A warm Mercy Welcome for an Australian Pilgrimage and Study Tour

We were delighted to welcome a pilgrimage and study tour group from Australia to Mercy International Centre on Wednesday 11 June 2025.

The group was visiting Ireland en route to the International Safeguarding Conference in Rome.

The group comprised Louise Zavonne, Sr Louise Reeves, Sr Monica Walsh, Tegan Green, Maria Kirven and Dr Ursula Stephens.

Louise Zavonne is the Senior Executive Secretary for the Australian Bishops' Conference.

Sr Louise Reeves is a Sister of Saint Joseph, based in North Sydney.

Sr Monica Walsh is a Good Shepherd Sister who lives in Melbourne.

Tegan Green is the Principal of St Brigid's Catholic Primary Schhol in Emerald, Central Queensland.

Maria Kirven is manager of the Prevention, healing nd Support Team within the Office for safeguarding in the Diocese of Parramatta, Sydney.

Dr Ursula Stephens is a former Senator and is currently the CEO of Australian Catholic Safeguarding Limited, the national safeguarding body for the Catholic Church in Australia.

Catherine McAuley - woman of faith and courage

The group was interested in the story of Catherine McAuley as a woman of faith and courage.

They were able to take the tour of Mercy international Centre with Sr Sheila Carney, CEO of the Board of MIA. They spent time in the house, the chapel, at Catherine's tomb and in the Heritage Centre exhibition 'Catherine McAuley and the Mission of Mercy'. They also shared a good cup of tea and some of our Facilities Manager Avril's famous scones.

For more on the work of safeguarding in the Australian Catholic Church see www.acsltd.org.au.

ENDS