Category: Sisters News

Remembering our Newfoundland Mercy Story 18:
Sr Joseph Nugent on her Anniversary

Posted on by Diane Smyth

On June 17 we remember a true Mercy heroine –Sister M. Joseph Nugent, who died on this day in 1847. Sister M. Joseph was the lone companion of Sister M. Francis Creedon from the time of the departure of Sisters Ursula and M. Rose in November of 1843 until her untimely death in 1847.

These two great women of Mercy faithfully carried out the works of Mercy as if there were dozens of sisters in the Newfoundland Mercy community – continuing in school and visiting the sick and poverty-stricken in their homes and in St. John’s Hospital (located near present-day Victoria Park). In June of 1947 when St. John’s was in the throes of a severe typhus epidemic, they closed school and devoted themselves entirely to visiting and caring for the sick. It was at St. John’s Hospital that Sister M. Joseph caught the dreaded fever from a young seaman who was suffering great physical and spiritual anguish. Despite the medical services of physicians and the loving care of Sister M. Francis, Sister M. Joseph died after two weeks of suffering the torments of the disease. She was 48 years of age and had only been a Sister of Mercy for four years.

In The Newfoundlander of June 24, 1847, we read of her as follows:

… in the whole community it would be difficult to point to a life of more importance to the spiritual and temporal interests of the  juvenile portion of our Catholic population, while to the more matured as well as to the sick and infirm of both sexes, her devotedness in administering to the comforts of the diseased whether of mind or body, could only be surpassed by the untiring assiduity in which her heart and soul were engaged.

We are blessed to have had such a faith-filled, trusting and mission-focused woman as Sister M. Joseph Nugent.  We thank God for her and for our many Mercy ancestorsfor the wonderful legacy of Mercy that we have inherited.

  • More about Sr M Joseph can be found here

El 17 de junio recordamos a una verdadera heroína de la Misericordia: la Hermana M. Joseph Nugent, que murió tal día como hoy en 1847. La Hermana M. Joseph fue la única compañera de la Hermana M. Francis Creedon desde la partida de las Hermanas Ursula y M. Rose en noviembre de 1843 hasta su prematura muerte en 1847.

Estas dos grandes mujeres de la Misericordia llevaron a cabo fielmente las obras de Misericordia como si hubiera docenas de hermanas en la comunidad de la Misericordia de Terranova – continuando en la escuela y visitando a los enfermos y pobres en sus casas y en el Hospital de San Juan (situado cerca del actual Victoria Park). En junio de 1947, cuando St. John’s estaba sumida en una grave epidemia de tifus, cerraron la escuela y se dedicaron por completo a visitar y cuidar a los enfermos. Fue en el hospital St. John’s donde la hermana M. Joseph contrajo la temida fiebre de un joven marino que sufría una gran angustia física y espiritual. A pesar de los servicios médicos de los doctores y de los cariñosos cuidados de la Hermana M. Francis, la Hermana M. Joseph murió después de dos semanas de sufrir los tormentos de la enfermedad. Tenía 48 años y sólo llevaba cuatro como Hermana de la Misericordia.

En The Newfoundlander del 24 de junio de 1847, leemos de ella lo siguiente:

... en toda la comunidad sería difícil señalar una vida de más importancia para los intereses espirituales y temporales de la porción juvenil de nuestra población católica, mientras que para los más maduros, así como para los enfermos de ambos sexos, su devoción en la administración de las comodidades de los enfermos ya sea de mente o cuerpo, sólo podría ser superada por la incansable asiduidad en la que su corazón y alma estaban comprometidos.

Somos bendecidos por haber tenido una mujer tan llena de fe, confiada y centrada en la misión como la Hermana M. Joseph Nugent. Damos gracias a Dios por ella y por nuestros muchos antepasados de la Misericordia por el maravilloso legado de la Misericordia que hemos heredado.

  • Más información sobre la Hna. M Joseph aquí

 

 

June Associates Newsletter Now Online

Posted on by Diane Smyth

“Kitty’s Chronicle” is a monthly newsletter distributed to all Mercy Associates. Each month the latest  issue is posted online in the Associates section of our website. The newsletter contains news and views, requests for prayers and material for reflection.

