Category: Important Dates

UN Dates

National Day of Mourning for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girl

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Monday, May 5th is the National Day of Mourning for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, (MMIWG) 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.

El lunes 5 de mayo es el Día Nacional de Luto por las Mujeres y Niñas Indígenas Desaparecidas y Asesinadas (MMIWG), conocido a menudo como el «Día del Vestido Rojo».

En Canadá, las mujeres y niñas indígenas son el grupo más afectado por la violencia. Más de 4000 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, provinciales, territoriales e indígenas— para que trabajen juntos en la elaboración de un Plan de Acción Nacional eficaz y responsable que aborde esta crisis. De hecho, existe una necesidad urgente de que todos los canadienses se esfuercen por crear conciencia sobre esta tragedia que afecta a todo el país y hagamos todo lo posible para que Canadá sea un país para todos los canadienses.

Hoy recordemos en nuestras oraciones a todas las víctimas de la violencia de género, así como a todas sus familias y comunidades, cuyas vidas han quedado marcadas para siempre por la pérdida de sus seres queridos.

 

St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital Timeline

Posted on by Diane Smyth

St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital has a rich history dating back to May 21, 1922 when the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland opened a hospital in a small dwelling, the “White House” to care for 23 patients. From these small beginnings has grown a Tertiary, adult acute care hospital serving the people of Newfoundland and Labrador for over 100 years.

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


                                                       St Clare’s 1916

 

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

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

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

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

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

1956: Board of Governors and Medical Advisory Committee established

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

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

1960:  St. Clare’s was incorporated

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Celebration of 100 Years of Compassionate Care: St Clare’s Mercy Hospital

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Care of the sick is integral to the charism and tradition of all Sisters of Mercy as well noted in the founding history of the congregation. Visitation of the sick in their homes and in institutions has been adapted to circumstances of time and place, yet remains a strong witness of the Mercy ministry.

St Clare’s Mercy Hospital, Lemarchant Road

On May 21, 1922, the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland opened a hospital in a small dwelling, the “White House” to care for 23 patients. From these small beginnings has grown a Tertiary, adult acute care hospital serving the people of Newfoundland and Labrador for over 100 years.

Having celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022, St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital’s standard of excellence is recognized by all. It was sold to government in 1995 yet the influence of the Sisters of Mercy is obvious with its Advisory Council continuing to play a key role. The presence of the Sisters in Pastoral Care and its Mercy symbols in strategic locations continue to give the hospital its unique atmosphere. Indeed, “God’s mercy is from generation to generation’ (Luke 1:50)

Established by the Sisters of Mercy, today Eastern Health continues our legacy of providing compassionate and caring healthcare services to the people of the province, delivered and supported by almost 500 dedicated staff and health-care professionals at St Clare’s.

“It is a privilege for me to give thanks on behalf of all Sisters of Mercy and our associates as we mark the 100th anniversary of St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital,” said Congregational Leader, Sister Diane Smyth. “I speak with gratitude for all those who shared their gifts, talents, time, expertise and love to ensure that every aspect of human life was cared for – body, mind and spirit. For 100 years St. Clare’s has stood proud of its history and heritage and its standards of excellence.”

Read the press release from Eastern Health to mark the occasion.

During the 100th anniversary celebrations greetings were expressed by Dr. Andrew Furey – Premier of Newfoundland, Doctor John Haggie- Minister of Health, Archbishop Peter Hundt – Archbishop of St. John’s, Mr. David Diamond – CEO of Eastern Health and Sister Diane Smyth – Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Mercy. All echoed the great contribution of St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital to the field of health care and the influence of the Sisters of Mercy.

A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of symbols brought forward by key members of the St. Clare’s community. The Symbols included:

  • A photo of St. Clare’s showing the growth of the hospital over the years
  • A Values Poster highlighting the heart of their mission and ministry
  •  Oil of Anointing as a symbol of healing and comfort
  • Crest of St. Clare’s with its motto “Mercy Above All”, representing healing and hope centered in Mercy
  • Nightingale Lamp representing Florence Nightingale, the mother of the nursing profession
  • Clare’s Community – a collage representing the different departments and services which provide ministry at St. Clare’s
  • Photo of a ceramic Sculpture by Newfoundland artist Gerry Squires which depicts the history of St. Clare’s. This sculpture adorns the lobby of the hospital.

