Category: Sisters News

Ritual of Remembrance and Thanksgiving in St. George’s and St. John’s

Posted on by Diane Smyth

A ritual of thanksgiving and remembrance was held in St. George’s on June 19, 2026. The reason for the ritual was to celebrate the lives of six Sisters of Mercy buried in a small cemetery nearby, not far from the site of a former convent and school, St. Michael’s…

The ritual was presided by Bishop Bart and included song, prayer, readings and litany. Each of the six sisters was remembered with a brief description of their life as a Sister of Mercy with some community members placing a rose in a vase for each one. The six sisters are: Sr. M. Corsini Dempsey 1837 – 1919, Sr. M. Veronica Payne c1851 – 1909, Sr. M. Cecilia Sears 1872-1904, Sr. M. Theresa deBourke 1866-1942, Sr. M. Edward Murray 1901-1924, Sr. M. Mechtilde Gillis 1900 – 1956…

  • Download the article here

El 19 de junio de 2026 se celebró un ritual de acción de gracias y recuerdo en San Jorge. El motivo del ritual era celebrar la vida de seis Hermanas de la Misericordia enterradas en un pequeño cementerio cercano, no muy lejos del lugar de un antiguo convento y escuela, St. Michael’s…

El ritual fue presidido por el obispo Bart e incluía cantos, oraciones, lecturas y letanía. Cada una de las seis hermanas fue recordada con una breve descripción de su vida como Hermanas de la Misericordia, con algunos miembros de la comunidad colocando una rosa en un jarrón por cada una. Las seis hermanas son: Hna. M. Corsini Dempsey 1837-1919, Hna. M. Verónica Payne c1851 – 1909, Hna. M. Cecilia Sears 1872-1904, Hna. M. Theresa deBourke 1866-1942, Hna. M. Edward Murray 1901-1924, Hna. M. Mechtilde Gillis 1900 – 1956…

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Hopeful Garden – where hope and community grow

Posted on by Diane Smyth

A wonderful event took place at the Gathering Placeon 26 June 2026! The garden, now called “Hopeful Garden” at the back of the building, Barnes Road, has been redeveloped and officially opened. With the financial assistance of sponsors and community groups and the work of many hands, including staff, volunteers and guests of the Gathering Place, and the gift of God’s sun the Hopeful Garden is now open.
Read the account here

 Gardens are places that engage all our senses
Gardens are places of growth and new life
Gardens are places of inclusion
Gardens are meeting places
Gardens are places of healing
Gardens are places of harmony and hope

(from The Garden Blessing by Sr Elizabeth Davis)

 

 

 

¡El 26 de junio de 2026 tuvo lugar un evento maravilloso en el Gathering Place! El jardín, que ahora se llama «Hopeful Garden» y se encuentra en la parte trasera del edificio, en Barnes Road, ha sido remodelado e inaugurado oficialmente. Gracias a la ayuda económica de patrocinadores y grupos comunitarios, al trabajo de muchas personas —entre ellas, el personal, los voluntarios y los invitados del Gathering Place— y al regalo del sol de Dios, el Hopeful Garden ya está abierto.

Los jardines son lugares que despiertan todos nuestros sentidos.
Los jardines son lugares de crecimiento y nueva vida.
Los jardines son lugares de inclusión.
Los jardines son lugares de encuentro.
Los jardines son lugares de sanación.
Los jardines son lugares de armonía y esperanza.

(De «La bendición del jardín», de la hermana Elizabeth Davis)

Tribute to Sister Rona

Posted on by Diane Smyth

An idea to create a personalized library for West Coast Correctional Centre’s own Sister Rona (Pastoral Care) recently came to fruition through the hard work and dedication of both staff and offenders.

For the past 25 years, Sister Rona has played an integral role in supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders as they prepare to return to our communities. Her compassion, guidance, and unwavering commitment have positively impacted countless individuals over the years.

Sister Rona is highly respected by both staff and offenders alike, and her contributions do not go unnoticed. This library is a small token of appreciation for her years of dedicated service and the difference she continues to make every day.

Thank you, Sister Rona, for 25 years of outstanding service, support, and care.

La idea de crear una biblioteca personalizada para la hermana Rona (asistencia pastoral) del Centro Penitenciario de la Costa Oeste se ha hecho realidad recientemente gracias al esfuerzo y la dedicación tanto del personal como de los reclusos.

Durante los últimos 25 años, la hermana Rona ha desempeñado un papel fundamental en el apoyo a la rehabilitación y la reinserción de los reclusos mientras se preparan para volver a nuestras comunidades. Su compasión, su orientación y su compromiso inquebrantable han influido positivamente en innumerables personas a lo largo de los años.

