Cohort 4 of MGA Emerging Leaders Fellowship arrive to Catherine's House in Dublin

It has been almost a year since the first overseas immersion of Cohort 4 of the MGA Emerging Leaders Fellows took place from 16 - 25 September 2024 in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

This week the Fellows of Cohort Four arrived to Dublin to Catherine's House for their immersion experience and for the presentation of their research and their graduation.

The week began with a warm Mercy welcome to 64a Lower Baggot Street - the place where it all began.

Day One saw the Fellows enjoy a welcome lunch and a comfortable cup of tea.

Following that the Fellows shared a beautiful open prayer service together in the chapel of MIC during which they shared symbols from their country and their journey.

Later in the afternoon, they took part in the official orientation for the week and took a guided tour of Mercy International Centre including the garden space and Catherine's grave.

They have a busy week ahead which will include a trip to Glendalough, quite a bit of work together on their MELF Statement, a fireside chat with MIA's CEO Mary O'Donovan. They will take Catherine's Walking Tour of Dublin, sample the sights and tastes of Dublin. They will visit Coolock and take a trip to Donegal.

Over the weekend they will put the finishing touches to their research and their presentations and on Monday 1st and 2nd September, they will present their projects to the Mercy World.

On Wednesday 3rd September they will have their formal graduation.

To read daily reflections by the Fellows and view video snapshots of their adventures, keep an eye on our website and social media pages.

We will also be sharing video introductions to them and to their research from later in the week.

Reflection Day One

It was such a gift to gather once again as a cohort at the original House of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland, for day one of our final immersion of the MELF programme. The air was filled with excitement and a deep sense of anticipation as we looked ahead to our upcoming research presentations.

We began with a beautiful opening ritual centered on hope and justice. Each fellow was invited to bring a symbol representing these values. I chose a page from the handbook I created to introduce the Mercy World to my Grade 10 students - young people who have journeyed with me through this programme. They are my daily inspiration, embodying the hope of Mercy and justice not only in South Africa but globally. Sharing a piece of their spirit with the Mercy community here felt profoundly meaningful.

Our tour of Catherine’s house was a moving experience - like walking on hallowed ground. As we stepped through the halls of 64A Baggot Street, it felt as though Catherine herself was walking alongside us. The stories and anecdotes shared by our guides brought her life vividly to the present and gave us much to ponder.

We closed the day in the sacred garden by Catherine’s grave, where stillness and reflection embraced us. It was the perfect space to pause, contemplate, and prepare our hearts for the days ahead.

The above reflection was shared by Sarah Terry of MELF Cohort Four.