Category: Congregation

Our Ministry in Peru

Posted on by Diane Smyth

The Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland arrived in Peru in November 1961 – when a group of six sisters took the long journey to participate in the mission of the Archdiocese of St. John’s in Monsefu, Chiclayo.

Sisters of Mercy from Newfoundland and Peru now minister in two areas of the country – in Puerto Eten, Reque and Eten, in the Chiclayo region and in Huarmey, Casma, Ancash.  Eight sisters of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland (including four native Peruvians) work with the people, especially poor people, in towns and small villages in these two regions of Peru.

The sisters in Peru work closely with the people in catechetics, adult education, and in the various aspects of parish and liturgical life. They serve as teachers, social workers, advocates and champions of social justice.

In 2017 devasting floods and rains destroyed large areas of Peru.  Damage in Huarmey was caused by overflowing rivers of water and mud that filled the streets and homes of the pueblos.  In Puerto Eten and area peoples’ homes did not have adequate roofing to keep out the rains.  Households were flooded and meager beds and furniture were destroyed.   The Sisters of Mercy and the Presentation Sisters in Newfoundland, along with some of the religious orders in Peru provided financial resources to obtain furniture and roofing for the people.  Other aid came from the Peruvian government and other international agencies.

Supporting the Ministry – Misericordia Mission Fund

Donations to the Misericordia Mission Fund, a registered charity established by the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland, are used in Peru to provide basic needs for poor families – food, clothing, fuel, medicine, education and shelter. Many children receive basic education and sometimes post secondary education through donations to the fund.

Educational programs and materials, e.g. reading materials,  computers, student supplies are made available when resources allow. Emphasis is placed on working with women in areas of family care, health, nutrition, sewing, gardening, etc.  Opportunities are provided for men and women to develop skills in carpentry and farming of family gardens – a cooperative venture to help people help themselves. Medical needs in the form of prescription drugs, diagnostic tests, x-rays, and special procedures or treatments are also provided through the fund.

Educational programs and materials, e.g. reading materials,  computers, student supplies are made available when resources allow. Emphasis is placed on working with women in areas of family care, health, nutrition, sewing, gardening, etc.  Opportunities are provided for men and women to develop skills in carpentry and farming of family gardens – a cooperative venture to help people help themselves. Medical needs in the form of prescription drugs, diagnostic tests, x-rays, and special procedures or treatments are also provided through the fund.

All donations to the Misericordia Mission Fund are used in their entirety for the needs of poor people. Donations are received by the Misericordia Mission Fund in Newfoundland and are distributed by the Sisters who are ministering in Peru. Income tax receipts are issued for all donations to the fund.

Misericordia Mission Fund
P.O. Box 1757
St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, A1C 5P5
Telephone: 709-726-7320
Fax: 709-726-4414
E-mail: mercygeneralate@sistersofmercynf.org

 

Our Ministry in Peru

Posted on by Diane Smyth

The Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland arrived in Peru in November 1961 when a group of six sisters took the long journey to participate in the mission of the Archdiocese of St. John’s in Monsefu, Chiclayo.

Our Sisters of Mercy now minister in two areas of the country – in Puerto Eten, Reque and Eten, in the Chiclayo region and in Huarmey, Ancash.  Six sisters of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland (including four native Peruvians) work with the people, especially those made poor, in towns and small villages in these two regions of Peru.

The sisters in Peru work closely with the people in catechetics, adult education, and in various aspects of parish and liturgical life. They serve as teachers, social workers, advocates and champions of social justice.

During the years of Covid 19 the Sisters were challenged to look for ways to respond to the numerous needs that arose at that time. Peru was affected enormously by the onslaught of Covid and its health system collapsed totally. Together with our co-workers, the Conference of Religious of Lima, and The Conference of Religious of Chimbote, plans were made to look for and purchase an Oxygen Plant for the city of Chimbote.

In the Diocese of Chiclayo the Sisters had much support from Caritas organization, along with many individuals and NGOs, especially for their outdoor neighborhood kitchens .  These kitchens are the main way people receive a hot meal each day.

An additional threat to the Peruvian people is the advent of Dengue Fever spread by mosquitos.  This is undoubtedly due to the recent rains and floods.  Climate change is certainly obvious.

It´s important to add that during these years as well much effort has been dedicated to help individuals and families to begin small jobs or businesses. Thus they become more independent and able to provide for their families. This includes raising small animals, beginning a store, providing a kiosk so that a person can sell food, selling products on the street, helping seamstresses by providing sewing machines, etc.