To mark the centenary, Eastern Health produced this video of the ritual of gratitude and thanksgiving held 22 May, 2022 (54.23).

Explore the timeline of key events in the history of St Clare’s

St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital Auxiliary Celebrates 50 Years

Posted on by Diane Smyth

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

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

Lt. Governor Frank and Mrs. Patricia Fagan

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

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

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

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

Mrs. Joan Parker Crosbie

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

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

Auxiliary Presidents

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

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

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

 

Earth Day – April 22, 2026

Posted on by Diane Smyth

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

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

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

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

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

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

World Health Day – 7 April

Posted on by Diane Smyth

World Health Day 2026, observed on April 7th , calls on people everywhere to stand with science, under the theme “Together for health. Stand with science”.

This year’s observance launches a year-long campaign celebrating the power of scientific collaboration to protect the health of people, animals, plants, and the planet. The campaign spotlights both scientific achievements and the multilateral cooperation needed to turn evidence into action – through a strong focus on the One Health approach.

Holy Week 2026: March 29 – April 4

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Given the right kind of conditions, it is possible to enter Holy Week from the inside rather than the outside – not as a series of commemorative events surrounding the final days of Jesus’ earthly life, but as a way of actually accompanying Jesus on His timeless passage through death to the very source of life and back into this world, with the unshakable certainty that “nothing can separate us from the love of God.”

It is a passage, as Christian mystics from time immemorial have proclaimed, that changed the very foundations of this world. And it is a passage that we ourselves will personally make, carriedon the wings of this one Great Passage, when our own human lives have reached their fullness of time.

-Cynthia Bourgeault

Si se dan las condiciones adecuadas, es posible entrar en la Semana Santa desde dentro y no desde fuera: no como una serie de actos conmemorativos en torno a los últimos días de la vida terrena de Jesús, sino como una forma de acompañar realmente a Jesús en su paso intemporal a través de la muerte hasta la fuente misma de la vida y de vuelta a este mundo, con la certeza inquebrantable de que “nada puede separarnos del amor de Dios”.

Es un paso, como han proclamado los místicos cristianos desde tiempos inmemoriales, que cambió los cimientos mismos de este mundo. Y es un paso que nosotros mismos daremos personalmente, llevados por las alas de este Gran Paso, cuando nuestras propias vidas humanas hayan llegado a su plenitud.

-Cynthia Bourgeault

 

Pink Shirt Day 2026 – February 25

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Canada officially recognizes Pink Shirt/Anti-Bullying Day annually on the last Wednesday of February. This is a day to remind ourselves of the importance of respect for one another.

The theme for this year is Sprinkle Kindness.

What is bullying?

Bullying is a form of aggression where there is a power imbalance; the person doing the bullying has power over the person being victimized. In additional to any physical trauma incurred, bullying can result in serious emotional problems, including anxiety, low self-esteem, or depression.

Types of bullying

  • Physical bullying: using physical force or aggression against another person (e.g., hitting)

  • Verbal bullying: using words to verbally attack someone (e.g., name-calling)

  • Social/relational bullying: trying to hurt someone through excluding them, spreading rumours or ignoring them (e.g., gossiping)

  • Cyberbullying: using electronic media to threaten, embarrass, intimidate, or exclude someone, or to damage their reputation (e.g., sending threatening text messages).

This theme presents us with an important reminder in our current reality where there is so much suffering, anxiety and depression.  Let us continue to sprinkle kindness, hope and encouragement wherever we are.

Canadá reconoce oficialmente el Día de la Camisa Rosa/Contra el Acoso Escolar cada año el último miércoles de febrero. Este es un día para recordarnos la importancia del respeto mutuo.

El tema de este año es Espolvorear la Amabilidad.

