Author: Diane Smyth

Celebrations in memory of Pope Francis

Posted on by Diane Smyth
On Tuesday, April 21, the first anniversary of the death of Pope Francis, Vatican News will broadcast a live Rosary and Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary Major and release a documentary to recall the late Argentine Pope.

Vatican News

Grave of Pope Francis
AW/AWC

It has been a year since the death of Pope Francis, which occurred at Casa Santa Marta at 7:35 a.m. on April 21, 2025.

Five days later, his funeral took place, and his mortal remains, according to his wishes, have since rested in the Marian Basilica of St. Mary Major, which is preparing to solemnly mark the anniversary.

The Program

The Basilica announced that the tribute will begin with a recitation of the rosary at 12:30 p.m. Newfoundland time  in the Pauline Chapel, where Pope Francis visited dozens of times.

Afterwards, on the right side of the Chapel, a commemorative plaque will be unveiled to honor the special bond between Pope Francis and the icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani.

The bronze plaque bears a Latin inscription of 160 characters in two different sizes, which reads: “Francis Supreme Pontiff, who paused 126 times in devout prayer at the feet of the Salus Populi Romani; according to his will, rests in this Papal Basilica.”

Link to Follow the Event via Live Streaming

After the Rosary, at 1:30 p.m. Newfoundland time, the Mass will be celebrated, during which a message from Pope Leo XIV, currently on his Apostolic Journey in Africa, will be read.

The celebration will be shown on the large screen in front of the Basilica, in St. Mary Major Square, and streamed on Vatican News via this link.

Vatican documentary

For the anniversary, Vatican News will release a 26-minute documentary—subtitled in Italian, English, and Spanish—which, through archival footage and symbolic sequences, recounts the pontificate of ‘the Pope of mercy’ and ‘the Pope of the peripheries,’ highlighting his most emblematic expressions and gestures.

St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital Timeline

Posted on by Diane Smyth

St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital has a rich history dating back to May 21, 1922 when 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.

1913: “White House” purchased from the Honorable E. M. Jackman to be operated by the Sisters of Mercy as a home for working girls


                                                       St Clare’s 1916

 

1921: The “White House” was renovated to serve as a hospital. Archbishop E.P. Roche laid plans for the improvement whish included sending a Sister of Mercy to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg to train as a nurse

1922: May 21 St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital was officially opened to care for 23 patients Sister Mary Bernard Gladney, graduate nurse, was appointed Superintendent.  The following year Sister Mary Aloysius Rawlins took on the position of superintendant

1939: New modern 100 bed building opened west of the “White House” on LeMarchant Road
St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital School of Nursing was opened with accommodations for the students in a duplex house next to the hospital

1941: First Graduation of St. Clare’s Nursing School- five graduates

1950: Opening of a large chapel and additional facilities for pediatric, obstetric and dietary services
–   Our Lady of Lourdes window installed on chapel corridor in memory of Sister Mary Aloysius Rawlins who had been administrator of St. Clare’s for over twenty years.

1956: Board of Governors and Medical Advisory Committee established

1958: Our Lady of Lourdes Hall opened to accommodate 100 nursing students

1959: St. Clare’s granted its first full accreditation by Canadian Council on Hospital Accreditation

1960:  St. Clare’s was incorporated

1962: Opening of New wing on St. Clare Avenue to provide accommodation for 100 additional patients

1967: St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital Auxiliary set up.  Mrs. Joan Parker Crosbie was first President

1963: Planning begun for another extension of hospital. 1968 Recognition as teaching hospital affiliated with Memorial University

1972: Golden Anniversary of the opening of St. Clare’s. New wing officially opened. Hospital population now increased to 300 patients

1975: Department of Pastoral Care established. Sister M. Carmelita Power appointed as Director

1978: Talbot House, a Residential Detoxification Center was opened on Deanery Avenue

