Category: Congregation

Newfoundland Foundation June 3, 1842

Posted on by Diane Smyth

On June 3, 1842 a sailing schooner, the Sir Walter Scott, entered the harbour of St. John’s, Newfoundland.  On the wharf were Bishop Michael Anthony Fleming  and many townspeople excited to welcome three Sisters of Mercy who were to establish the first foundation of the Mercy Order in the “new world.”  The three women from Baggot Street had left Kingstown Harbour on May 2 for the difficult and dangerous crossing of the north Atlantic.  Who were these three courageous Sisters of Mercy?  They were Sisters Ursula Frayne, Rose Lynch and Francis Creedon.

This is part of the story of that foundation and of Sister Francis Creedon who is upheld by the Newfoundland Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland as founder. 

This year 2011 marks the 200th anniversary of Marianne Creedon’s birth in Coolowen, County Cork.  Sr. Charlotte Fitzpatrick has provided us with this reflection on Francis Creedon in honour of this anniversary. (June 2011)

 

Reflection on Sister Mary Francis Creedon

Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland, on the 200th anniversary of her birth

Two hundred years ago this year in County Cork, Ireland, Marianne Creedon, known to us as Sister Francis Creedon, was born. We know little about Marianne’s early life, but we do know that her adult life was one of service and unwavering fidelity in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Marianne’s call to Mercy came through a circuitous route. She left her native Ireland just a couple of years after the foundation of the Sisters of Mercy, and it is likely that she was not even aware of this event that was to impact her life so significantly. Arriving in St. John’s with her sister’s family, the Nugents, in 1833, she dedicated herself to caring for the four Nugent children and helped support the family by teaching music. Her own experience of life in St. John’s and her conversations with Bishop Fleming, a long-time friend of the Nugent family, opened her eyes to the deep gaps in Catholic education and to the sad plight of the sick poor in her adopted homeland.

The bishop was determined to find a community of nuns who would be able to respond to these very urgent needs of his people. Hearing of the great work being done by the newly-established Order of Mercy in Ireland and learning that they were not bound by the customary law of enclosure, he saw these sisters as ideally suited to his plans. He undoubtedly shared his hopes and his excitement with Marianne, who must have been moved by the bishop’s zeal as well as by what she saw around her.

While we do not know the details or the sequence of what happened next, we know that Bishop Fleming met with Catherine McAuley, shared his dream with her and received a favourable response from her. We also know that Marianne Creedon, attentive to God’s ways in her life, expressed her desire and availability for this mission to the people of Newfoundland.

In 1839 Marianne left for Dublin to make her novitiate with Catherine McAuley, with the express purpose of establishing the Order of Mercy in Newfoundland. Professed in 1841, she was ready for her mission, but the foundation plans were delayed because of Catherine’s death in November of that year. This delay must have been a disappointment for the newly-professed Sister Mary Francis, but she remained steadfast and continued ministry at Baggot Street until May of 1842.

What sort of woman was Sister Mary Francis Creedon? Sisters who lived with her at Baggot Street spoke of her as an exemplary religious, loved and revered by all who knew her. They described her as sensitive and cultured, zealous and thoroughly unselfish. One sister referred to her “large-hearted friendship which was a blessing and support to those who enjoyed it.” Another related that she was always happy to be appointed to visit the sick and perform other duties with Sister Mary Francis. From these recollections of her peers, preserved for us in Volume 111 of the Leaves of the Annals of the Sisters of Mercy, we get a glimpse of a very human, faith-filled, unassuming woman, gifted with the qualities of personality and spirit that enabled her to forge the beginnings of Mercy life and ministry in Newfoundland.
 