Prayers for the Sick, Resources from the Wisdom Circles, Items of Interest, Important Dates, Information about Catherine McAuley, Women in Canadian History and two delicious recipes are among the many topics covered in our latest issue.

A feature of this month’s issue is the 30th anniversary celebrations.

Visit the Associates section of our website to find out about Becoming an Associate and the Associate Program.

Anniversary of Arrival of Sisters of Mercy in St. John’s
– 3 June 1842

Posted on by Diane Smyth

June 3,1842 marks the beginning of a wonderful story – a story of deep faith, abiding trust, courageous action and steadfast commitment.

Arrival of Mercy Sisters on the ship Sir Walter Scott in St John’s Harbour, 3 June 1842

On that day, three young Irish women Sisters Francis Creedon, Ursula Frayne and Rose Lynch  arrived in St. John’s to establish a mission that would overcome almost insurmountable difficulties to root Mercy in harsh Newfoundland soil. We thank God for these women of Mercy as we continue to journey in their footsteps.

  • Join us in prayer of gratitude today using this reflection
  • Learn more about that first foundation here

 

El 3 de junio de 1842 marca el comienzo de una historia maravillosa – una historia de fe profunda, confianza permanente, acción valiente y compromiso firme.

Ese día, tres jóvenes irlandesas, las Hermanas Francis Creedon, Ursula Frayne y Rose Lynch, llegaron a St. John’s para establecer una misión que superaría dificultades casi insuperables para arraigar la Misericordia en el duro suelo de Terranova. Damos gracias a Dios por estas mujeres de la Misericordia mientras seguimos caminando tras sus huellas.

  • Únete hoy a nosotras en oración de gratitud usando esta reflexión
  • Aprende más sobre esa primera fundación aquí

Remembering Our Newfoundland Mercy Story 17:
Sister M. Patrick O’Farrell

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Margaret O’Farrell was born in County Tipperary in November of 1841, the only daughter of Mary and Patrick O’Farrell. She arrived in St. John’s on March 17,1865 to enter the Sisters of Mercy. 

At her reception into the Novitiate on August 2 of that same year she received the name Sister Mary Patrick Ligouri. A local newspaper, The Newfoundlander, in its August 3,1865 issue, reported on her Reception Ceremony, noting that a couple of her brothers “our respected townsmen, the Messrs. Farrell” had emigrated to Newfoundland from Ireland and were well established in the business community of St. John’s by the time their sister arrived.

After her profession, Sister M. Patrick spent most of her religious life teaching at St. Bridget’s School in the east end of St. John’s and at St. Peter’s School on Queen Street. Both of these schools were under the care of the Sisters at Mercy Convent and the sisters would have made the daily walk to and from school in all kinds of weathers.

In August of 1884 Sister M. Patrick’s niece, Mary O’Farrell (later known as Sister Genevieve) arrived in St. John’s to enter the Sisters of Mercy. Sister M. Patrick had left Ireland before Mary had been born. Sadly, the two had little opportunity to spend much time with one another, as Sister M. Patrick died on May 10, 1885. Her obituary notice in The Evening Telegram of May 18 1885 speaks of her as follows:

                      She ministered consolation to many a poor sick  death-stricken family,
as well as imparted the gift of  a religious education
to the destitute and the poor.

Margaret O’Farrell nació en el condado de Tipperary en noviembre de 1841, hija única de Mary y Patrick O’Farrell. Llegó a St. John’s el 17 de marzo de 1865 para ingresar en las Hermanas de la Misericordia.

En su recepción en el noviciado, el 2 de agosto de ese mismo año, recibió el nombre de Hermana Mary Patrick Ligouri. Un periódico local, The Newfoundlander, en su edición del 3 de agosto de 1865, informó sobre su ceremonia de recepción, señalando que un par de sus hermanos “nuestros respetados vecinos, los señores Farrell” habían emigrado a Terranova desde Irlanda y estaban bien establecidos en la comunidad empresarial de St.

Después de su profesión, la hermana M. Patrick pasó la mayor parte de su vida religiosa enseñando en la escuela de Santa Brígida, en el extremo este de San Juan, y en la escuela de San Pedro, en Queen Street. Ambas escuelas estaban bajo el cuidado de las Hermanas del Convento de la Misericordia y las hermanas habrían hecho la caminata diaria hacia y desde la escuela en todo tipo de climas.

