Remembering Our Newfoundland Mercy Story 6: Arrival Day!

(Marianne Creedon, born in 1811 in Coolowen, Co. Cork, went to Newfoundland with her sister’s family when she was 22 years old.  Bishop Fleming, an Irish Franciscan, negotiated with Catherine McAuley to send Marianne back to Dublin to prepare to establish a convent of the Sisters of Mercy in Newfoundland.  Marianne entered in 1839, was received in 1840 and professed in August 1841 with the religious name, Mary Francis.

On June 3, 1842, Sisters Francis Creedon, Ursula Frayne and Rose Lynch arrived in St. John’s, Newfoundland from the port of Kingstown, Ireland, on the ship the Sir Walter Scott to establish the Sisters of Mercy, the first foundation outside of Ireland and England.

What must have been their thoughts as they looked upon the forbidding landscape with its towering rocky c liffs and craggy head lands ? Although they had seen poverty in Ireland, t he abject poverty of this place with its rude shacks and derelict fishing stages perched on the side of the hills, would have seared their hearts and minds. Sister Francis had lived in the colony for six years, but for Sisters Ursula and Rose the scene before them must have caused some dismay and distress.

After a harrowing climb from the ship’s deck down to the small boat bobbing on the heaving sea, they made their way through the Narrows to St. John’s wharf. There they found a throng of people waiting to welcome them. Undoubtedly, the family of Sister Francis was among them, eager to see her after an absence of th ree years. Bishop Fleming transported them in his own carriage to his house on Henry Street, where they were to reside until thei r convent was built. What a momentous day this was! They were literally and figuratively transported to a new world, a world f ull of
promise and full of challenge. What relief they must have fel t to sleep in a bed after a month of rolling and tossing on the Atlantic How they must have prayed , thanking God f or a safe journey and begging for the courage and strength to carry out t he mission entrusted to them.

We are grateful for the spirit of Mercy that impelled them and for the legacy of compassion, courage, creativity, and commitment that we have inherited as Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland.
We celebrate this day with great joy and gratitude.
Join us in prayer of gratitude today: Reflection Foundation 3 June 2023

More in this Series:

Remembering Our Newfoundland Mercy Story 5: Sister M. Cecelia Sears

Remembering Our Newfoundland Mercy Story 4: Our Lady of Mercy School

Remembering Our Newfoundland Mercy Story 3: Anniversary of the Founding of Mercy on West Coast of Newfoundland

Remembering Our Newfoundland Mercy Story 2: Sr M. Francis Creedon

Remembering Our Newfoundland Mercy Story 1:  Burin Peninsula

 

(Marianne Creedon, nacida en 1811 en Coolowen, Co. Cork, fue a Terranova con la familia de su hermana cuando tenía 22 años. El obispo Fleming, un franciscano irlandés, negoció con Catherine McAuley el envío de Marianne de vuelta a Dublín para preparar la fundación de un convento de las Hermanas de la Misericordia en Terranova. Marianne ingresó en 1839, fue recibida en 1840 y profesó en agosto de 1841 con el nombre religioso de Mary Francis).

El 3 de junio de 1842, las Hermanas Francis Creedon, Ursula Frayne y Rose Lynch llegaron a St. John’s, Terranova, procedentes del puerto de Kingstown, Irlanda, en el barco Sir Walter Scott para fundar las Hermanas de la Misericordia, la primera fundación fuera de Irlanda e Inglaterra.

¿Qué debieron de pensar al contemplar el imponente paisaje de acantilados rocosos y escarpados promontorios? Aunque habían visto la pobreza en Irlanda, la abyecta pobreza de este lugar, con sus rudimentarias chozas y sus abandonadas etapas de pesca encaramadas en las laderas de las colinas, les habría abrasado el corazón y la mente. La hermana Francis había vivido en la colonia
seis años, pero a las hermanas Úrsula y Rosa la escena que tenían ante ellas debió causarles consternación y angustia.

Tras una angustiosa subida desde la cubierta del barco hasta el pequeño bote que se balanceaba en el mar agitado, se dirigieron a través de los Estrechos hasta el muelle de San Juan. Allí se encontraron con una multitud de gente que les esperaba para darles la bienvenida. Sin duda, entre ellos estaba la familia de la hermana Francis, ansiosa por verla después de tres años de ausencia. El obispo Fleming los trasladó en su propio carruaje a su casa de la calle Henry, donde residirían hasta que se construyera su convento. Fue un día memorable. Fueron literal y figuradamente transportadas a un nuevo mundo, un mundo lleno de
prometedor y lleno de desafíos. Cómo debieron de rezar, dando gracias a Dios por un viaje seguro y pidiendo valor y fuerza para llevar a cabo la misión que se les había encomendado.

