Generative Conversation Programme
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Thank you sincerely to all who joined in the Generative Conversation and also to those who were unable to join but would have liked to have done so. We had a wide cross-section of people involved in the Mercy World in many different ways, and it seems safe to assume that much of what was heard at the conversation would also have been in the minds and hearts of a great number of other Mercy people. The challenge now is to tend the seeds of what was sown during the conversation, in the hope that there will be a rich harvest in future years.
We did not record the event to give all participants the freedom to participate fully as the conversation developed. In an effort to record the conversation in a different way, a visual artist worked throughout the event to depict the imaginings and themes as they emerged. The artist, MIA staff member Tripthi Rodrigues, has generously shared a written reflection detailing her work which serves as a window into our conversation.
You will certainly hear more about the emergings moving forward. All who are called to lead in MIA as Members, Directors, or staff will appreciate your prayerful support as we attempt to honour the energy and creative thought of the days.
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Vision in Action
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Global Action
Join the 11 Days of Action to Close the Digital Divide for Girls
Global Action
Join the 11 Days of Action to Close the Digital Divide for Girls
This year, the United Nations celebrates the 10th anniversary of the General Assembly resolution which declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.
The International Day of the Girl Child (IDG) focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights. This year’s celebration of the IDG demands a continued innovative approach to building connection while emphasizing the inclusion of voices often left out of these digital spaces.
The digital divide, or technology gap, is the difference between groups with access to technology and the internet and those without. Girls and women often have less access to technology and the internet compared to boys and men.
Prayer
MIA Prayer Intention: Celebrating the Season of Mercy
Prayer
MIA Prayer Intention: Celebrating the Season of Mercy
MIA is full of gratitude for the many messages received in celebration of Mercy Day last week. We consider 24 September the beginning of the Season of Mercy, which we will celebrate through 12 December, Foundation Day.
In the spirit of Mercy, we offer this week’s prayer as a recording of ‘Through the Eyes of Mercy’ by the All Hallows’ School Senior Choir, a Mercy School in Brisbane, Australia. The hymn was commissioned for their 160 Year Anniversary Celebrations this year.
May Mary, Mother of Mercy, grant us stillness in our hearts as we take time for reflection. May our spirits leap for joy as we listen to the words filling our space. May we truly see ‘through the eyes of Mercy.’
Members News
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Nga Whaea Atawhai o Aotearoa Sisters of Mercy New Zealand
Mercy Students from New Zealand Share Mercy Day Video
Nga Whaea Atawhai o Aotearoa Sisters of Mercy New Zealand
Mercy Students from New Zealand Share Mercy Day Video
Recently, staff from some of the Mercy schools in New Zealand met online to brainstorm ideas to celebrate Mercy Day virtually, since Auckland schools remain closed due to COVID restrictions. One project that emerged was a 12-minute collaborative video, telling the story of Mercy women connected with a few of the schools.
The video linked here was produced by students across New Zealand who are eager to share their efforts with the Mercy World. Happy Mercy Day!
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Institute of Our Lady of Mercy, UK
Sister of Mercy Abseils Down Castle to Stand Against Domestic Violence
Institute of Our Lady of Mercy, UK
Sister of Mercy Abseils Down Castle to Stand Against Domestic Violence
Sister Geraldine Sweeney, from Newcastle, UK was featured in a recent news article for raising awareness for a domestic violence charity. Geraldine is a trustee and advocate for Whispers of Hope, a charity that supports women who have experienced domestic abuse and sex trafficking.
Geraldine became connected with the charity while working with refugees in her region. She notes of her work now, “So the aim of the charity is to support women in fleeing domestic abuse, particularly those with immigration issues. That's what we focus on."
Mercy Matters
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Fact
On This Day
1908: Opening of Mt St Mary College, North Plainfield, New Jersey
Contribute a fact from your Mercy congregation, institute, or federation, to our online archive.
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Member News
Salve Regina University Prays for Peace
Salve Regina University held a prayer vigil for peace and nonviolence in the world. The service helped the community move into Mercy Week ready to be agents of peace in our world.
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prayer
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
“The question of gender inclusivity in decision-making has been much in the news of late. The maleness of political and church institutions has been highlighted in my country as a serious contributor to the disorder that finds expression in both bullying and abuse...”
Further Resources
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Worth Reading
The UN Secretary-General Message
Outlining six “Great Divides” that must be bridged now, he called for greater action in areas such as climate policy, gender equality and closing the gap between rich and poor. “This is our time. A moment for transformation. An era to re-ignite multilateralism. An age of possibilities,” the Secretary-General told world leaders and ambassadors.
Read the Message)
Worth Knowing
Vatican Museums Collection: The Works of Mercy #10
Explore the masterpieces in the papal collections accompanied by the words of the Popes. Today, view The Works of Mercy #10.
Read MoreWorth Watching
New Meditation Resource from CHAUSA
Catholic Health Association of the United States offers Meditative Reflections. Listen to You are Our Refuge for 1 minute 45 seconds to recenter yourself.
Listen to the MeditationWorth Playing
Climate Pod: Climate Justice News
The Climate Pod is a wide-ranging conversation with leading experts on the politics, economics, activism, culture, science, and social justice issues at the heart of the climate crisis. Hear from guests like Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, David Wallace-Wells, Bill Nye, Dr. Robert Bullard, Catherine Coleman Flowers, Ted Danson, Dr. Michael Mann, Rainn Wilson, Dr. Stephanie Kelton, Dr. Mark Hyman, Gov. Jay Inslee, Tamara Toles O'Laughlin, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and many more.
Listen to the PodcastMembers of Mercy
Members of Mercy International
Members of Mercy International Association share the passion of their foundress, Catherine McAuley, to bring mercy to people who are poor, sick and uneducated.
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Mercy eNews
The online newsletter of Mercy International Association is published fortnightly, 24 weeks each year and distributed to subscribers via email.
For more information on the directors click here