La hermana Rona es muy respetada tanto por el personal como por los reclusos, y sus contribuciones no pasan desapercibidas. Esta biblioteca es una pequeña muestra de agradecimiento por sus años de servicio dedicado y por la diferencia que sigue marcando cada día.

Gracias, hermana Rona, por 25 años de servicio, apoyo y atención excepcionales.

Music at the Convent: A Tribute to Mercy

Posted on by Diane Smyth

On 25 May, Up Sky Down Films documentary Mercy was screened on CBC tv. The programme was filmed at Mercy Convent, Military Road, Newfoundland, now closed after 180 years and which will become part of The Gathering Place community health centre, enabling it to expand its services to vulnerable members of St John’s population.

Featuring Sr Rosemary Ryan, the impact of the Sisters of Mercy is told by some of our former students, including former St. John’s mayor, Shannon Duff, the CBC’s own Mary Walsh, and  Susan Quinn,  the founder and Artistic Director of QVE (Quintessential Vocal Ensemble).

Susan’s long-time desire to pay tribute to “Mercy” and to get back into the convent chapel, where she sang so often as a child, one last time before it closed, led to this documentary (15:44), filmed two weeks before the convent closed.

Mercy Arts and Crafts

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Sisters Anita Best and Mona Rumboldt manifest their creativity in needlework (Anita) and card-making (Mona).

Las hermanas Anita Best y Mona Rumboldt manifiestan su creatividad en la costura (Anita) y la tarjetería (Mona).

Examples of their work are on display in the gallery below. En la siguiente galería se exponen ejemplos de su trabajo.

Sr Mona with some of her creations
Sr Anita working on her tapestry

 

Celebration of 100 Years of Compassionate Care: St Clare’s Mercy Hospital

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Care of the sick is integral to the charism and tradition of all Sisters of Mercy as well noted in the founding history of the congregation. Visitation of the sick in their homes and in institutions has been adapted to circumstances of time and place, yet remains a strong witness of the Mercy ministry.

St Clare’s Mercy Hospital, Lemarchant Road

On May 21, 1922, the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland opened a hospital in a small dwelling, the “White House” to care for 23 patients. From these small beginnings has grown a Tertiary, adult acute care hospital serving the people of Newfoundland and Labrador for over 100 years.

Having celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022, St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital’s standard of excellence is recognized by all. It was sold to government in 1995 yet the influence of the Sisters of Mercy is obvious with its Advisory Council continuing to play a key role. The presence of the Sisters in Pastoral Care and its Mercy symbols in strategic locations continue to give the hospital its unique atmosphere. Indeed, “God’s mercy is from generation to generation’ (Luke 1:50)

Established by the Sisters of Mercy, today Eastern Health continues our legacy of providing compassionate and caring healthcare services to the people of the province, delivered and supported by almost 500 dedicated staff and health-care professionals at St Clare’s.

“It is a privilege for me to give thanks on behalf of all Sisters of Mercy and our associates as we mark the 100th anniversary of St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital,” said Congregational Leader, Sister Diane Smyth. “I speak with gratitude for all those who shared their gifts, talents, time, expertise and love to ensure that every aspect of human life was cared for – body, mind and spirit. For 100 years St. Clare’s has stood proud of its history and heritage and its standards of excellence.”

Read the press release from Eastern Health to mark the occasion.

During the 100th anniversary celebrations greetings were expressed by Dr. Andrew Furey – Premier of Newfoundland, Doctor John Haggie- Minister of Health, Archbishop Peter Hundt – Archbishop of St. John’s, Mr. David Diamond – CEO of Eastern Health and Sister Diane Smyth – Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Mercy. All echoed the great contribution of St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital to the field of health care and the influence of the Sisters of Mercy.

A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of symbols brought forward by key members of the St. Clare’s community. The Symbols included:

  • A photo of St. Clare’s showing the growth of the hospital over the years
  • A Values Poster highlighting the heart of their mission and ministry
  •  Oil of Anointing as a symbol of healing and comfort
  • Crest of St. Clare’s with its motto “Mercy Above All”, representing healing and hope centered in Mercy
  • Nightingale Lamp representing Florence Nightingale, the mother of the nursing profession
  • Clare’s Community – a collage representing the different departments and services which provide ministry at St. Clare’s
  • Photo of a ceramic Sculpture by Newfoundland artist Gerry Squires which depicts the history of St. Clare’s. This sculpture adorns the lobby of the hospital.

To mark the centenary, Eastern Health produced this video of the ritual of gratitude and thanksgiving held 22 May, 2022 (54.23).