En agosto de 1884, la sobrina de la Hermana M. Patrick, Mary O’Farrell (más tarde conocida como la Hermana Genevieve) llegó a St. La Hermana M. Patrick había dejado Irlanda antes de que naciera Mary. Lamentablemente, las dos tuvieron pocas oportunidades de pasar mucho tiempo juntas, ya que la Hermana M. Patrick murió el 10 de mayo de 1885. Su nota necrológica en The Evening Telegram del 18 de mayo de 1885 habla de ella de la siguiente manera:

Consoló a muchas familias pobres, enfermas y afligidas por la muerte,
así como impartió el don de una educación religiosa
a los indigentes y a los pobres.

History of The Gathering Place

Posted on by Diane Smyth
Who We Are – A Safe Refuge

Since their arrival in Newfoundland and Labrador in the 1800s, the Sisters of Mercy and the Presentation Sisters have endeavoured to respond to the needs of people most underserved and at risk in the community. In 1994, they established The Gathering Place in downtown St. John’s in response to an increasing number of people who were seeking food in a safe and inclusive place. As The Gathering Place Guests sought additional support, programs and services were added.

The Gathering Place

In 2010, a strategic planning initiative led to a major renovation financed by the two Congregations, government, and public and private sector donations. This renovated space includes a social room and other supportive health and social services including a laundry, a clothing boutique, showers, access to housing and transportation, education, and dental and health care. Demand for the services continues to grow exponentially. The Gathering Place is now open seven days a week and provides three meals a day as well as a variety of health and social programs.

In October 2020, in response to the growing needs of individuals who were homeless or precariously housed and in partnership with the provincial government, The Gathering Place opened a 30-bed temporary low barrier shelter. The shelter is a safe place for Guests who have nowhere else to go. Most nights, the temporary shelter is at full capacity. In partnership with the federal and provincial governments and with generous private donations and the generosity of the Sisters of Mercy, the former Mercy Convent is now being developed as Mercy House to include a permanent shelter (O’Callaghan Haven) and supportive and transitional housing.

As the numbers of persons who are homeless or at risk of being homeless grow and their social and health needs increase, the Gathering Place has become a special place for even more Guests. The building that once served a hot bowl of soup has now transformed into an active vibrant community health centre, responding to health needs of Guests with an awareness of the influence of social, economic, and environmental factors on health outcomes and health equity. This is a place where people come when they have nowhere else to go; where they find a safe place to sit, eat, shower or talk; where they gather without judgment and without fear. Day after day, those who are most at risk find a safe refuge at The Gathering Place.

Remembering Our Newfoundland Mercy Story 11: Sister Bernard Clune – October 6, 1894

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Born in Limerick in 1837, Anne Mary Bridget Clune arrived in St. John’s in the Fall of 1858 to enter the Sisters of Mercy. As a novice she received the name Sister Mary Bernard Xavier but was known for most of her life as Mother Bernard. She spent her whole religious life at Mercy Convent on Military Road.

In the 1860s the sisters at Mercy Convent were responsible not only for Our Lady of Mercy School but also for St. Clair’s Boarding School (housed at Mercy Convent), St. Bridget’s School in the city’s east end and the Petty Harbour foundation, and Mother Bernard entered fully into the call to mission. Her many natural talents and abilities, her educational and cultural background and her keen interest in learning enabled her to fulfill positions of responsibility in the young community, including bursar and mistress of novices in addition to teaching full-time.

In 1881 Mother Bernard was elected superior of Mercy Convent, a position she held for fourteen years. During her tenure, she tirelessly sought out ways to provide the children of Newfoundland with the best possible educational opportunities that would fit them for life. One of her first such ventures was the opening of Angels’ Guardian School at Mercy Convent for children aged three to eight years.

In 1883 at her initiative and with the support of Bishop Thomas Power, the Sisters of Mercy purchased the Little estate in the Waterford Valley. Mother Bernard’s dream was to establish an academic center that would provide access to high quality educational and cultural opportunities for young women all over Newfoundland, and she saw this site as theideal location to make that dream a reality.

To ensure that the sisters would be well prepared to begin this new venture, she and Sister Teresa O’ Halleran sailed to Halifax to look at boarding schools and to learn about new educational practices and techniques.  On August 20, 1884 St. Bride’s Boarding School for Young Ladies at Littledale opened with four boarding students registered. Mother Bernard kept a close eye on St. Bride’s especially in its early years, and she remained interested in all its activities and initiatives throughout her life.