“For Mercy has a Human Heart” – sculpture by Gerald Squires

1979: First Palliative Care Unit east of Montreal opened. The unit was transferred to the Leonard A. Miller Centre in 2002

1984: St. Clare’s was selected as one of ten test sites for a national computerized information management project

1985: Establishment of St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital Foundation
–   Computers were introduced- Meditech system for patient information

1994: St. Clare’s sold to provincial government and incorporated into Health Care Corporation of St. John’s, 1995
–    Opening of LeMarchant House, a mental health day program/centre

1995: St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital Advisory Council was established to foster Mission, Values and Ethics

2004: Sisters of Mercy donated a ceramic mural “For Mercy Has a Human Heart” placed in the front entrance. Artist – Gerald Squires

2005: Eastern Health, Regional Authority established for administration of all health care services in Avalon, Burin and Bonavista Peninsulas, including St. Clare’s

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

St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital Auxiliary Celebrates 50 Years

Posted on by Diane Smyth

On 23 October 2017 more than one hundred guests gathered at Government House in St. John’s, NL to mark the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital Auxiliary.

Their Honours Mr. Frank and Patricia Fagan were hosts in the beautiful and historic residence of the Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.  Former Presidents of the Auxiliary, past and currents members as well as a number of Sisters of Mercy and other friends were in attendance.  Refreshments were graciously served by Government House staff.   Guests and Governor Fagan and his wife mingled about the grand reception rooms.

Lt. Governor Frank and Mrs. Patricia Fagan

The Governor spoke for a few minutes to commend the group on reaching this milestone and to thank them for the wonderful work that the Auxiliary  members have done and continue to do on behalf of those who seek health and healing at St. Clare’s.  With grace and hospitality he welcomed everyone to Government House and invited them to explore the rooms and enjoy the beauty and history of the building.

Sister Elizabeth Davis, Leader of the Sisters of Mercy, spoke a few words of greeting to the auxiliary and thanked them for their dedicated and generous service to St. Clare’s and to the patients and families who come there.

Then an address was given by Mrs. Joan Parker Crosbie, First President of the Auxiliary:

Your Honours, Mr. and Mrs. Fagan, Sisters of St. Clare’s, President of the St. Clare’s Auxiliary, Auxiliary Past Presidents of the Auxiliary and friends:

Mrs. Joan Parker Crosbie

It is hard to believe that it was fifty years since the beginning of the auxiliary.  It was a very humble beginning but the enthusiasm of all the members was great.  I would be amiss if I didn’t mention all the encouragement we received from Sister Mary Aidan, Sister Fabian and all the Sisters. The auxiliary reminds me of the proud oak tree that grows from a tiny acorn.

We had a great time starting the auxiliary and many new friendships were formed.  We had a shower and members brought things to sell in the gift shop.  We had a Ball at the Old Colony Club and an auction during the Ball.  I only remember one item (to be auctioned) and that was Ray Guy’s salt and pepper cap.  The paper from inside the rim was missing as he got short-taken out in the woods.  Then there was the Sale of Work.  We took our knitting needles, sewing machine and all Sisters joined in.  They also made the wonderful fudge, which was the first thing to sell out.

Auxiliary Presidents

I am now at an age that memories are important.  I must say that my memories of St. Clare’s Auxiliary are very happy and proud ones.  I never could imagine that it would grow to the size that it is today.

Congratulations to all the members over the 50 years that have made the auxiliary what it is today.

Appreciation to Governor Fagan was expressed by Leslie Darraugh, current President of the Auxiliary.  Some photos were taken of many of the previous presidents who were in attendance.  It was the end of a lovely and memorable event.

 

Ministry through Music and Art Education

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Music is a distinguishing aspect of the Sisters of Mercy, in their history and in their present reality.

Music and art have  been part of Mercy Schools ever since the very beginning in Newfoundland. The Sisters brought music and song into the lives of thousands of Newfoundlanders through their teaching of individuals and groups from kindergarten to college, through the performance and achievements of their students, and through the composition of music for individual and choirs.