In the Diocese of Chiclayo the Sisters had much support from Caritas organization, along with many individuals and NGOs, especially for their outdoor neighborhood kitchens .  These kitchens are the main way people receive a hot meal each day.

An additional threat to the Peruvian people is the advent of Dengue Fever spread by mosquitos.  This is undoubtedly due to the recent rains and floods.  Climate change is certainly obvious.

It´s important to add that during these years as well much effort has been dedicated to help individuals and families to begin small jobs or businesses. Thus they become more independent and able to provide for their families. This includes raising small animals, beginning a store, providing a kiosk so that a person can sell food, selling products on the street, helping seamstresses by providing sewing machines, etc.

The Sisters of Mercy and the Presentation Sisters in Newfoundland, along with some of the religious orders in Peru, provided financial resources to obtain medical supplies and food for the people.  Other aid came from the Peruvian government and other international agencies.

The Sisters were lead to recognize what they have lived through and are living through: the climatic disasters, the political instability, the insecurity, the corruption and terrific rise in violence.  All of these factors affect them and their ministry.  On the other hand they recognize the incredible resistance, resilience, courage and faith of the people shown and lived this past year.  The gestures of solidarity at all levels has been quite visible.

Like all Sisters of Mercy, who live out the charism of Catherine McAuley, the Sisters in Peru continue reflections on questions, concerns and themes.  They strive to “relieve misery, address its causes, and support all persons who struggle for full dignity” (Morning and Evening Prayer of the Sisters of Mercy, page 393)

Supporting the Ministry – Misericordia Mission Fund

Donations to the Misericordia Mission Fund, a registered charity established by the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland, are used in Peru to provide basic needs for poor families – food, clothing, fuel, medicine, education and shelter. Many children receive basic education and sometimes post secondary education through donations to the fund.

These last couple of years the Mission Fund has been able to respond to many needs caused by anti-government protests in the country when people could not work as usual; then the very heavy rains and floods have taken away not only peoples place of work, but many have lost homes and possessions. The fund has been used to form comedores and ollas communes (dining areas and common pots) and was able to lessen hunger and disease in many pueblos. Migrants, older people, and children are a special concern for our communities and the Mission fund works constantly with our lay people and coordinators to identify their needs and respond.

All donations to the Misericordia Mission Fund are used in their entirety for the needs of poor people. Donations received by the Misericordia Mission Fund in Newfoundland are distributed by the Sisters who are ministering in Peru. Income tax receipts are issued for all donations to the fund.

Misericordia Mission Fund
P.O. Box 1757
St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada  A1C 5P5

Elizabeth Davis rsm: ‘Re-imagining a Healthcare System Good Enough for All of Us’

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Elizabeth Davis rsm, in her capacity as a Director of the Gathering Place, was one of the speakers at the event entitled: ‘Forum on health outcomes and healthcare costs: What Can We Afford?’ held 7 March, 2018 to consider the challenges facing health and the healthcare system in Newfoundland & Labrador.

In her passionate address, ‘Re-imagining a Healthcare System Good Enough for All of Us’, Sr Elizabeth, while acknowledging the strengths of the current system, argues for a completely new system that responds to the health needs of the poorest, oldest and most vulnerable persons in Newfoundland society. In her presentation she addresses ecology and human health: ‘a healthy human population is dependant upon a healthy natural environment’.

Elizabeth Davis rsm, en su calidad de directora de Gathering Place, fue una de las ponentes del acto titulado: “Foro sobre resultados sanitarios y costes de la atención sanitaria: ¿Qué podemos permitirnos?”, celebrado el 7 de marzo de 2018 para analizar los retos a los que se enfrentan la salud y el sistema sanitario en Terranova y Labrador.

En su apasionado discurso, “Reimaginar un sistema sanitario lo suficientemente bueno para todos nosotros”, la hermana Elizabeth, aunque reconoce los puntos fuertes del sistema actual, aboga por un sistema completamente nuevo que responda a las necesidades sanitarias de las personas más pobres, mayores y vulnerables de la sociedad de Terranova. En su presentación aborda la ecología y la salud humana: “una población humana sana depende de un entorno natural sano”.

