Category: Sisters News

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

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.

Remembering Our Newfoundland Mercy Story 8: Sandy Point Foundation

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Sandy Point was a peninsula connected to the mainland at Flat Bay until the 1940s when coastal erosion made it an island. Through the 1800s it was the hub of the Bay St. George fishery and the largest year-round community on Newfoundland’s west coast, but its prominence decreased with the completion of the trans-island railway in 1897.

Photo of Sandy Point by Lloyd Pretty

It was here in this bustling but undeveloped settlement of Sandy Point that a historic event occurred 130 years ago. On July 28, 1893 four Sisters of Mercy arrived by ship from Providence, Rhode Island to establish a Convent of Mercy and a school in mission territory far removed from the advantaged life they had lived in the United States. The incredible story of their coming and their staying is a testament to the amazing mystery of God’s call and human response.

This prayer facilitates reflection on this special anniversary and will provide another opportunity to express gratitude to and for the Mercy women who have gone before us.

More about the story of the Sandy Point Foundation
Mary Antonio Egan, Founder of the First Convent of Mercy on the west coast of Newfoundland 

Celebration of Foundation at Sandy Point (2011)
120th Anniversary of Foundation at Sandy Point (2013)
Anniversary of the Founding of Mercy on West Coast of Newfoundland (2022)

 

Sandy Point fue una península unida a tierra firme por Flat Bay hasta los años 40, cuando la erosión costera la convirtió en isla. Durante el siglo XIX fue el centro de la pesquería de Bay St. George y la mayor comunidad de la costa oeste de Terranova, pero su importancia disminuyó con la construcción del ferrocarril transinsular en 1897.

Fue aquí, en este bullicioso pero poco desarrollado asentamiento de Sandy Point, donde se produjo un acontecimiento histórico hace 130 años. El 28 de julio de 1893, cuatro Hermanas de la Misericordia llegaron en barco desde Providence, Rhode Island, para establecer un Convento de la Misericordia y una escuela en un territorio de misión muy alejado de la vida acomodada que habían llevado en Estados Unidos. La increíble historia de su llegada y de su permanencia es un testimonio del asombroso misterio de la llamada de Dios y de la respuesta humana.

Esta oración facilita la reflexión en este aniversario tan especial y proporcionará otra oportunidad para expresar gratitud a y por las mujeres de la Misericordia que nos han precedido.

Más sobre la historia de la Fundación Sandy Point

Celebración de la Fundación en Sandy Point (2011)
120 aniversario de la Fundación en Sandy Point, Terranova (2013)
Aniversario de la fundación de Mercy en la costa oeste de Terranova (2022)

Opening of the new Perchance Theatre in former Mercy Convent

Posted on by Diane Smyth

On Saturday, 15 July Perchance Theatre opened in its new home in Conception Harbour, the former Immaculate Conception Mercy Convent.

Immaculate Conception Convent (built in 1930s), now Perchance Theatre

An interview with Danielle Irvine, artistic director,  and Sr Diane Smyth with Heather Barrett on CBC news marked the occasion.

The interview can be heard here. As you listen to the interview you are taken on a tour of the building, what it has been used for and what it will be.

The first show in the new home is a musical, High Steel, a story of those  men from Conception Bay and other communities who left the bays to help build the skyscrapers in New York and Boston USA.

“For all the years here the Sisters taught the arts. That’s why we’re so excited Perchance Theatre is now here. It is right in keeping with our spirit,”said Sr Diane.

“It’s a match made in heaven!” added Danielle Irvine.

Watch the interview clip on instagram here

The story of how Mercy Convent Conception Harbour became the new home for Perchance Theatre can be read on our website here

El sábado 15 de julio se inauguró el Perchance Theatre en su nueva sede de Conception Harbour, el antiguo Convento de la Misericordia de la Inmaculada Concepción.

Una entrevista a Danielle Irvine, directora artística, y a la Hna. Diane Smyth con Heather Barrett en las noticias de la CBC marcó la ocasión.

La entrevista puede escucharse aquí. Mientras se escucha la entrevista, se hace un recorrido por el edificio, para qué se ha utilizado y qué será.

El primer espectáculo en la nueva casa es un musical, High Steel, una historia de aquellos hombres de Conception Bay y otras comunidades que dejaron las bahías para ayudar a construir los rascacielos de Nueva York y Boston USA.