Nearly every Sisters of Mercy School had sisters to teach piano, choral work and instruments. Hundreds of students were privileged to have private lessons in piano, violin, viola, cello, harp and some brass instruments during regular schooldays. Nearly every class had singing as part of their curriculum. Individuals received instrumental or voice training. Art was taught in regular classroom settings using watercolours, acrylics and oils.

The local parish choir was often directed by a sister.Though not currently employed as music teachers or directors, sisters continue to share their musical talents in the parishes or other facilities where they minister. One sister continues to compose beautiful music for liturgical functions and special events in the Archdiocese of St. John’s.

A grand musical legacy continues to endure in the province and elsewhere and has been recognized throughout the world in the voice or musical talent of alumna of the Mercy music teachers.

Earth Day – April 22, 2026

Posted on by Diane Smyth

The theme for Earth Day 2026 is “Our Power, Our Planet”which serves as a rallying cry to unite for renewable energy, aiming to triple clean energy by 2030.

This theme emphasizes individual and community action, highlighting that environmental progress is driven by daily efforts to reclaim our voice, rights, and future.

  • Download our prayer reflection here
  • Post your prayer in our sacred space here
  • Watch the video to learn more

El lema del Día de la Tierra 2026 es «Nuestro poder, nuestro planeta», que sirve como llamamiento a la unión en favor de las energías renovables, con el objetivo de triplicar la energía limpia para 2030.

Este lema hace hincapié en la acción individual y comunitaria, y destaca que el progreso medioambiental se basa en los esfuerzos diarios por recuperar nuestra voz, nuestros derechos y nuestro futuro.

  • Descarga aquí nuestra reflexión de oración
  • Publica aquí tu oración en nuestro espacio sagrado

Pope Leo at Prayer Vigil for Peace: Stop planning arms and death

Posted on by Diane Smyth

During Pope Leo XIV’s Prayer Vigil for Peace in the world [April 11], the Pope appealed to leaders of nations to stop and sit at the table of dialogue and mediation, “not at the table where rearmament is planned and deadly actions are decided!” He also insisted that the Church will always advance in calling for peace “even when rejecting the logic of war may lead to misunderstanding and scorn,” and will always instil “obedience to God rather than any human authority.”…

The Pope thanked all those present and all those praying from afar for praying for peace, noting that their prayer is an expression of that faith which, as Jesus reminded, moves mountains. He began by recalling that: “War divides; hope unites. Arrogance tramples upon others; love lifts up. Idolatry blinds us; the living God enlightens.”

Yet, he reassured, “all it takes is a little faith, a mere ‘crumb’ of faith, in order to face this dramatic hour in history together — as humanity and alongside humanity.” He emphasized that prayer is not “a refuge in which to hide from our responsibilities, nor an anesthetic to numb the pain provoked by so much injustice,” but rather is “the most selfless, universal and transformative response to death.”

Nothing can confine us to a predetermined fate

In this context, he argued, “Nothing can confine us to a predetermined fate, not even in this world where there never seem to be enough graves, for people continue to crucify one another and eliminate life, with no regard to justice and mercy.”…

  • Read the complete article in Vatican News here

Durante la Vigilia de Oración por la Paz en el mundo celebrada por el papa León XIV [el 11 de abril], el Papa hizo un llamamiento a los líderes de las naciones para que se detuvieran y se sentaran a la mesa del diálogo y la mediación, «¡no a la mesa donde se planea el rearme y se deciden acciones mortíferas!». También insistió en que la Iglesia siempre seguirá adelante con su llamamiento a la paz «incluso cuando rechazar la lógica de la guerra pueda dar lugar a malentendidos y desprecio», y siempre inculcará «la obediencia a Dios antes que a cualquier autoridad humana»…

El Papa agradeció a todos los presentes y a todos aquellos que rezaban desde lejos por la paz, señalando que su oración es una expresión de esa fe que, como recordó Jesús, mueve montañas. Comenzó recordando que: «La guerra divide; la esperanza une. La arrogancia pisotea a los demás; el amor eleva. La idolatría nos ciega; el Dios vivo nos ilumina».