However, it was her thirteen years as a Sister of Mercy in nineteenth-century St. John’s that tell us so much more about this steadfast woman, whom we are privileged to call our Newfoundland founder. Of the three pioneer sisters who arrived in St. John’s on June 3, 1842, only Sister M. Francis would have known what she was coming to. Although she would have the joy of being reunited with her family and friends, she also knew firsthand some of the difficulties the new community would have to face – the isolation and loneliness ; the rigors of the Newfoundland climate; the flimsy, crowded tenements they would visit regularly; the poverty and disease that would daily surround them. But not even she could have forseen some of the tensions, obstacles and sufferings that would be part of this new venture and that would test the very foundations of her call and the mission of Mercy, to which she had committed her life. Among these were:
 

The pain of being caught in the middle between Bishop Fleming, her friend and Sister Ursula Frayne, the named superior of her community

 The conflict in community surrounding the acceptance of Sister Joseph Nugent, her brother-in-law’s sister

The return to Ireland of Sisters Ursula and Rose just six months after their first school opened

The unwillingness of the Baggot Street sisters to send help to the fledgling foundation

The devastation of the Great Fire of 1846

  The typhus epidemic of 1847 and the constant call of the sick for help and consolation

  The death of Sister Joseph Nugent in June 1847, leaving her to carry on alone

The loneliness, isolation and concerns of the following year when she kept school open, taught music and visited the sick

The death of her friend and mentor, Bishop Fleming in 1850

The cholera epidemic of 1854 which left many children orphaned, and which led to the establishment of the Immaculate Conception Orphanage at Mercy Convent

Her “wearing out” at the age of 43 years

 

In the midst of all this seeming turmoil and suffering, what made Sister Francis stay? She was urged by many of her friends to give up the mission. Mother Agnes O’Connor, her friend from novitiate days, invited her to join her in New York. Yet she stayed …

What soul-searching went on in her?
How did she perceive God’s action in all of this pain and uncertainty?
What sustained her at these times?
What helps you to remain faithful when all seems confusing, uncertain, hopeless …?

Sister M. Francis Creedon was undoubtedly a woman of profound faith, of indomitable courage and determination, a woman who trusted in the God Who had called her, a woman convinced of the action of God in her life and in the mission entrusted to her. She likely had her doubts, fears, questions, her times of wondering what God was doing, but the urgency of the mission impelled her, keeping her available, pliable, compassionate and hopeful in situations where hope seemed frail, sometimes even futile. In some of those dark times, she likely would have called to mind some of Catherine’s teachings while she was a novice at Baggot Street, taking comfort in their message.
 
Had Catherine not said that new foundations would not be without the cross, that the congregation was founded on Calvary to serve a crucified Redeemer?
Had Catherine not spoken often and passionately about the comfort of God’s providential care, of the joy of a life centered in God, of the necessity of placing one’s trust in God alone?
In her times of solitude, memories such as these must have surfaced in Sister Francis, bringing her hope and consolation, strengthening her for the incredible journey of faith she was living. Many times as she prayed at Mercy Convent, she must have fingered her beads, reliving the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of her own life, thanking God for the gift of her call to Mercy, believing that all was in God’s hands, and that the fruit of her labours would come in God’s own time. Her call, her life, her ministry of Mercy is a gift to us, a treasure to be claimed and cherished as we remember and celebrate her on June 3 this year.
 
As you reflect on Francis’ life, what stands out for you?
What gift is she giving you today?
What gift of Mercy will you pass on to others?
 
 
 
The Roads of Mercy
(Mary Wickham, RSM)
 
The roads of Mercy are long and deep,
wondrous wise and never-ending.
The roads of Mercy are questing tracks of the Spirit;
they are avenues of goodness;
they are pot-holed with need
and lined with compassion.
The roads of Mercy are the walkways of humanity,
ancient and ever new.
 
 
                                                                                                                      

Sale of Work: Just like the Old Days

Posted on by Diane Smyth
Art/Crafts/Baked Goods Sale
Presentation and Mercy Sisters and Associates
article contributed by Sister Madeline Byrne 

This special day began last May when I visited with a few of the Presentation Sisters and Associates to discuss the idea of having a joint Art/Craft/Bake Goods Sale. The idea was well received so the planning began. Throughout the year we met several times and letters were sent to all Sisters and Associates of both congregations. The date for the sale was set for November 27, 2010. We prayed there would not be a snow storm. We were lucky: it was a sunny day and lots of parking space.

On November 27, Mercy Convent Gymnasium was decorated, tables in readiness to receive the items. Shortly after lunch the Sisters and Associates began to arrive with their donations of goods—sweaters, socks, doilies, blankets, aprons, cards, paintings, cakes, cookies and of course, fudge. What would a Mercy Sale be if you didn’t have “Nuns fudge”! There seemed to be so much! None of us imagined it would be all sold in an hour.