Estamos agradecidas por el espíritu de Misericordia que las impulsó y por el legado de compasión, valentía, creatividad y compromiso que hemos heredado como Hermanas de la Misericordia de Terranova.
Celebramos este día con gran alegría y gratitud.
Únete hoy a nosotros en oración de gratitud: Celebrando 181 Años de la Misericordia NL

 

Más en esta serie:

Recordando Nuestra Historia de la Misericordia de Terranova 5: Hermana M. Cecelia Sears

Recordando Nuestra Historia de la Misericordia de Terranova 4: Escuela Nuestra Señora de la Merced

Recordando Nuestra Historia de la Misericordia de Terranova 3: Aniversario de la Fundación de la Misericordia en la Costa Oeste de Terranova

Recordando la historia de la Misericordia en Terranova 2: Hna. M. Francis Creedon

Recordando la historia de la Misericordia en Terranova 1: Península de Burin

Our Ministry in Peru

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

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

International Day of Families, 15 May

Today is International Day of Families. Let us remember especially in our prayers today each of the members of our own families and all who are ‘like family’ to us. May our relationships be strengthened. May any conflicts be resolved. May love bind us together.

Let us remember, too, all new families— the struggling not just the celebrated— and all those mourning the absence of family members dear to them, including the widowed, refugees, prisoners, the homeless, runaways, trafficked persons, separated parents…

Hoy es el Día Internacional de la Familia. Recordemos hoy especialmente en nuestras oraciones a cada uno de los miembros de nuestras propias familias y a todos los que son “como familia” para nosotros. Que nuestras relaciones se fortalezcan. Que se resuelvan los conflictos. Que el amor nos una.

Recordemos también a todas las nuevas familias -las que luchan y no sólo las célebres- y a todas las que lloran la ausencia de familiares queridos, como las viudas, los refugiados, los presos, las personas sin hogar, los fugitivos, las víctimas de la trata, los padres separados…

World Bee Day, 20 May

World Bee Day, designated as such by the United Nations in 2018, is celebrated annually on May 20.Its purpose is to draw attention to the essential role  bees and other pollinators play in keeping people and the planet healthy.

Because the bee population is under threat, this day is a call to protect them and other pollinators which are critical to the heath of our ecosystem. May was chosen for World Bee Day because in the northern hemisphere the need for pollination is greatest at that time, while in the southern hemisphere it is a time for harvestinghoney and other bee products.

The Newfoundland Beekeeping Association have just announced a NO MOW MAY Campaign, asking residents of the province not to mow their lawns for the whole month of May. This will help to provide essential food for bees and habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.

For further information about this day and how you can observe it, click here

El Día Mundial de la Abeja, designado como tal por las Naciones Unidas en 2018, se celebra anualmente el 20 de mayo.Su propósito es llamar la atención sobre el papel esencial que desempeñan las abejas y otros polinizadores para mantener la salud de las personas y del planeta.

Dado que la población de abejas está amenazada, este día es un llamamiento para protegerlas, así como a otros polinizadores fundamentales para la salud de nuestro ecosistema. Se eligió el mes de mayo para celebrar el Día Mundial de la Abeja porque en el hemisferio norte la necesidad de polinización es mayor en esa época, mientras que en el hemisferio sur es el momento de cosechar miel y otros productos apícolas.

La Asociación de Apicultura de Terranova acaba de anunciar la campaña NO MOW MAY, en la que pide a los residentes de la provincia que no corten el césped durante todo el mes de mayo. Esta medida contribuirá a proporcionar alimento esencial a las abejas y hábitat a los polinizadores y otros animales silvestres.

Para más información sobre este día y cómo celebrarlo, pulse aquí.

International Nurses Day, 12 May

May 12 is celebrated globally as International Nurses’ Day, the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale.  In the words of Sylvain Brousseau, president of the Canadian Nurses Association, this is a day “to pay tribute to the outstanding contribution of nurses to the communities, patients and health systems they serve, as well as their impact on global health outcomes.”

Health care has been one of our major congregational ministries and we have been blessed with many compassionate, competent and committed nursing sisters over the years. We have also ministered with many caring and dedicated nursing colleagues.

We honor them and remember them with gratitude. We take this opportunity to congratulate and thank our current nurses – Sisters Jane McGrath, Loretta Walsh and Eileen Penney, as well as our colleagues, Ms. Norma Baker and Ms. Maria Tracey and all who minister with us at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital and St. Patrick’s Mercy Home.

El 12 de mayo se celebra en todo el mundo el Día Internacional de la Enfermera, aniversario del nacimiento de Florence Nightingale. En palabras de Sylvain Brousseau, presidente de la Asociación Canadiense de Enfermeras, es un día “para rendir homenaje a la destacada contribución de las enfermeras a las comunidades, los pacientes y los sistemas de salud a los que sirven, así como a su impacto en los resultados sanitarios mundiales”.

La atención sanitaria ha sido uno de los principales ministerios de nuestra congregación y, a lo largo de los años, hemos tenido la suerte de contar con muchas hermanas enfermeras compasivas, competentes y comprometidas. También hemos ejercido nuestro ministerio con muchos colegas enfermeros atentos y dedicados.

