FAITH AND MISSION

MERCY DAY MASS AND CELEBRATIONS

Our St Patrick’s College Townsville Community celebrated the annual Mercy Day on Thursday, 15 September. Bishop Tim led our morning Mass in our East Precinct Auditorium. We warmly welcomed students and the Sisters of Mercy to our Celebration of the Eucharist in honour of the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy. This was a very special day of spiritual reflection, community service in the form of Mercy works activities and the annual Mercy Day Talent show hosted by our College Chaplain, Mrs Veukiso.

As mentioned in Mrs Hauff’s reflection, Catherine McAuley opened the House of Mercy, 64 Baggot Street, Dublin 190 years ago. Calling for help throughout the community, she was overwhelmed with the response and Baggot Street become a home for a small group of dedicated young women, eager to share in Catherine’s work.

The House of Mercy provided education for young girls, gave accommodation to working girls and fostered vocational training for unemployed females. Those who worked at the home visited the sick and dying and provided meals for the poor. They became known as the, “walking Nuns”. Later these inspirational women became known as the, ‘Ladies of Mercy’. In 1831, Catherine started the Sisters of Mercy and professed her vows along with three other women. She was 53 years old.

Catherine’s vision for the Sisters of Mercy was that they work to help the poor. She stated:

“The principle aim of this Congregation is to educate poor girls, to lodge and maintain poor young women who are in danger ….And to visit the sick and poor.”

As part of the Mercy Day Mass, students and staff received a Yellow Mercy Rose. A tradition of the past 30 years of our College, each rose signifies the goodness, beauty and truth which was evident in the life of Catherine McAuley. The miniature crepe paper Catherine McAuley Roses we received were in recognition of each person’s inherent dignity and the gifts each person brings to the College community. The rose is a beautiful symbol for the quality of Mercy, God’s loving kindness, which is the spirit of our College. Sr Catherine Cuddihy and the Mercy Girls in Action generously made over 650 paper roses for our College, and we thank her greatly for leading this very special tradition.

Just as Catherine McAuley’s personal experience of God in her life enabled her to open her heart and hands to those around her, the Sisters of Mercy and in turn we, as a Mercy community, want every person to come to experience God’s love and mercy in their own life and to share this with others through Works of Mercy.

Elissa Andrews

DEAN OF FAITH & MISSION

The Mercy Day Talent show ended our celebrations on the last day of term and the Mercy Girls in Action raised money for Mercy Works through the dress up “First Name Fashion.” With many students auditioning throughout the term we were blessed to have five main acts perform. Outstanding talent was demonstrated at this wonderful celebration and we congratulate all performers and students involved in this production. It was a delight to see the many wonderful “First Name Fashion” costumes. A big thank you to all students and staff involved, it truly was a wonderful day of reflection, community service and joy!

We wishing everybody a safe and blessed happy holiday break. Remember every girl is a Mercy Girl.

Harriett Veukiso

COLLEGE CHAPLAIN