Mother Bernard had many gifts besides her exceptional teaching and administrative talents. She was for many years a soloist in the choir of St. John the Baptist Cathedral and was fluent in several languages. Her death on October 6, 1894 at the age of 57 years was a severe blow to her sisters, especially those at Mercy Convent and Littledale who had lived and worked with her so closely over many years. She was a visionary woman, innovative yet practical, very much in touch with the needs of her times, generous in sharing her talents and fully committed to the mission of Mercy.

More stories documenting our Newfoundland Mercy Story can be read in “Archival Moments“

Nacida en Limerick en 1837, Anne Mary Bridget Clune llegó a St. John’s en el otoño de 1858 para ingresar en las Hermanas de la Misericordia. Como novicia recibió el nombre de Hermana Mary Bernard Xavier, pero fue conocida durante la mayor parte de su vida como Madre Bernarda. Pasó toda su vida religiosa en el Convento de la Misericordia en Military Road.

En la década de 1860, las hermanas del Convento de la Misericordia eran responsables no sólo de la Escuela de Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia, sino también del Internado de St. Clair (ubicado en el Convento de la Misericordia), la Escuela de St. Bridget en el extremo este de la ciudad y la fundación Petty Harbour, y la Madre Bernard entró de lleno en la llamada a la misión. Sus muchos talentos y habilidades naturales, su formación educativa y cultural y su gran interés por aprender le permitieron desempeñar puestos de responsabilidad en la joven comunidad, como ecónoma y maestra de novicias, además de enseñar a tiempo completo.

En 1881, la Madre Bernarda fue elegida superiora del Convento de la Misericordia, cargo que desempeñó durante catorce años. Durante su mandato, buscó incansablemente formas de ofrecer a los niños de Terranova las mejores oportunidades educativas posibles que les prepararan para la vida. Una de sus primeras iniciativas fue la apertura de la Angels’ Guardian School en el Convento de la Misericordia para niños de tres a ocho años.

En 1883, por iniciativa suya y con el apoyo del obispo Thomas Power, las Hermanas de la Misericordia compraron la finca Little en el valle de Waterford. El sueño de la Madre Bernard era establecer un centro académico que diera acceso a oportunidades educativas y culturales de alta calidad a las jóvenes de todo Terranova, y vio este lugar como el sitio ideal para hacer realidad ese sueño.

Para asegurarse de que las hermanas estuvieran bien preparadas para comenzar esta nueva empresa, ella y la hermana Teresa O’ Halleran viajaron a Halifax para ver internados y aprender sobre nuevas prácticas y técnicas educativas. Bride’s Boarding School for Young Ladies en Littledale abrió sus puertas con cuatro alumnas matriculadas. La madre Bernard siguió de cerca a St. Bride’s especialmente en sus primeros años, y se mantuvo interesada en todas sus actividades e iniciativas a lo largo de su vida.

La Madre Bernard tenía muchos dones, además de su excepcional talento docente y administrativo. Durante muchos años fue solista en el coro de la catedral de San Juan Bautista y hablaba con fluidez varios idiomas. Su muerte, el 6 de octubre de 1894 a la edad de 57 años, fue un duro golpe para sus hermanas, especialmente para las del Convento de la Misericordia y Littledale, que habían vivido y trabajado con ella tan estrechamente durante muchos años. Fue una mujer visionaria, innovadora pero práctica, muy en contacto con las necesidades de su tiempo, generosa al compartir sus talentos y plenamente comprometida con la misión de la Misericordia.

Se pueden leer más relatos que documentan nuestra historia de la Misericordia en Terranova en “Momentos de archivo“.

WATCH VIDEO: Sister Elizabeth Speaks in Rome on Panel related to the October 2023 Synod Assembly

Posted on by Diane Smyth

The third Conversation, a 3-part series of input, discussion and sharing on the three topics related to the October 2023 Synod Assembly — Communion, Mission and Participation— was held online on Friday September 29, 2023 from 9:30- 11:30 am Newfoundland time.