World Day of the Poor: Hearing the Cries in St John’s, Newfoundland

Posted on by Diane Smyth

 Sunday, 18 November, will be the Second World Day of the Poor. Diane Smyth rsm  was invited to help the Mercy world reflect on the underlying meaning of this day. Sr Diane writes:

The Gathering Place

is a large centre located in a former school building in the heart of St. John’s, Newfoundland, operated by two religious orders of women, the Presentation and the Mercy Sisters.  It is a place where those who are made poor for many different reasons and in many ways may receive food, clothing, personal and medical care, dental care, and counselling;  where individuals can have a shower, do their laundry, have their feet cared for by trained personnel. Most of all, the members enjoy the companionship of other men and women who may be in need themselves or volunteers who provide friendship, support and encouragement and who can take a beating in a card game!  There is time and space for art, music and computer. 

On Hallowe’en this year something interesting happened!  Many people, young and old, dress   d in costume to bring a Hallowe’en spirit to their school or workplace.  A woman who worked near the Gathering Place dressed in costume as a hippy with long hair wig, dark glasses and sloppy dress.  She had laid a few bags near the fence as she prepared to go to her job in a convent nearby.  When she noticed a colleague of hers approach her she bent down a little so she would not be recognized  and begged for cigarettes.  The colleague hardly spoke to her, turned her back on her and walked away, saying “No, no cigarettes.”   She did not realize who the “begger” was!

Might that encounter have been different had she known the true identity of the “hippy”?   Does this story sound a little like the Gospel story of the Good Samaritan?  It presents us with a sobering reflection: how do we treat and relate to the ”other”, especially the ones who are almost invisible and nameless in our society, the ones who look shabby, dirty or disheveled?  The ones who beg at the entrance to the shop or on the sidewalk?

‘A hand rules compassion as a hand rules heaven.’ Artist: Gerald Squires, Ceramic Artwork at the Gathering place

 Many of those who go to the Gathering Place have so very little in every aspect of their lives.  They are those on the     edges of society and have hardly an identity card!   For most of their lives they have grown up in need, disorder and   displacement and have had no family, little education or skills, no stable dwelling place, don’t know where and how   they will get food, clothing or shelter.  Many suffer from psychological, mental and physical ailments, personality   disorder, addiction, criminal record, interpersonal conflict or antisocial behaviours.  As members of the Gathering   Place (annual fee $3.00), they find care and response to many of their needs, all that I mentioned earlier.  The   majority of the members find in the Gathering Place “their place”.  Some have learned how to send emails, surf the   web, obtain good quality and clean clothing, have substantial meals with bread to take home, have space to play games, read, watch television, develop literacy skills, develop any artistic, creative or musical skills that they might have.  Some have said that the Gathering Place has saved their lives, giving them a sense of belonging, of self-esteem, of dignity.  Some even earn a few dollars from the occasional sale of their created products, like jewelry or art.

With the faithful leadership of a small number of dedicated staff and over 1,100 volunteers, the Gathering Place reaches out to each member and guest to provide for most of the needs of each person.  At the Gathering Place the members find dignity, respect and love; at the same time the staff and volunteers are blessed in their commitment and generous love.  Occasionally there may be eruptions of conflict and outbursts of anger among members but these are minimal in the total scheme of things.  The members hold a certain loyalty and are protective of “their place”.  For the most part each person is proud to be a member and enjoys the freedom , the space and the interpersonal encounters with other members, staff and volunteers.  Most of these men and women are the ‘displaced’ persons of St. John’s and surrounding area but at the Gathering Place they have a place of love and care, a place where they are welcome, a place that becomes home for the few hours each day that they are there.  As the harsh and isolating winter of the north Atlantic sets in, the Gathering Place will be even more important in their daily lives. 

The Gathering Place has wonderful credibility and visibility in the local community and is well supported by many individuals, groups and organizations who represent the important outer circle of the caring and wider community.  The whole circle of care, including every person or group involved, ensures that the Gathering Place is a beacon of light and hope at the centre of the St. John’s community and a model that challenges others to reach out to those men, women and children who live on the fringes and in need of the basics of life.
Kindness is wanted and needed so that no person is left outside a circle of care and compassion.

Messages to: Diane Smyth rsm – Leadership Team

 

150 Years of Mercy in Conception Harbour, Newfoundland

Posted on by Diane Smyth

The Sisters of Mercy have provided ministry in Conception Harbour for over 150 years. 