Sin embargo, aseguró: «Basta un poco de fe, una mera “miga” de fe, para afrontar juntos —como humanidad y junto a la humanidad— este momento dramático de la historia». Subrayó que la oración no es «un refugio en el que escondernos de nuestras responsabilidades, ni un anestésico para adormecer el dolor provocado por tanta injusticia», sino más bien «la respuesta más desinteresada, universal y transformadora a la muerte».

Nada puede confinarnos a un destino predeterminado

En este contexto, argumentó: «Nada puede confinarnos a un destino predeterminado, ni siquiera en este mundo en el que nunca parecen haber suficientes tumbas, pues las personas siguen crucificándose unas a otras y eliminando la vida, sin tener en cuenta la justicia y la misericordia»…

 

Remembering Our Newfoundland Mercy Story 41: Sister M. Gabrielle Carter

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Mary Carter, daughter of John F. Carter and Catherine Sweeney Carter, was born in Witless Bay on February 18, 1902. Little is known about her early life, but it is likely that she was educated by the Presentation Sisters in Witness Bay.

Mary entered the Convent of Mercy on Military Road in September of 1919, was received into the novitiate on July 16, 1920, and given the name, Sister Mary Gabrielle.

Shortly after her profession on July 16, 1922, she was missioned to St. Edward’s Convent on Bell Island. After one year, she went to Burin as a member of St. Ann’s Convent but returned to St. Edward’s in 1926. When Immaculate Conception Convent opened at The Mines, Bell Island on February 2, 1927, Sister M. Gabrielle became a founding member of that community, along with Sisters M. Cecily O’Reilly, M. Alphonsus McNamara and M. Madeline Sophie Aylward. Sisters from St. Edward’s had been commuting daily to the Mines ever since 1919 – by horse and carriage or by horse and sleigh, depending on the season – and the opening of a convent there in 1927 was the realization of a long-held dream.

According to a description of the early days in Immaculate Conception school by Sister M. Madeline Sophie, there were approximately four hundred children in a building that had four classrooms. Sister M. Gabrielle taught the students from grades six to ten. Sister M. Madeline wrote that in such overcrowded circumstances, there was little time for extra subjects, but special emphasis was placed on reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic and religion.

A few years after her transfer to Immaculate Conception Convent, Sister M. Gabrielle became ill, but she remained on Bell Island until her death, being cared for by her sisters and the people who had come to love her as one of their own. She died on May 10, 1936, at the age of 34 years and was buried on Bell Island. She is the only Sister of Mercy buried on Bell Island.

Sister M. Gabrielle’s obituary spoke of her as follows:

An excellent teacher and of a quiet and unassuming character,
she won the respect and esteem of religious and pupil alike,
testimony of this being shown in a marked degree by the sorrowing
throngs who visited the Convent chapel on May 10th and 11th…

The Star of the Sea Association on Bell Island arranged a Guard of Honor for Sister M. Gabrielle’s funeral procession, which was accompanied by the Knights of Columbus, a large number of Bell Island citizens, pupils and former pupils. A full choir, assisted by former pupils provided the music to honor a beloved teacher and friend. The obituary noted that the Mother General of the Order, Sister M. Philippa Hanley, and the superiors of the city convents were also in attendance.

Pope Welcomes Iran Ceasefire, Invites Faithful to Join Prayer Vigil for Peace

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Pope Leo has welcomed the news of a ceasefire in the Middle East and asks that all parties engage in prolonged dialogue to reach an end to the conflict. He also invites men and women of goodwill across the world to join him in prayer for peace on Saturday 11 April.