“Durante todos los años aquí las Hermanas enseñaron las artes. Por eso estamos tan contentas de que Perchance Theatre esté ahora aquí. Está en consonancia con nuestro espíritu”, afirma la Hermana Diane.

Y Danielle Irvine añadió: “Es un matrimonio hecho en el cielo”.

La historia de cómo el Mercy Convent Conception Harbour se convirtió en la nueva sede del Perchance Theatre puede leerse en nuestro sitio web aquí

Remembering with Gratitude: Sr Mary Francis Creedon

Posted on by Diane Smyth

On July 15 we remember with gratitude our Newfoundland Mercy foundress, Sister Mary Francis Creedon, who died on this day in 1855 at the age of 44 years.

Francis was, in the words of Sister Kathrine Bellamy “The Steadfast Woman,” a woman who trusted, loved and lived in the midst of seemingly insurmountable difficulties, setbacks, conflict, loss and suffering, as well as in the joys of loving companionship, shared hopes and dedicated service.

Francis was a newly professed sister living at Baggot Street when Catherine McAuley died in November of 1841. She was among the sisters named in the codicil of Catherine’s will, charged with the preservation of the charism of Mercy. This awesome trust Francis took to heart, as was evident in her whole-hearted embrace of the mission of Mercy to the people of St.  John’s. In the late 1840s and early 1850s she and her sisters became familiar figures in the lanes and alleyways of St. John’s, bringing food, comfort and hope to people, many of whom lived in deplorable poverty and wretchedness.

By the Spring of 1855 the struggles and hardships of the early days of the mission, school responsibilities, regular visitation of the sick even in times of epidemics, instruction of young women who were entering the Order, opening an orphanage and an infirmary to care for sick orphans at Mercy Convent all began to take a toll on Francis’ health. However, on July 2, less than two weeks before her death, she presided at a ceremony for the reception of Anastasia Tarrahan, the first Newfoundland-born woman to enter the community.

When Francis died on July 15, only four young sisters, one of them a novice, were left to carry on the mission. Undoubtedly inspired by her spirit and example, they created a legacy of compassion, commitment and courage that has characterized our congregation to this day. For this, we are grateful to Francis Creedon and to all our foremothers in Mercy. Having received Mercy, Francis did indeed become Mercy. This is our call, our challenge, our gift…

  • Read more Sisters stories documenting our Newfoundland Mercy Story

El 15 de julio recordamos con gratitud a nuestra fundadora de la Misericordia de Terranova, la Hermana Mary Francis Creedon, que murió un día como hoy en 1855 a la edad de 44 años.

Francis fue, en palabras de la Hermana Kathrine Bellamy “La Mujer Firme”, una mujer que confió, amó y vivió en medio de dificultades aparentemente insuperables, contratiempos, conflictos, pérdidas y sufrimientos, así como en las alegrías del compañerismo amoroso, las esperanzas compartidas y el servicio dedicado.

Francis era una hermana recién profesa que vivía en Baggot Street cuando Catherine McAuley murió en noviembre de 1841. Estaba entre las hermanas nombradas en el codicilo del testamento de Catalina, encargadas de preservar el carisma de la Misericordia. Francisco se tomó muy a pecho este impresionante encargo, como quedó patente en su adhesión incondicional a la misión de la Misericordia para el pueblo de San Juan. A finales de la década de 1840 y principios de la de 1850, ella y sus hermanas se convirtieron en figuras familiares en las callejuelas y callejones de St. John’s, llevando comida, consuelo y esperanza a las personas, muchas de las cuales vivían en una pobreza y miseria deplorables.

En la primavera de 1855, las luchas y penurias de los primeros días de la misión, las responsabilidades escolares, las visitas regulares a los enfermos incluso en tiempos de epidemias, la instrucción de las jóvenes que ingresaban en la Orden, la apertura de un orfanato y de una enfermería para atender a los huérfanos enfermos en el Convento de la Misericordia empezaron a hacer mella en la salud de Francis. Sin embargo, el 2 de julio, menos de dos semanas antes de su muerte, presidió una ceremonia para la recepción de Anastasia Tarrahan, la primera mujer nacida en Terranova que ingresaba en la comunidad.