On Tuesday May 21 about thirty of us attended a grand celebration in the parish of Eucharist followed by a hot roast beef dinner.  Sister Roisin Gannon represented the Presentation Sisters.  Bishop Anthony Daniels surrounded by seven priests of the Grand Falls Diocese celebrated Eucharist in St. Anne’s Church with participation of the sisters and parishioners in readings, music and other moments in the liturgy.  The church was sparkling and beautifully decorated with roses.  A large banner hung in the church acknowledging the 150 years’ anniversary – Our Journey Together!  At the end of Mass, a plaque was presented to the Congregation which will be placed in the church to commemorate the anniversary.  In his homily Bishop Daniels connected the call and ministry of the sisters to that of the early disciples of Jesus and gratefully commended their life and ministry among the people of Conception Harbour and surrounding area.

Almost 180 friends and parishioners were seated at the banquet tables in St. Anne’s Hall and were served a delicious meal catered by Tiny’s Restaurant.   Mrs. Agnes (O’Driscoll) Richard recounted her memories of going to school to the sisters and told wonderful and humorous stories of her experiences in the various grade levels.  Sister Elizabeth Davis responded with a little of the history of the foundation and proud commendation of the support and collaboration of the people during all those years and up to the present.  She included a remembrance of the five sisters who are buried in the convent garden and in the receptive soil of Conception Harbour.  The Mayor presented Sister Geraldine with a plaque to commemorate the anniversary.  A huge cake baked and decorated by the niece of Sister M. Damien Morrissey was served to the crowd at the end of the dinner. (The small statue of Mary on the cake was salvaged from St. Anne’s School when it closed!  The baker told me she couldn’t find a ’nun’ statue!)

Congratulations to the Sisters who currently live and minister in Conception Harbour, Sisters Geraldine Mason, Ruth Beresford and Ellen Marie Sullivan!

Congratulations to the Sisters of Mercy especially those who ministered there, and to the generous, faithful and loving people and church of Conception Harbour!  Congratulations and thanks to all who prepared the details of the celebration! Congratulations on this 150th anniversary celebration!

Messages to: Sisters of Mercy Newfoundland

Las Hermanas de la Misericordia llevan más de 150 años ejerciendo su ministerio en Conception Harbour.

El martes 21 de mayo una treintena de nosotras asistimos a una gran celebración en la parroquia de la Eucaristía seguida de una cena caliente de carne asada. La Hermana Roisin Gannon representó a las Hermanas de la Presentación. El obispo Anthony Daniels rodeado de siete sacerdotes de la diócesis de Grand Falls celebró la Eucaristía en la iglesia de Santa Ana con la participación de las hermanas y los feligreses en las lecturas, la música y otros momentos de la liturgia. La iglesia estaba resplandeciente y bellamente decorada con rosas. En la iglesia colgaba una gran pancarta en reconocimiento del 150 aniversario: ¡Nuestro viaje juntos! Al final de la misa, se entregó a la Congregación una placa que se colocará en la iglesia para conmemorar el aniversario. En su homilía, el obispo Daniels relacionó la llamada y el ministerio de las hermanas con el de los primeros discípulos de Jesús y elogió con gratitud su vida y su ministerio entre la gente de Conception Harbour y alrededores.

Casi 180 amigos y feligreses se sentaron a las mesas del banquete en la Sala de Santa Ana y se les sirvió una deliciosa comida servida por el Restaurante Tiny’s. La Sra. Agnes (O’Driscoll) Richard relató a las hermanas sus recuerdos de cuando iba a la escuela y contó historias maravillosas y llenas de humor de sus experiencias en los distintos grados. La hermana Elizabeth Davis respondió con un poco de la historia de la fundación y elogió con orgullo el apoyo y la colaboración de la gente durante todos esos años y hasta el presente. Incluyó un recuerdo de las cinco hermanas que están enterradas en el jardín del convento y en el suelo receptivo de Conception Harbour. El alcalde entregó a la hermana Geraldine una placa conmemorativa del aniversario. Al final de la cena se sirvió a los asistentes una enorme tarta horneada y decorada por la sobrina de la hermana M. Damien Morrissey. (¡La pequeña estatua de María de la tarta fue rescatada del colegio Santa Ana cuando cerró! La pastelera me dijo que no pudo encontrar una estatua de “monja”).

Felicidades a las Hermanas que actualmente viven y ejercen su ministerio en Conception Harbour, las Hermanas Geraldine Mason, Ruth Beresford y Ellen Marie Sullivan.