Les honramos y les recordamos con gratitud. Aprovechamos esta oportunidad para felicitar y agradecer a nuestras enfermeras actuales – las Hermanas Jane McGrath, Loretta Walsh y Eileen Penney, así como a nuestras colegas, la Sra. Norma Baker y la Sra. Maria Tracey y a todos los que ejercen su ministerio con nosotras en el St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital y en el St. Patrick’s Mercy Home.

Prayer for Mothers’ Day, 14 May

The second Sunday in May is celebrated as Mothers’ Day  This prayer honours motherhood and all those whose influence and care for us is as a mother. 

The response to each petition is: ‘Mother God we pray to you

For our own mothers, living and deceased …
For our grandmothers, sisters, aunts and all who have nurtured us over the years …
For mothers who continue to make sacrifices for the sake of their children…
For mothers who are taken for granted, forgotten or abandoned …
For mothers who are incarcerated, drug-addicted or prostituted …
For mothers of the disappeared …
For mothers who have lost children through sickness, suicide, violence and war …
For mothers in nursing homes …
For single mothers and divorced mothers …
For mothers who are homeless, battered or abused …
For mothers who are refugees and without a home or homeland …
For mothers of disabled and bullied children …
For mothers who are struggling with financial problems …
For mothers who are unable to care for or protect their children …
For our Mother Earth calling us to protect, cherish and heal her …
In gratitude for Mary, Mother of God whose life was centered on Jesus…
In gratitude for all who have given us love and support, security and hope …

Mother God, for all of these and for all we carry in our hearts, we ask your love and your blessing.
Amen

Download the entire Mothers’ Day Prayer – May 2023 (PDF)

El segundo domingo de mayo se celebra el Día de la Madre Esta oración honra la maternidad y a todas aquellas cuya influencia y cuidado para con nosotras es el de una madre.

La respuesta a cada petición es: ‘Madre Dios, te rogamos

Por nuestras propias madres, vivas y difuntas …
Por nuestras abuelas, hermanas, tías y todas las que nos han criado a lo largo de los años …
Por las madres que siguen haciendo sacrificios por el bien de sus hijos …
Por las madres a las que se da por sentadas, se olvida o se abandona …
Por las madres encarceladas, drogadictas o prostituidas …
Por las madres de los desaparecidos …
Para las madres que han perdido a sus hijos por enfermedad, suicidio, violencia o guerra …
Para las madres en residencias de ancianos …
Para madres solteras y divorciadas …
Para madres sin hogar, maltratadas o que sufren abusos …
Para madres refugiadas sin hogar ni patria …
Para madres de niños discapacitados o acosados …
Para madres con problemas económicos …
Por las madres que no pueden cuidar o proteger a sus hijos …
Por nuestra Madre Tierra, que nos llama a protegerla, cuidarla y curarla …
En gratitud por María, Madre de Dios, cuya vida se centró en Jesús …
En gratitud por todos los que nos han dado amor y apoyo, seguridad y esperanza …

Madre Dios, por todos ellos y por todos los que llevamos en nuestros corazones, te pedimos tu amor y tu bendición.
Amén

Descargar toda Reflexión para el Día de la Madre (PDF)

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

 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

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

National Day of Mourning for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, 5 May

Today, May 5 is the National Day of Mourning for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, often called Red Dress Day.

In Canada Indigenous women and girls are targeted for violence more than any other group. More than 4000 Indigenous women and girls have gone missing or been murdered in the last 30 years – an appalling statistic! Canada’s National Inquiry into this tragic history called upon all governments – national, provincial, territorial and indigenous – to work together to build an effective and accountable National Action Plan to address this crisis. Indeed, there is an urgent need for all Canadians to make efforts to raise awareness of this Canada-wide tragedy and to do whatever we can to make Canada a country for all Canadians.

Today let us remember in prayer all the victims of gender-based violence, as well as all their families and communities whose lives have been forever altered by the loss of loved ones.

Hoy, 5 de mayo, es el Día Nacional de Luto por las Mujeres y Niñas Indígenas Desaparecidas y Asesinadas, a menudo llamado Día del Vestido Rojo.

En Canadá, las mujeres y niñas indígenas son objeto de violencia más que ningún otro grupo. Más de 4.000 mujeres y niñas indígenas han desaparecido o han sido asesinadas en los últimos 30 años, ¡una estadística espantosa! La Investigación Nacional de Canadá sobre esta trágica historia hizo un llamamiento a todos los gobiernos -nacional, provincial, territorial e indígena- para que trabajen juntos en la elaboración de un Plan de Acción Nacional eficaz y responsable para hacer frente a esta crisis. De hecho, es urgente que todos los canadienses se esfuercen por concienciar sobre esta tragedia que afecta a todo Canadá y que hagan todo lo posible para que Canadá sea un país para todos los canadienses.

Recordemos hoy en la oración a todas las víctimas de la violencia de género, así como a todas sus familias y comunidades cuyas vidas se han visto alteradas para siempre por la pérdida de seres queridos.