Explore the timeline of key events in the history of St Clare’s

Remembering Sister Mary Antonio Egan, Founder

Posted on by Diane Smyth

February 1 is the anniversary of the death of Sister Mary Antonio Egan.  She was front and center in all the major events that shaped the new foundation on Newfoundland’s west coast in the first two decades of its history – the founding of St. Michael’s Convent on Sandy Point in  August of 1893, the move to St. George’s, the opening of  St. Michael’s Academy, the welcoming of the first resident students, the reception of new members into the community.

In 1917 on the death of Sister M. Joseph Kelly, who had been a member of the first General Council of the new congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland, Sister M. Antonio replaced her on the Council.

After 24 years on the west coast, she moved to St. Bride’s Convent in St. John’s to take up her new responsibilities, along with teaching duties at St. Bride’s College. She also served for one year as superior of St. Clare’s Working Home for Girls.

Sister Mary Antonio died on February 1, 1939, at the age of 87 years.

We are blessed to have had such a faith-filled, trusting and mission-focused woman as Sister Mary Antonio.  We thank God for her and for our many Mercy ancestors for the wonderful legacy of Mercy that we have inherited.

El 1 de febrero es el aniversario de la muerte de la hermana Mary Antonio Egan. Ella estuvo al frente y en el centro de todos los acontecimientos importantes que dieron forma a la nueva fundación en la costa oeste de Terranova durante las dos primeras décadas de su historia: la fundación del convento de San Miguel en Sandy Point en agosto de 1893, el traslado a San Jorge, la apertura de la Academia San Miguel, la bienvenida a las primeras alumnas residentes y la recepción de nuevos miembros en la comunidad.

En 1917, tras la muerte de la hermana M. Joseph Kelly, que había sido miembro del primer Consejo General de la nueva congregación de las Hermanas de la Misericordia de Terranova, la hermana M. Antonio la sustituyó en el Consejo.

Después de 24 años en la costa oeste, se trasladó al convento de St. Bride en St. John’s para asumir sus nuevas responsabilidades, junto con las tareas docentes en el St. Bride’s College. También fue durante un año superiora del Hogar de Trabajo para Niñas de Santa Clara.

La hermana Mary Antonio falleció el 1 de febrero de 1939, a la edad de 87 años.

Somos afortunados por haber tenido a una mujer tan llena de fe, confianza y centrada en la misión como la hermana Mary Antonio. Damos gracias a Dios por ella y por nuestros muchos antepasados de la Misericordia por el maravilloso legado de la Misericordia que hemos heredado.

Colin McNeil Appointed Executive Director of The Gathering Place

Posted on by Diane Smyth

The Gathering Place is pleased to announce the appointment of Colin McNeil as Executive Director, effective January 5, 2026.

In this role, Colin will provide strategic and operational leadership to advance the organization’s mission of offering barrier-free, street-level supports to marginalized individuals. He will oversee programs and services, strengthen partnerships, steward financial resources, and champion the values that define The Gathering Place—compassion, dignity, and community.

Colin joins The Gathering Place with more than 30 years of progressive leadership experience in public service, most recently as Deputy Chief of Police with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. His career has spanned frontline operations, emergency management, professional standards, and community engagement. Known for his calm leadership and collaborative approach, he has guided teams through complex challenges while fostering trust and connection across sectors.

“Colin’s leadership is rooted in service, compassion, and integrity. His deep understanding of community needs and his unwavering commitment to dignity and inclusion make him the right person to guide our mission forward,” said Sister Elizabeth Davis, Chair of the Board of The Gathering Place. “We are confident that under his leadership, The Gathering Place will continue to be a place of hope, belonging, and inclusion for those who need it most.”

Reflecting on his appointment, Colin shared, “I am honored to join The Gathering Place, an organization that embodies compassion, respect, community—values that have guided my entire career. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated staff, volunteers and partners to ensure that every Guest feels seen, supported and empowered.”

 

The Gathering Place se complace en anunciar el nombramiento de Colin McNeil como director ejecutivo, con efecto a partir del 5 de enero de 2026.

En este cargo, Colin proporcionará liderazgo estratégico y operativo para promover la misión de la organización de ofrecer apoyo sin barreras y a pie de calle a las personas marginadas. Supervisará los programas y servicios, reforzará las asociaciones, administrará los recursos financieros y defenderá los valores que definen a The Gathering Place: compasión, dignidad y comunidad.