Felicidades a las Hermanas de la Misericordia, especialmente a las que ejercen su ministerio allí, y a la generosa, fiel y cariñosa gente e iglesia de Conception Harbour. ¡Felicidades y gracias a todos los que prepararon los detalles de la celebración! ¡Felicidades por esta celebración del 150 aniversario!

Mensajes para: Hermanas de la Misericordia de Terranova

Circle Report from Newfoundland

Posted on by Diane Smyth

We, a reflection circle of Sisters of Mercy, NL, express our deep gratitude for the incredibly rich and diverse reflections on Cosmology. We are delighted!

Our musings:

A new cosmological narrative with “Cosmos meaning all creation, the entire universe, every dimension of time and space (spiritual and material)” is one of “a global heartbeat” in “kinship as a planetary community”. In uniqueness, we are “aligned” /”in harmony”/ “in wonder”/”delight”/”bending low…play-ful” as “one with the heartbeat of God”.

We are in “accompaniment” with God who is forever “companioning” and who has “mercified the universe into being” (with Mercy being “the very heartbeat of God resonant in creation”). “An entire creation has been groaning in one great act of giving birth in an evolving universe”, a universe “where the more we know, the more we need to know.”

As interconnected and interdependent, we must “see ourselves related to the poor”, and thus “feel compelled to limit our consumer patterns to aid the poor or to develop alternate economies.” We are “participators in God’s continuous creation” as we “trust in the slow work of God” and “that [God’s] hand is leading [us].”

—Marcella Grant, rsm, Theresa Boland, rsm, Eileen Penney, rsm,  Frances Flynn, rsm, Dolorosa Brennan, rsm, Sheila O’Dea, rsm,  Alverna Harnett, rsm, Loretta Walsh, rsm,  Elizabeth Marrie rsm

Messages to: Elizabeth Marrie rsm-MGP Coordinator

Nosotras, un círculo de reflexión de Hermanas de la Misericordia, NL, expresamos nuestra profunda gratitud por las increíblemente ricas y diversas reflexiones sobre Cosmología. ¡Estamos encantadas!

Nuestras reflexiones:

Una nueva narrativa cosmológica con “Cosmos significando toda la creación, el universo entero, cada dimensión de tiempo y espacio (espiritual y material)” es una de “un latido global” en “parentesco como una comunidad planetaria”. En singularidad, estamos “alineados”/”en armonía”/”maravillados”/”encantados”/”inclinados…alegres” como “uno con el latido del corazón de Dios”.

Estamos en “acompañamiento” con Dios, que siempre está “acompañando” y que ha “misericordiado al universo para que sea” (siendo la misericordia “el latido mismo del corazón de Dios que resuena en la creación”). “Toda la creación ha estado gimiendo en un gran acto de dar a luz en un universo en evolución”, un universo “donde cuanto más sabemos, más necesitamos saber”.

Como interconectados e interdependientes, debemos “vernos relacionados con los pobres”, y así “sentirnos obligados a limitar nuestras pautas de consumo para ayudar a los pobres o desarrollar economías alternativas.” Somos “partícipes de la creación continua de Dios” mientras “confiamos en el lento trabajo de Dios” y “en que la mano [de Dios] nos está guiando”.

-Marcella Grant, rsm, Theresa Boland, rsm, Eileen Penney, rsm, Frances Flynn, rsm, Dolorosa Brennan, rsm, Sheila O’Dea, rsm, Alverna Harnett, rsm, Loretta Walsh, rsm, Elizabeth Marrie rsm

Mensajes para: Elizabeth Marrie rsm-Coordinadora del MGP

Remembering Our Newfoundland Mercy Story 5:

Sister M. Cecelia Sears

Posted on by Diane Smyth

The anniversary of Sister M. Cecelia Sears occurs on May 9. Brigid Sears was the first  to enter the new Mercy community at Sandy Point in Bay St. George, which had been founded from Rhode Island in 1893.

Sisters’ cemetery in
St. George’s where
Sister Cecelia is
buried.

Brigid had come to Newfoundland to visit her brother, Father Andrew Sears, who was parish priest in Bay of Islands. She had two other brothers serving as missionaries in Newfoundland and her uncle, Monsignor Thomas Sears was the first Prefect Apostolic of Newfoundland’s west coast. A native

of Kerry, Brigid was a refined and highly educated woman, a skilled artist and musician. She entered the Mercy community in Sandy Point in 1896 and was received into the novitiate as Sister Mary Cecelia in 1897. Her profession on May 9,1899 was a source of great hope for the fledgling community and the school.