A la muerte de Francisco, el 15 de julio, sólo quedaban cuatro hermanas jóvenes, una de ellas novicia, para continuar la misión. Inspiradas sin duda por su espíritu y su ejemplo, crearon un legado de compasión, compromiso y valentía que ha caracterizado a nuestra congregación hasta nuestros días. Por ello, estamos agradecidas a Francis Creedon y a todas nuestras antecesoras en la Misericordia. Habiendo recibido Misericordia, Francisco se convirtió en Misericordia. Esta es nuestra llamada, nuestro reto, nuestro regalo…

Elizabeth Davis, RSM to Participate in the Synod

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Sister Elizabeth Davis has been selected to participate in the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to be held in Rome in October. Delegates representing bishops, priests, religious and laypeople from around the world will be present at the October session.

Sister Elizabeth was nominated through the Union of Superiors Generals (UISG).  When the call for nominees from North America came forth the different congregational leaders in Canada were invited to submit a name.  The ten chosen – five women and five men –represent religious orders from countries around the world.   Elizabeth is in section A and will be a voting member of the Synod.

The Synod in Rome follows diocesan, national, and continental phases of the Synod that began in October 2021. The Synod has as its theme “For a synodal church: communion, participation, and mission.”

More about the October 2023 Session can be found on our website here

La Hermana Elizabeth Davis ha sido seleccionada para participar en la Asamblea General del Sínodo de los Obispos que se celebrará en Roma en octubre. En la sesión de octubre estarán presentes delegados que representan a obispos, sacerdotes, religiosos y laicos de todo el mundo.

La Hermana Elizabeth fue nominada a través de la Unión de Superioras Generales (UISG). Cuando se hizo la convocatoria de candidaturas de América del Norte, se invitó a los distintos líderes congregacionales de Canadá a presentar un nombre. Los diez elegidos -cinco mujeres y cinco hombres- representan a órdenes religiosas de países de todo el mundo. Elizabeth pertenece a la sección A y será miembro con derecho a voto del Sínodo.

El Sínodo de Roma sigue a las fases diocesana, nacional y continental del Sínodo que comenzó en octubre de 2021. El Sínodo tiene como lema “Por una Iglesia sinodal: comunión, participación y misión”.

Puede encontrar más información sobre la Sesión de octubre 2023 en nuestro sitio web aquí

 

Ministry to Individuals, Groups, Families

Posted on by Diane Smyth

The Family Life Bureau, established in the Archdiocese of St. John’s in 1976, offers counseling in a whole range of areas including individual, marriage, and family counseling. Clients of the staff of the Bureau are either self-referred, referred from the courts, from physicians, various community agencies, and from priests throughout the Archdiocese.

Discovering and using your strengths to deal with personal and family life issues . . . Support to see you through . . .

Pastoral counseling is healing the mind, spirit, and relationships through the wisdom of behavioural sciences and spiritual values.

The goal of the Family Life Bureau is to foster positive changes in the lives of persons. Every person has within him/her the energy for growth. Troubled people seek out help when external circumstances lead to distressing separation from others, internal conflicts that cause pain and inner division, and when the life force within them is blocked from healing and growth.

Sister Loretta Walsh, rsm, Executive Director of the Family Life Bureau, is a facilitator and counselor. She and two other certified counselors provide individual, couple, group and family counseling. They also organize and facilitate workshops and marriage preparation seminars. The workshops deal with issues related to family life, parenting, interpersonal relationships, separation and divorce, personal growth, youth, dealing with drugs, assertiveness and self-esteem.

One interesting program brings married couples together for a candlelight dessert and facilitated conversation about their relationship. This marriage enrichment component is facilitated collaboration with the West End Baptist Church and some Anglican parishes in St. John’s.

 

Mercy Ministry in Ontario

Posted on by Diane Smyth

SoulWinds is a small piece of land – about three acres –  located on the Little Kennisis River in the Algonquin Highlands of Haliburton County in  Ontario’s near north in Canada.

SoulWinds is the home of Brenda Peddigrew, RSM, Ph.D. and Joan Weir, N.D., who tend the land in all its seasons and offer consultations, teaching and guidance in their respective fields and in many ways to be in nature’s presence.

Joint courses are offered on the SoulWinds property, though other accomodations are used for personal guided retreats with Brenda, and other consultations.

Visit their website to learn more about this Mercy ministry