Colin se une a The Gathering Place con más de 30 años de experiencia en liderazgo progresivo en el servicio público, más recientemente como subjefe de policía de la Real Policía de Terranova. Su carrera abarca operaciones de primera línea, gestión de emergencias, normas profesionales y participación comunitaria. Conocido por su liderazgo tranquilo y su enfoque colaborativo, ha guiado a equipos a través de retos complejos, al tiempo que ha fomentado la confianza y la conexión entre los distintos sectores.

«El liderazgo de Colin se basa en el servicio, la compasión y la integridad. Su profundo conocimiento de las necesidades de la comunidad y su compromiso inquebrantable con la dignidad y la inclusión lo convierten en la persona adecuada para guiar nuestra misión», afirmó la hermana Elizabeth Davis, presidenta de la junta directiva de The Gathering Place. «Estamos seguros de que, bajo su liderazgo, The Gathering Place seguirá siendo un lugar de esperanza, pertenencia e inclusión para quienes más lo necesitan».

Reflexionando sobre su nombramiento, Colin compartió: «Es un honor para mí unirme a The Gathering Place, una organización que encarna la compasión, el respeto y la comunidad, valores que han guiado toda mi carrera. Estoy deseando trabajar junto al dedicado personal, los voluntarios y los socios para garantizar que todos los huéspedes se sientan vistos, apoyados y empoderados».

 

Update on Mercy House and O’Callaghan’s Haven

Posted on by Diane Smyth

The Volunteers of the Gathering Place were invited to attend an information session on Mercy House and O’Callaghan’s Haven on November 5, 2025, from 10:00-11:45 a.m.  Sherry Whittle, Manager of Mercy House, and Kendalyn Davis, Volunteer Coordinator, presented the session accompanied by a PowerPoint Slide Show.

Since Mercy House is in operation a year now, we were delighted to hear about its progress.  Its main goals are to restore hope, independence and stability in people’s lives as they are treated with compassion, helped make connections and assisted in setting goals for themselves.

Here are some statistics which interested us:

  • O’Callaghan’s Haven on the first floor of Mercy Convent (in the former Fleming Room, two front parlours, kitchen area, laundry and staff room) accommodates 40 guests each night. These guests are approved through NL Housing for a limit of 30 nights and thus can return to the same bed for their stay. Some only need accommodation for a few nights.
  • Transitional Housing upstairs consists of 20 individual rooms where guests can stay for 18 months to 2 years. Since February 2025 there have been 27 guests. 8 left through their own decisions because they secured more permanent housing. There is always a waiting list.
  • Supportive Housing on floors 3 and 4 consists of individual bed sitting rooms and can accommodate 32 guests. The stay is supportive housing is indefinite, some probably for life. There are 31 there now and over the past months one left of their own accord and there were four evictions due to safety concerns.
  • There are 7 others not for profit shelters in St. John’s which mainly provide a place to sleep over night but not with the services of Mercy House. There are an unknown number of for-profit shelters as well.
  • The former Airport Inn, now known as “Horizons at 106”, has 70 guests.
  • When asked where all these people are coming from, they are mostly Newfoundlanders, perhaps from central and the west coast as well, but few from outside the province.

Regarding the Guests it was noticed there has been measurable improvement in their lifestyles, goals and behaviour. Comments from guests indicate they feel safe at Mercy House, love the community as they look out for one another, they are like a family and feel they belong, and know they are finally getting somewhere in their lives.

People behind the scenes are responsible for making Mercy House, O’Callaghan’s Haven and The Gathering Place a success – the managers, staff, cooks, coordinators, directors, cleaning staff, social workers, maintenance and volunteers, etc.

Looking ahead the directors hope to strengthen the continuum of care, enhance strong partnerships with other organizations and develop a culture of listening to all. They recognize that “Housing is the Foundation of Hope”. Once people know where they can lay their heads at night they can tend to other goals or job seeking.

The final slide for the session was a quote by Sister Elizabeth Davis: “We can only shape a future that is healthy and whole if we do it together”.

The session ended with a song written by Sherry Whittle which she played on the guitar on the spirit that is promoted through Mercy House and The Gathering Place.

Mercy House y O’Callaghan’s Haven el 5 de noviembre de 2025, de 10:00 a 11:45 a. m. Sherry Whittle, directora de Mercy House, y Kendalyn Davis, coordinadora de voluntarios, presentaron la sesión acompañada de una presentación de PowerPoint.

Dado que Mercy House lleva ya un año en funcionamiento, nos encantó conocer sus avances. Sus principales objetivos son devolver la esperanza, la independencia y la estabilidad a la vida de las personas, tratándolas con compasión, ayudándolas a establecer conexiones y asistiéndolas en el establecimiento de sus propios objetivos.