By this time, as a result of the coming of the railway, the convent and school had moved from Sandy Point to St. George’s, and for a few short years Sister Mary Cecelia lived a full life as a Sister of Mercy, sharing her many gifts with her sisters and her students. She died on the fifth anniversary of her profession at the young age of thirty-two years.

 

El aniversario de la Hermana M. Cecelia Sears se celebra el 9 de mayo. Brigid Sears fue la primera en entrar en la nueva comunidad de la Misericordia en Sandy Point, en Bay St. George, fundada desde Rhode Island en 1893.

Brigid había llegado a Terranova para visitar a su hermano, el padre Andrew Sears, que era párroco en Bay of Islands. Tenía otros dos hermanos misioneros en Terranova y su tío, monseñor Thomas Sears, fue el primer Prefecto Apostólico de la costa oeste de Terranova. Natural de

nativa de Kerry, Brigid era una mujer refinada y muy culta, artista y música. Entró en la comunidad de la Misericordia en Sandy Point en 1896 y fue recibida en el noviciado como Hermana Mary Cecelia en 1897. Su profesión el 9 de mayo de 1899 fue una fuente de gran esperanza para la incipiente comunidad y la escuela.

Para entonces, como consecuencia de la llegada del ferrocarril, el convento y el colegio se habían trasladado de Sandy Point a St. George’s, y durante unos pocos años la Hermana Mary Cecelia vivió una vida plena como Hermana de la Misericordia, compartiendo sus muchos dones con sus hermanas y sus alumnas. Murió en el quinto aniversario de su profesión, a la temprana edad de treinta y dos años.

Developments at The Gathering Place and Mercy Convent

Posted on by Diane Smyth

The Gathering Place was opened in 1994  in our former Mercy School as a place where disadvantaged people from the city can find a somewhere to socialize, have health needs tended to, do laundry, get a hot meal and find welcome and and a non-judgemental atmosphere.

Gathering Place

With the advent of Covid the need for some of our homeless population to have a bed for the night was recognized.  The Auditorium of the former school was fitted with 30 cots to provide shelter and warmth during the cold nights of winter.

Mercy Convent, the home of the first Sisters of Mercy on this side of the Atlantic, was home to 6 Sisters of Mercy in the year 2020, when the realization came to the Congregation that more space and services were needed for the homeless in our city.

The decision was made to turn over the Convent to The Gathering Place and plans were set in motion with the Provincial and Federal Government to renovate the Convent for its future use.

The community of sisters living there at the time were pleased to seek other accommodations as they knew that our founder Catherine McAuley would be happy with the intended future use of the Convent.

Mercy Convent

As of March 2023 the Convent has been stripped down to its retaining walls and pillars, showing the magnificent carpentry and stone work of the 1850s.

Plans for constructing spaces for 60 overnight guests plus some temporary one bedroom apartments are advancing and, when finished, guests can receive three meals a day and avail of other important services available in the adjoining building of The Gathering Place.

The historic and beautiful chapel will remain intact and will provide a “sacred space” for programs and for contemplative space for the guests of The Gathering Place.

To be able to serve God’s poor through this former school and Convent is a gift for our city and our Congregation and to know that the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy are being lived out in this space is a blessing. 

El Gathering Place se inauguró en 1994 en la antigua Mercy School como un lugar donde las personas desfavorecidas de la ciudad pueden encontrar un lugar donde socializar, atender sus necesidades sanitarias, hacer la colada, tomar una comida caliente y encontrar un ambiente acogedor y libre de prejuicios.

Mercy Convent Chapel. Capilla de la Misericordia

Con la llegada de Covid se reconoció la necesidad de que algunos de nuestros sin techo tuvieran una cama para pasar la noche. En el auditorio de la antigua escuela se instalaron 30 catres para dar cobijo y calor durante las frías noches de invierno.

El Convento de la Misericordia, hogar de las primeras Hermanas de la Misericordia a este lado del Atlántico, albergaba a 6 Hermanas de la Misericordia en el año 2020, cuando la Congregación se dio cuenta de que se necesitaba más espacio y servicios para las personas sin hogar de nuestra ciudad.

Se tomó la decisión de ceder el Convento a The Gathering Place y se pusieron en marcha planes con el Gobierno Provincial y Federal para renovar el Convento para su futuro uso. La comunidad de hermanas que vivía allí en ese momento se alegró de buscar otro alojamiento, ya que sabían que nuestra fundadora Catherine McAuley estaría contenta con el futuro uso previsto del Convento.

