MIA Celebrates World Oceans Day
)
Today, 8 June, we celebrate World Oceans Day. The human impact on the ocean has already caused a great deal of damage, and the need for restoration projects is apparent. The ocean, our life support system, is intrinsically linked with social justice and economics around the world and we rely on it in a variety of ways. No real action can take place without a fundamental cultural shift. Our culture must move towards one concerned for the health of our oceans and climate change, and demand the necessary changes from industries and governments around the world.
To celebrate in prayer, MGA’s Ocean Task Force, on behalf of Mercy International Association, is pleased to offer a prayer resource focused on our oceans. This resource was developed ahead of World Oceans Day and the UN Oceans Conference from 27 June - 1 July. More information can be found on our ocean webpage here.
)
Vision in Action
)
Mercy International Centre
MIA Members Meet at Baggot Street in Dublin
Mercy International Centre
MIA Members Meet at Baggot Street in Dublin
It was a great blessing to have nine of the twelve Members able to attend in-person in Dublin for the May meetings. Those unable to be here in person, Catherine Reuter rsm from Brisbane, Diane Smyth rsm from Newfoundland, and Marian Ladera from the Philippines were able to check-in by Zoom from time to time.
Members have given their support to the Special Project of the board and will welcome visits from Denise Fox rsm, the project leader. Pictured is a session in which Denise is meeting with several of the Members, and Berneice Loch rsm as CEO, to discuss the project. Breege O’Neill rsm facilitated the meetings of Members and Directors over several days.
Photo: Zoom: Srs Diane Smyth; Catherine Reuter. In-Person: Srs Denise Fox, Sue France, Eveline Crotty, Marie-Louise White, Berneice Loch, Breege O’Neill, Pat McDermott, Loreto Conroy, Paula Thomas, Geraldine Lawlor, and Mary Louise Petro. Absent from photo: Colette Cronin rsm.
)
Prayer
MIA Prayer Intention: Pentecost
Prayer
MIA Prayer Intention: Pentecost
Your people long to hear a word of hope: Fill us with the spirit of wisdom that we may know how to speak.
Your people struggle against oppression: Fill us with the spirit of courage that we confront injustice in political and economic life, and in our own lives.
Your people feel the hurt of brokenness and discouragement: Fill us with the spirit of compassion that we may heal the wounded.
Your people languish in the captivities of addiction, discrimination and alienation: Fill us with the spirit of counsel that we may assist in bringing them to freedom.
Your people feel the effects of pain, diminishment and disease: Fill us with the spirit of mercy that we may accompany them in their pain.
Your people delight in praising you: Fill us with the spirit of praise and thanksgiving that we may rejoice in your presence with us.
Adaptation of the Pentecost Evening Prayer II from the “Morning and Evening Prayer” of the Sisters of Mercy.
Mercy Matters
)
Fact
On This Day
8 June 1815: Birth of Sr Angela Borini, Foundress of Nottingham, Barnsley and Oldham in Birmingham
Contribute a fact from your Mercy congregation, institute, or federation, to our online archive.
)
Member News
Mercy Works (Australia): The House of Hope
It’s fitting that Balay Banaag – one of two projects Mercy Works is proud to partner with in The Philippines – translates to “House of Hope”. For the 15 girls aged between six and 18 who live and learn here, all daughters of females working in prostitution, the residential centre provides shelter, support, education, and an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty for girls “at risk”.
)
Member News
US Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking (USCSAHT): Communications Director
US Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking (USCSAHT) is searching for a Communications Director. The position is full-time, remote or in-person. Qualifications and details of the position are provided in the attached document below.
Further Resources
Worth Watching
Pope Video June: For Families
In this video, created in collaboration with the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, the Pope highlights the importance of the family, since it is “the place where we learn to live with one another, to live with young people and with those who are older.” This is also relevant on the level of faith, because as Francis says, “by being united in our differences, we evangelize with our example of life.”
View the Video)
Worth Knowing
Eco-spirituality & the 8th Work of Mercy: Nellie McLaughlin, rsm
Mon, 20 June - Fri, 24 June: This five-day retreat will provide spiritual context to ecological sustainability and deepen your connection to creation. The transformative relationship of humans and earth will be explored while also providing time for reflection and time in nature. Additionally, participants will examine the 8th work of Mercy and our call to corporal and spiritual action. Residential: €575 (Accommodation & all meals provided). Non-residential: €375 (Lunch provided).
To register or express interest please email the H&S Team at programmes@mercyinternational.ie.
More information)
Worth Reading
UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean Interview
For World Oceans Day UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, Ambassador Peter Thomson, calls for 2022 to be the year to stop the decline of the health of our oceans. He notes “Solutions exist to restore the health of the ocean, but they will require action from all parts of society, from world leaders down to every one of us. There can be no healthy planet without a healthy ocean, and the ocean’s health is measurably in decline.”
Read the Full Interview)
Mercy eNews
The online newsletter of Mercy International Association is published weekly, 48 weeks each year and distributed to subscribers via email.
For more information on the directors click here