¿Qué es el acoso escolar?
El acoso escolar es una forma de agresión en la que existe un desequilibrio de poder; la persona que acosa tiene poder sobre la persona acosada. Además del trauma físico que puede causar, el acoso escolar puede provocar graves problemas emocionales, como ansiedad, baja autoestima o depresión.

Tipos de acoso escolar

  • Acoso físico: uso de la fuerza física o la agresión contra otra persona (por ejemplo, golpear).
  • Acoso verbal: utilizar palabras para atacar verbalmente a alguien (por ejemplo, insultar).
  • Acoso social/relacional: intentar hacer daño a alguien excluyéndolo, difundiendo rumores o ignorándolo (por ejemplo, chismorrear).
  • Ciberacoso: utilizar medios electrónicos para amenazar, avergonzar, intimidar o excluir a alguien, o para dañar su reputación (por ejemplo, enviar mensajes de texto amenazantes).

Este tema nos presenta un recordatorio importante en nuestra realidad actual, donde hay tanto sufrimiento, ansiedad y depresión.  Sigamos esparciendo bondad, esperanza y ánimo dondequiera que estemos.

World Day of the Sick – February 4

Posted on by Diane Smyth

World Day of the Sick is observed annually on Feb.11th. It coincides with the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, a day associated with healing and devotion to the Virgin Mary. This day gives us a special opportunity to pray for and reach out to the sick and ailing among us.

Pope Leo XIV’s message for the 34th World Day of the Sick, which will be celebrated on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, offers a reflection on the theme “The compassion of the Samaritan: loving by bearing another’s pain”

  • Read the Message from Pope Leo for World Day of the Sick here
  • Post your prayer in our sacred space here

El Día Mundial del Enfermo se celebra cada año el 11 de febrero. Coincide con la festividad de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, un día asociado con la curación y la devoción a la Virgen María. Este día nos brinda una oportunidad especial para rezar y acercarnos a los enfermos y dolientes que nos rodean.

El mensaje del papa León XIV para la 34.ª Jornada Mundial del Enfermo, que se celebrará el miércoles 11 de febrero de 2026, ofrece una reflexión sobre el tema «La compasión del samaritano: amar llevando el dolor del otro».

  • Lea aquí el mensaje del papa León para la Jornada Mundial del Enfermo.
  • Publica tu oración en nuestro espacio sagrado aquí

 

World Cancer Day – February 4

Posted on by Diane Smyth

World Cancer Day is celebrated each year on 4 February. The 2025-2027 campaign theme “United by Unique” places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the conversation.

Cancer is more than just a medical diagnosis – it’s a deeply personal matter. Behind every diagnosis lies a unique human story – stories of grief, pain, healing, resilience, love and more. That’s why a people-centred approach to cancer care that fully integrates each individual’s unique needs, with compassion and empathy, leads to the best health outcomes.

Many of us have been touched in some way by cancer in members of our families, our communities, our ministries, our networks.

Let us each remember in our prayers in a special way today all who are living with cancer and remember in our memories those who are no longer among us.

Post your prayer in our sacred space.

El Día Mundial contra el Cáncer se celebra cada año el 4 de febrero. El tema de la campaña 2025-2027, «Unidos por lo único», sitúa a las personas en el centro de la atención y sus historias en el centro del debate.

El cáncer es más que un simple diagnóstico médico: es un asunto profundamente personal. Detrás de cada diagnóstico hay una historia humana única: historias de dolor, sufrimiento, curación, resiliencia, amor y mucho más. Por eso, un enfoque de la atención oncológica centrado en las personas, que integre plenamente las necesidades únicas de cada individuo, con compasión y empatía, conduce a los mejores resultados de salud.

Muchos de nosotros nos hemos visto afectados de alguna manera por el cáncer en miembros de nuestras familias, nuestras comunidades, nuestros ministerios, nuestras redes.

Recordemos hoy de manera especial en nuestras oraciones a todos los que viven con cáncer y recordemos en nuestros recuerdos a aquellos que ya no están entre nosotros.

Publica tu oración en nuestro espacio sagrado.