En marzo de 2023 el Convento ha sido desmantelado hasta sus muros de contención y pilares, mostrando la magnífica carpintería y el trabajo en piedra de la década de 1850.

Gathering Place and Mercy Convent.
Lugar de encuentro y Convento de la Misericordia

Avanzan los planes para construir espacios para 60 huéspedes que pernocten, además de algunos apartamentos temporales de un dormitorio y, cuando esté terminado, los huéspedes podrán recibir tres comidas al día y disponer de otros importantes servicios disponibles en el edificio contiguo de The Gathering Place.

La histórica y hermosa capilla permanecerá intacta y proporcionará un “espacio sagrado” para programas y para espacio contemplativo para los huéspedes de The Gathering Place.

Poder servir a los pobres de Dios a través de esta antigua escuela y Convento es un regalo para nuestra ciudad y nuestra Congregación y saber que las Obras de Misericordia Corporales y Espirituales se viven en este espacio es una bendición.

Remembering Our Newfoundland Mercy Story 4:

Our Lady of Mercy School

Posted on by Diane Smyth

On May 1, 1843 Our Lady of Mercy School opened in St. John’s with four teachers – Sisters Francis Creedon, Ursula Frayne, Rose Lynch and Joseph Nugent, the latter having made profession of vows as a Sister of Mercy on March 25 of that year.

By this time, the Sisters had been in Newfoundland for almost a year, a year in which they devoted themselves to the visitation and care of the poor and the sick of the town, traversing the narrow streets and visiting the rude shacks in which many of the Irish Catholics lived. Forty-two pupils were enrolled when the school opened, and in the following year fifty-five students were in attendance.

Newspapers of the day tell us that course selections included Geography, Use of the Globes, History, Latin and Italian, plain and ornamental needlework as well as the regular subjects of Reading, Writing and Arithmetic. In addition, Sisters Francis and Joseph gave private lessons in music to a number of students. Every weekend the sisters continued visitation of the sick in their homes and at St. John’s Hospital, located in the Victoria Park area.  What amazing women they were, those women upon whose shoulders we are privileged to stand!

El 1 de mayo de 1843 se abrió la Escuela de Nuestra Señora de la Merced en St. John’s con cuatro maestras – las Hermanas Francis Creedon, Ursula Frayne, Rose Lynch y Joseph Nugent, esta última había hecho la profesión de votos como Hermana de la Merced el 25 de marzo de ese año.

Para entonces, las Hermanas llevaban casi un año en Terranova, un año en el que se dedicaron a visitar y cuidar a los pobres y enfermos de la ciudad, recorriendo las estrechas calles y visitando las rudimentarias chozas en las que vivían muchos de los católicos irlandeses. Cuando se inauguró la escuela había cuarenta y dos alumnos matriculados, y al año siguiente asistían cincuenta y cinco.

Los periódicos de la época cuentan que los cursos incluían geografía, uso de globos terráqueos, historia, latín e italiano, costura sencilla y ornamental, así como las asignaturas habituales de lectura, escritura y aritmética. Además, las hermanas Francis y Joseph daban clases particulares de música a varias alumnas. Cada fin de semana las hermanas continuaban visitando a los enfermos en sus casas y en el Hospital de San Juan, situado en la zona de Victoria Park. ¡Qué mujeres tan asombrosas eran, aquellas mujeres sobre cuyos hombros tenemos el privilegio de estar!

 

 

MIJN—Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland

Posted on by Diane Smyth

We, the Sisters of Mercy, Newfoundland and Labrador, are pleased to have the opportunity to describe our reality… and to reintroduce ourselves to the global Mercy community.

With close to 150 members, and over 70 Associates, we minister not only in urban areas of the province but in many coastal communities that encircle the island and Labrador, and in Peru. With our people, we are very aware of the unique culture of our province, one that has been defined over the centuries by geography, a very challenging environment as well as a very interesting development of a ‘way of life’.

We have made a commitment to alleviate injustice and to continue to reach out in compassion and service to the poor and oppressed, especially women. We attempt to do this through our continued presence to youth, the sick, elderly, poor, prisoners, people with HIV/AIDS, the marginalized and through our sponsorship and contributions to numerous programs/ projects not only here in our island province but in the wider global community.

