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New Year's Greetings from Mercy International
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Best wishes for 2022! I had so hoped we would be celebrating the end of the pandemic, but am very aware that this will be another year in which we will have to be flexible. It seems we are to be gifted with yet more opportunities to learn how to operate at a distance and we will do our best with it. That said, we continue to realise that we are among the inconvenienced, and pray wholeheartedly for all those for whom the pandemic continues to be a devastating experience.
Our Heritage and Spirituality team in Dublin and our Mercy Global Action team in New York have made many plans for 2022 and invite you to participate in a rich offering of activities both in-person at Baggot Street and virtually. MIA will operate in 2022 with a continuing high level of consciousness of the various ‘Mercy’ groups that look to the Association to be their connection with each other and with the legacy of Catherine.
When I wrote for the first newsletter of 2021 I quoted Catherine’s words: “Thus we may hope to get on - taking short careful steps, not great strides.” It was this same quote that came to me when I thought about our current situation and what Catherine might advise. May her words continue to comfort and inspire.
Vision in Action
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MIA News
2022: Registration Open for Upcoming Programmes
MIA News
2022: Registration Open for Upcoming Programmes
Registration for all 2022 programmes is now open! MIA invites you to participate in a virtual or in-person programme during 2022! A wide variety of programmes will be offered this year. Programme descriptions, dates, and costs are all detailed in the 2022 programme booklet available here. While some facilitators and speakers for programmes are included in the booklet, others will be released at a later date. Questions about programmes, or programme registrations, can be emailed to the MIA H&S team at programmes@mercyinternational.ie.
Next virtual programme, Wed. Jan 26th: Join MIA’s virtual retreat as we celebrate 200 years since William Callaghan marked Catherine McAuley sole residuary legatee to his estate and effects. This retreat will explore Mr. Callaghan’s generosity, and how we may incorporate the theme of gratitude in our own lives today. Speakers include Anne Reid and Jemima Welsh, biographies are included on the informational poster available here. This retreat will run for 2.5 hours from 9-11:30pm (Irish). To RSVP please email H&S Team member Siobhan at programmes@mercyinternational.ie. More details below.
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Prayer
MIA Prayer Intention: People of Tonga
Prayer
MIA Prayer Intention: People of Tonga
As we come to this space we remember the people of Tonga including our Tongan Sisters of Mercy, members of the New Zealand Congregation.
We pray for the people of Tonga who are suffering the devastating effects of the recent volcanic eruption and tsunami.
We pray for strength for the people of Tonga who are working to meet the needs of others and for those in neighbouring countries who are attempting to help.
We pray that people throughout the world will be generous in their response to the needs of the people of Tonga.
As this new year begins, we pray for ourselves that we will live each day in the most loving ways, the God-conscious way. Let us serve all who are in need, regardless of race, color, or creed.
May our year be filled with peace, prosperity, and love. May God's blessings shower upon us and bestow upon each of us a bright, healthy, and peaceful 2022.
Partially adapted from jesuitresources.com.
Mercy Matters
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Fact
On This Day
Jan. 19, 1868: Death of M Elizabeth Moore, Foundress of Limerick.
Contribute a fact from your Mercy congregation, institute, or federation, to our online archive.
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MIA News
New Mercy Leadership Team for the Philippines
The Religious Sisters of Mercy (Philippines) held a Chapter of elections at the end of December and elected as their leadership team: Sr. Marian Ladrera, RSM (Superior Genera); Sr. Mary Angela Vergara, RSM (1st Councillor); Sr. Ma. Victoria Paderanga,RSM (2nd Councillor); Sr. Cecille Marie Lim, RSM (3rd Councillor); Sr. Mary Raphael Amante, RSM (4th Councillor). The new team will welcome your prayers for them, for all their Sisters, and for the people with whom and for whom they minister.
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MIA News
Mercy Global Action Farewell’s Colleen Swain
On December 15, Mercy Global Action paid tribute to Colleen Swain who has been working with MGA for the past 5 years and departed from the office to take up an Officer role with the U.S. Coast Guard. Colleen hopes that her work with the Coast Guard will build on her leadership skills and enable her to further develop her understanding and work for the environment.
Further Resources
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Worth Knowing
Two Centuries of Gratitude: The Gift of Generosity Virtual Retreat
Join MIA next week to mark the 200th anniversary of William Callahan’s great act of generosity! Featuring guest speakers Anne Reid - Reflecting on the life and legacy of William Callaghan, and Jemima Welsh - Exploring ‘Money as Mercy’ today.
Date and Time: Wednesday, 26th of January 2022, at 9pm-11.30pm Irish Time (Time zone converter)
How to register: To RSVP for this event, please email programmes@mercyinternational.ie.
More Information)
Worth Knowing
MIA Online Shop Reopens!
MIA is reopening our online gift shop with a new look! Visit our online shop here to purchase gifts, books, and Mercy items. International shipping is available.
More items will be added in the coming months so be sure to check back too! Questions can be directed to info@mercyinternational.ie.
View the Online Shop)
Worth Reading
RSMs Help Climate-Displaced Persons in Peru
In 2017, Peru faced unprecedented amounts of rainfall. The rain emerged from El Niño conditions, which occur when surface water is warmer than average causing droughts, floods, and intense rainfall. Despite El Niño occurring every 3-5 years, 2017 was a particularly devastating year with ten times more rainfall than normal generating rising waters, mudslides, and flooding. The floods destroyed farms and neighborhoods, creating food insecurity, and displacing an estimated 700,000 people. Peru is still facing the ramifications of this event and has seen conditions get worse with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read Full Article)
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
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