Aquí hay algunas estadísticas que nos interesaron:

  • O’Callaghan’s Haven, en el primer piso del Mercy Convent (en la antigua sala Fleming, dos salones delanteros, área de cocina, lavandería y sala de personal), tiene capacidad para 40 huéspedes cada noche. Estos huéspedes son aprobados a través de NL Housing por un límite de 30 noches y, por lo tanto, pueden regresar a la misma cama para su estadía. Algunos solo necesitan alojamiento por unas pocas noches.
  • Las viviendas de transición de la planta superior constan de 20 habitaciones individuales en las que los huéspedes pueden alojarse entre 18 meses y 2 años. Desde febrero de 2025 ha habido 27 huéspedes. Ocho se marcharon por decisión propia porque consiguieron una vivienda más permanente. Siempre hay lista de espera.
  • Las viviendas de apoyo de las plantas 3 y 4 constan de habitaciones individuales con cama y pueden alojar a 32 huéspedes. La estancia en las viviendas de apoyo es indefinida, algunos probablemente de por vida. Ahora hay 31 personas y, en los últimos meses, una se marchó por decisión propia y hubo cuatro desalojos por motivos de seguridad.
  • Hay otros siete refugios sin ánimo de lucro en St. John’s que principalmente ofrecen un lugar para dormir por la noche, pero no cuentan con los servicios de Mercy House. También hay un número desconocido de refugios con ánimo de lucro.
  • El antiguo Airport Inn, ahora conocido como «Horizons at 106», tiene 70 huéspedes.
  • Cuando se les pregunta de dónde vienen todas estas personas, la mayoría son de Terranova, quizás también de la costa central y occidental, pero pocas son de fuera de la provincia.

En cuanto a los huéspedes, se ha observado una mejora considerable en sus estilos de vida, objetivos y comportamiento. Los comentarios de los huéspedes indican que se sienten seguros en Mercy House, que les encanta la comunidad porque se cuidan unos a otros, que son como una familia y se sienten parte de ella, y que saben que por fin están avanzando en sus vidas.

Las personas que trabajan entre bastidores son las responsables del éxito de Mercy House, O’Callaghan’s Haven y The Gathering Place: los gerentes, el personal, los cocineros, los coordinadores, los directores, el personal de limpieza, los trabajadores sociales, el personal de mantenimiento y los voluntarios, etc.

De cara al futuro, los directores esperan reforzar la continuidad de la atención, mejorar las sólidas alianzas con otras organizaciones y desarrollar una cultura de escucha para todos. Reconocen que «la vivienda es la base de la esperanza». Una vez que las personas saben dónde pueden descansar por la noche, pueden dedicarse a otros objetivos o a buscar trabajo.

La última diapositiva de la sesión fue una cita de la hermana Elizabeth Davis: «Solo podemos construir un futuro saludable y completo si lo hacemos juntos».

La sesión terminó con una canción escrita por Sherry Whittle, que tocó con la guitarra, sobre el espíritu que se promueve a través de Mercy House y The Gathering Place.

Advocates Say Even Knowing Your Neighbour is a Step Forward for Climate Action

Posted on by Diane Smyth

In a recent panel discussion on CBC’s The Signal, climate advocates reacted to the latest climate news, such as this summer’s devastating wildfires in Newfoundland and Labrador and across the country. Sister Mary Tee was a participant in this panel.

‘ “Facts and science knowledge don’t often get to people’s hearts, says Mary Tee, former director of the Mercy Centre for Ecology and Justice.

“There has to be a moral, spiritual way into this because we have to have a change in consciousness, and I don’t think rules and regulations will bring that about,” she said.

“It has to be tapping to our very hearts and our feelings … we’re not just individuals, you know, we’re responsible not just for ourselves, but for our community.”‘

  • Read the complete article here
  • Watch the video of the panel discussion (54:58)

En un reciente debate en el programa The Signal de la CBC, los defensores del clima reaccionaron a las últimas noticias sobre el clima, como los devastadores incendios forestales de este verano en Terranova y Labrador y en todo el país. La hermana Mary Tee participó en este debate.

«Los hechos y los conocimientos científicos no suelen llegar al corazón de la gente», afirma Mary Tee, antigua directora del Mercy Centre for Ecology and Justice.

«Tiene que haber una vía moral y espiritual para abordar esto, porque tenemos que cambiar nuestra conciencia, y no creo que las normas y regulaciones lo consigan», afirmó.

«Tiene que llegar a nuestros corazones y a nuestros sentimientos… No somos solo individuos, sino que somos responsables no solo de nosotros mismos, sino también de nuestra comunidad».