Today, we are one with our people, as we experience with them a great sense of loss in the collapse of one of the great natural resources of our province – the ground cod fishery and its apparent lack of recovery. This collapse brings with it many other losses including the loss of opportunities for employment; the decline of our population through out-migration, the loss of our youth, resulting in a low birth rate, now the lowest in North America; and the far-reaching impact of all of these factors on our rural communities and the local economy. A second reality of our province relates to our aboriginal peoples and the need to understand, protect, value and respect their connections to the land, their traditions, their culture and their values.

Seven of our sisters, two of them native Peruvians, minister in the coastal and mountain areas of Peru participating in the education of lay leaders in the faith and works of human promotion, and always seeking to promote solidarity and justice. We are fortunate to be part of the Mercy Collaborative Novitiate Program, walking with young women interested in our Mercy way of life.

Having participated in the Second International Conference of Mercy Archivists, with its theme of ‘founding stories’, we are very much aware of, inspired and encouraged by our three founding sisters, Sisters Francis Creedon, Ursula Frayne, and Rose Lynch, who, merely six months following the death of our Foundress, Catherine McAuley, traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to St. John’s, Newfoundland to found the first Mercy foundation in the New World, and the first outside the British Isles.

Prepared by Srs. Mary Tee, Madonna Gatherall, Marcella Grant Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland

Nosotras, las Hermanas de la Misericordia de Terranova y Labrador, nos complace tener la oportunidad de describir nuestra realidad… y de reintroducirnos a la comunidad global de la Misericordia.

Con cerca de 150 miembros, y más de 70 Asociadas, ejercemos nuestro ministerio no sólo en las zonas urbanas de la provincia sino en muchas comunidades costeras que rodean la isla y Labrador, y en Perú. Con nuestra gente, somos muy conscientes de la cultura única de nuestra provincia, una que ha sido definida a lo largo de los siglos por la geografía, un entorno muy desafiante, así como un desarrollo muy interesante de una “forma de vida”.

Nos hemos comprometido a aliviar la injusticia y a seguir tendiendo la mano con compasión y servicio a los pobres y oprimidos, especialmente a las mujeres. Intentamos hacerlo a través de nuestra presencia continua con los jóvenes, los enfermos, los ancianos, los pobres, los presos, las personas con VIH/SIDA, los marginados y a través de nuestro patrocinio y nuestras contribuciones a numerosos programas y proyectos, no sólo aquí, en nuestra provincia insular, sino en la comunidad mundial en general.

Hoy, somos uno con nuestra gente, ya que experimentamos con ellos un gran sentimiento de pérdida en el colapso de uno de los grandes recursos naturales de nuestra provincia – la pesca del bacalao de fondo y su aparente falta de recuperación. Este colapso trae consigo muchas otras pérdidas, como la pérdida de oportunidades de empleo, el declive de nuestra población debido a la emigración, la pérdida de nuestra juventud, que se traduce en una baja tasa de natalidad, actualmente la más baja de Norteamérica, y el impacto de largo alcance de todos estos factores en nuestras comunidades rurales y en la economía local. Una segunda realidad de nuestra provincia se refiere a nuestros pueblos aborígenes y a la necesidad de comprender, proteger, valorar y respetar sus conexiones con la tierra, sus tradiciones, su cultura y sus valores.

Siete de nuestras hermanas, dos de ellas nativas peruanas, ejercen su ministerio en las zonas de la costa y la sierra de Perú participando en la educación de líderes laicos en la fe y en las obras de promoción humana, y buscando siempre promover la solidaridad y la justicia. Tenemos la suerte de ser parte del Programa de Noviciado de la Colaboración de la Misericordia, caminando con mujeres jóvenes interesadas en nuestro estilo de vida de la Misericordia.

Habiendo participado en la Segunda Conferencia Internacional de Archivistas de la Misericordia, con su tema de ‘historias fundadoras’, estamos muy conscientes, inspiradas y animadas por nuestras tres hermanas fundadoras, las Hermanas Francis Creedon, Ursula Frayne y Rose Lynch, quienes, apenas seis meses después de la muerte de nuestra Fundadora, Catherine McAuley, viajaron a través del Océano Atlántico a St. John’s, Terranova, para fundar la primera fundación de la Misericordia en el Nuevo Mundo, y la primera fuera de las Islas Británicas.

Preparado por las Hnas. Mary Tee, Madonna Gatherall, Marcella Grant Hermanas de la Misericordia de Terranova