 

When the sale officially opened the people just kept coming and buying something special. It was a great day for everyone. Many saw some old friends and students –a celebration of a kind!  The sale was a great success. The proceeds from the event were donated to our charities-The Gathering Place, Peruvian Mission and Presentation Sisters Mission in Dominica. A week later the committee met to review the event and make plans for next year!

The day finally arrived!

The tables were piled high!

We all stood wondering

if enough people would come to buy it all.

Reque and the Sisters Mourn Padre Victor

Posted on by Diane Smyth
On September 29, 2010 Feast of the Archangels Michael. Raphael and Gabriel and birthday of Venerable Catherine McAuley, Padre Victor was buried in the garden of his parish church in Reque, Peru.
Three days earlier, after weeks of serious illness and hospitalization, Padre Victor made his final life’s journey surrounded by loving prayer, song and attentiveness, hope and patient waiting of his people. Victor was much loved. He dedicated his life to being the padre to his parishioners and their families. He loved his life, his faith and his church and his God. He lived the joy of the gospel and stood strong in the face of injustice- he was fierce advocate for his people and cared not only for their souls but also for their dignity and rights. Padre Victor was a strong man yet sickness was stronger and defeated him, in body, but not in spirit nor in the legacy that he leaves to those who knew him. Padre Victor will not be forgotten.
Padres Emigido and Lucho have shared so much of life with Victor from their young days.  The three were lovingling known as the three amigos. In speaking of Victor throughout the days before the funeral they stressed over and over his gift of love of life, his “Alegria” which he passed on to all, his total dedication to the people especially the “más pobres”, his untireless service not only to his parish, but nationally, to the whole diocese.  There was lots of great singing led by Reque Parish choir, lots of clapping in the midst of the reflection, etc. 
 
The funeral was an especially blessed moment.  There were crowds in the thousands in the plaza where the funeral took place.  The altar was set in the door of the church facing the plaza.   The Bishop officiated with fifty-two priests attending.  Among the priests were Eugene Roy from Ontario and Jose Alverez Calderon, a great liberation Theologian based in Lima.  There was extensive lay participation in the Mass          

After Mass, the body of Padre Victor was brought in procession around the plaza with a special ceremony in front of the Municipal building.  His body was then taken to the garden in front of the church where Victor is now buried.  There is a small plaque marking his burial place, but a bigger monument is being planned for.  Words used to describe Victor were “the saint of Reque,” “our joyful, happy saint in heaven,” and “the alma (spirit) of catechesis familiar.”

Victor was known and loved by many Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland and by some of the priests who worked with him in Peru.  He is sorely missed.

Tu nos has muerto; viveras en nuestros corozones y te recordaremos

Mercy Health Event

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Approximately ninety Mercy and Presentation Sisters attended a very informative and inspirational event on October 2, 2010. In her welcoming remarks, Sister Elizabeth Davis quoted a definition of health which comes from the Australian aboriginal community, “Health does not just mean the physical well-being of the individual but refers to the social, emotional, spiritual and cultural well-being of the whole community. This is a whole-of-life view and includes the cyclical concept of life-death-life”. 

 
The day consisted of presentations in four areas as follows: ‘Healthy Living – Healthy Aging’;  ‘Together We Care – Dementia’; ‘Depression and Anxiety in the Aging’; ‘Arthritis’.   Each of the presenters provided factual information, offered explanations and descriptions of various health issues, identified treatments, supports, and strategies. A particularly helpful element each one offered was information on how to access related resources. 
 
All indications are that the initiative was a tremendous success and that the Wisdom Circle is already considering its next step as it attempts to move forward with this recommendation, building on the day’s experience. 

Jubilee – 545 Years

Posted on by Diane Smyth

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

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

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

Posted on by Diane Smyth

 

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

Sister Betty the Builder

Posted on by Diane Smyth

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

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

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

Celebration of 30th Anniversary of Palliative Care Service

Posted on by Diane Smyth

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

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

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

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

Former Brigus Convent is Restaurant and B&B

Posted on by Diane Smyth

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

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

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

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

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

Formation Conference

Posted on by Diane Smyth

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

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

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

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