Association of Vocation and Formation Directors’ Conference was held in Toronto, Ontario, March 14 – 17.  The theme of the conference was “Let Your Life Speak…Vocation Alive.”

Father Ronald Rolheiser, OMI was the keynote speaker. His talks based on years of experience as a Religious were inspiring, practical and full of hope. If we are living the gospel authentically, we can deal with the challenges of diversity; develop a Vocation culture beyond theology, ideology, liberals, and conservative and seek within ourselves for the authority to invite others to Religious Life. In addition to Father Rolheiser’s input, there were many workshops dealing with current issues in vocation ministry.

Sisters Maureen O’Keefe, Elizabeth Marrie, Eileen Penney and Marie Etheridge attended the conference. 

The conference material and the sharing with other vocation personnel was an enriching experience for each of us and renewed our energy to further the work of vocation ministry in our congregation.

Death of Sister Kathrine Bellamy

Posted on by Diane Smyth

With deep sadness, the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland mourn the sudden death of Sister Kathrine Bellamy on March 23, 2010.  Sister Kathrine’s legacy is a rich and deep one.  We are grateful for her gift of music composed and played and taught, for her leadership within the community at large and within our Congregation, for her love of history, for her commitment to interdenominational action for justice, for her passionate love for our Congregation and, perhaps above all, for her ministry with poor people.

Kathrine was linked with Mercy globally through her many contacts with sister archivists as she composed the history of Mercy in Newfoundland in her book, Weavers of the Tapestry.  She presented our story at Trocaire in Dublin in 1981 and the story of our founder, Sister Francis Creedon, at an international archivists’ meeting in Dublin in 2003.

She was buried from the Basilica of St. John the Baptist where she had been choir director and organist for parish liturgies and functions for twenty-four years.   Approximately seventy-five choristers (from the Basilica Choir and former Mercy Convent School Choirs) sang the sacred songs she had taught them; musicians (former students), through organ, violin, and trumpet, filled the Basilica with the sacred music she loved so deeply and had taught so well.  It is fitting that this Mercy musician and historian would be buried on March 25, the feast of the Annunciation, and the date (in 1843) on which Sister Maria (Mary Joseph) Nugent became the first sister of Mercy professed outside the British Isles.  Kathrine’s motto during her religious life was  “May it be done to me according to Your word.”

Reception and Renewal of Commitment in Peru

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Sisters of Mercy gathered in Lima to celebrate two important events in the life of two Peruvian women, Sisters Alita Sanchez Sanchez and Rosali Vargas Mendoza.  A number of Sisters of Mercy from the United States, Ireland, Australia and Peru joined the Newfoundland Sisters of Mercy for ceremonies of reception to the novitiate and of renewal of vows.

On February 13 Alita, a native of Monsefu, renewed her commitment to live as a vowed member of the Sisters of Mercy.  Rosali, a native of La Grama, was received into the novitiate program on February 19.

We congratulate these women and pray for them as they continue their journey of incorporation into the Congregation of Sisters of Mercy(Newfoundland) and as they deepen their life of commitment to the ministry of Christ in Peru.  We rejoice with them, with the sisters, with their families and with the people of Peru.

Jewellery and Cards for the Missions

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Sister Eileen and her twin sister, Catherine, a Mercy Associate, have a hobby of making jewellery.  They even decorate the boxes that hold the jewellery.  Catherine and Eileen also make lovely greeting cards for all occasions. 

Much of their creation is given as gift but most of it is sold at congregationsl gatherings or fairs to raise money for our missions in Peru and for some other ministry that reaches out to the poor.

At times they receive special requests for personalized earings or cards.  One such request might be to use the pearls or beads of an old necklace that has sentimental value to a family to make pieces of jewellery for various members of that family.

These two women are very generous in sharing their creative skills.