Sister Elizabeth Davis (right) with Sister Maria Cimperman RSCJ (left), UISG Synodal initiative Coordinator,  one of five UISG delegates, was a panel member. Image: YouTube

The UISG  (International Union Superiors General) and USG (Union of Superiors General) Delegates for the Synod Assembly were invited to form a panel to offer their reflections  on their experiences and learnings in religious life as they relate to the third major area of synodal focus, Participation.

Watch the recording (below). Sr Elizabeth is introduced at 1:15:12. She speaks from 1:16:35 – 1:21:43

La tercera de una serie de 3 partes de aportaciones, debates e intercambios sobre los tres temas relacionados con la Asamblea del Sínodo de octubre de 2023 -Comunión, Misión y Participación- se celebró en línea el viernes 29 de septiembre de 2023 de 9:30 a 11:30 am hora de Terranova.

Las Delegadas de la UISG (Unión Internacional de Superioras Generales) y de la USG (Unión de Superioras Generales) para la Asamblea Sinodal han sido invitadas a formar un panel para ofrecer sus reflexiones sobre sus experiencias y aprendizajes en la vida religiosa en relación con la tercera gran área de enfoque sinodal, la Participación.

Vea la grabación. La Hna. Elizabeth es presentada en 1:15:12. Habla de 1:16:35 a 1:21:43

Un enlace a la grabación se añadirá a esta página una vez que esté disponible.

 

Blessing of Sr Elizabeth Davis as she attends the Synod in Rome

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Mercy Day 2023 was more special in St. John’s, NL, as many Sisters of Mercy gathered with parishioners in our Basilica Cathedral to witness a special blessing for Sister Elizabeth Davis as she travels to the Bishops’ Synod in Rome in October 2023.  

At the regular 11:00 a.m. Sunday Liturgy, Pastor Father Cecil Critch welcomed all especially the many Sisters of Mercy and their Associates on Mercy Day, the day in 1827 when Catherine McAuley opened the House of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland.

Congregational Leader Sister Diane Smyth spoke to the parishioners reminding all of the meaning of the Synod and the importance of the time of preparation through prayer and discussions that we, the voice of the people of God, have given to this matter.  She spoke of the significance of this Synod where for the first time not only Bishops will be attending but lay people and those of other faiths who will be voting members.  She repeated Pope Francis’ words of the need for “closeness, compassion and tender love” as we journey together.  Sister Diane congratulated Sister Elizabeth on being invited to participate in the Synod, one of only ten UISG and USG members (five women and five men) to be invited as part of the 21% voters who are not Bishops.  She wished her well and asked God’s blessing on her to speak passionately on our behalf….

Read the complete article here

Sr Diane speaking to parishioners
Sisters raise hands in blessing
Basilica choir sing tribute
Fr Critch leads congregation in blessing Sr Elizabeth

El Día de la Misericordia 2023 fue más especial en St. John’s, NL, ya que muchas Hermanas de la Misericordia se reunieron con los feligreses en nuestra Catedral Basílica para presenciar una bendición especial para la Hermana Elizabeth Davis en su viaje al Sínodo de los Obispos en Roma en octubre de 2023.

En la Liturgia dominical regular de las 11:00 a.m., el Párroco Padre Cecil Critch dio la bienvenida a todos especialmente a las muchas Hermanas de la Misericordia y sus Asociados en el Día de la Misericordia, el día en 1827 cuando Catalina McAuley abrió la Casa de la Misericordia en Dublín, Irlanda.

La Líder de la Congregación, Hermana Diane Smyth, habló a los feligreses recordando a todos el significado del Sínodo y la importancia del tiempo de preparación a través de la oración y las discusiones que nosotros, la voz del pueblo de Dios, hemos dado a este asunto. Habló del significado de este Sínodo en el que, por primera vez, no sólo asistirán obispos, sino también laicos y personas de otras religiones, que serán miembros con derecho a voto. Repitió las palabras del Papa Francisco sobre la necesidad de “cercanía, compasión y tierno amor” en nuestro camino juntos. La hermana Diane felicitó a la hermana Elizabeth por haber sido invitada a participar en el Sínodo, una de los diez canadienses (cinco mujeres y cinco hombres) que han sido invitados como parte del 21% de votantes que no son obispos. Le deseó lo mejor y pidió la bendición de Dios para que hable con pasión en nuestro nombre….

Lea aquí el artículo completo acqui