At the conclusion of his General Audience on Wednesday, 8 April, Pope Leo turned his thoughts to the weeks of tension that have been escalating in the Middle East. In light of the announcement of a two-week ceasefire on the evening of 7 April, the Pope said he welcomed the news “with satisfaction and as a sign of deep hope”.

Addressing the faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square, the Pope emphasised that “only through a return to the negotiating table can we bring the war to an end”. He went on to urge those gathered to accompany this time of delicate diplomatic work with prayer, “in the hope that a willingness to engage in dialogue may become the means to resolve other situations of conflict throughout the world”.

Finally, the Pope reminded the faithful that on Saturday, 11 April, a Prayer Vigil for Peace will be celebrated in St Peter’s Basilica, and that everyone, both in person or following from home, is invited to join. The Vigil will take place at 1:30 pm Newfoundland time and will be presided over by the Holy Father. No tickets are required for those attending in person.

El papa León ha acogido con satisfacción la noticia de hoy sobre el alto el fuego en Oriente Medio y pide a todas las partes que entablen un diálogo prolongado para poner fin al conflicto. Asimismo, invita a los hombres y mujeres de buena voluntad de todo el mundo a unirse a él en oración por la paz el sábado 11 de abril.

Al término de su audiencia general del miércoles 8 de abril, el papa León se refirió a las semanas de tensión que se han ido intensificando en Oriente Medio. A la luz del anuncio de un alto el fuego de dos semanas realizado en la tarde del 7 de abril, el Papa ha dicho que acogía la noticia «con satisfacción y como un signo de profunda esperanza».

Dirigiéndose a los fieles reunidos en la Plaza de San Pedro, el Papa ha subrayado que «solo volviendo a la mesa de negociaciones podremos poner fin a la guerra». A continuación, instó a los allí reunidos a acompañar este delicado momento de trabajo diplomático con la oración, «con la esperanza de que la voluntad de entablar el diálogo se convierta en el medio para resolver otras situaciones de conflicto en todo el mundo».

Por último, el Papa recordó a los fieles que el sábado 11 de abril se celebrará una Vigilia de Oración por la Paz en la Basílica de San Pedro, y que todos, tanto en persona como desde casa, están invitados a participar. La vigilia tendrá lugar a las 13:30 h, hora de Terranova, y estará presidida por el Santo Padre. No se requieren entradas para quienes asistan en persona.

Pope: The Threat Against the Entire Iranian People is Unacceptable

Posted on by Diane Smyth
En una declaración desde Castel Gandolfo, León XIV hace un llamamiento a la paz e invita a ponerse en contacto con los miembros del Congreso para pedir el fin de la guerra, pensando en las numerosas víctimas inocentes.

Vatican News

“Hoy, como todos sabemos, se ha producido también esta amenaza contra todo el pueblo de Irán, y esto es realmente inaceptable”, claras y directas fueron las palabras del Papa León XIV a las puertas de su residencia en Castel Gandolfo. En una breve declaración a los periodistas, primero en italiano y luego en inglés, esta noche del 7 de abril, reitera la urgencia de la paz, pensando en la grave situación que se está viviendo, ante el ultimátum lanzado por el presidente estadounidense Donald Trump a Irán con la amenaza de destruirlo todo en una noche si no se aceptan las condiciones impuestas previamente y rechazadas por Teherán en relación con el estrecho de Ormuz.

El Papa recuerda las palabras sobre la paz pronunciadas el Domingo de Pascua en el Urbi et Orbi, cuando hizo un llamamiento a deponer las armas a «quienes tienen el poder de desencadenar guerras», eligiendo el camino del diálogo y no el de la fuerza. Subraya que están en juego «cuestiones de derecho internacional», pero que, sobre todo, hay «una cuestión moral» en la que hay que tener presente el bien del pueblo. El pensamiento se dirige sobre todo a los más vulnerables, víctimas de una escalada.

  • Lee el informe en Vatican News aquí
  • Publica tu oración por la paz en nuestro espacio sagrado aquí