A New Year Message from CEO Berneice Loch
As some of you will know, I am in my final weeks as Chief Executive Officer at Mercy International Association. What a strange three years it has been! Against that backdrop, I am so pleased to be able to tell you this January that we are looking forward to a full year of activity at MIA, both in Dublin and in New York. There was much less security about the year ahead in January of 2022!
Vision in Action
Mercy International Association
Welcome to Sr Patricia O’Donovan
Mercy International Association
Welcome to Sr Patricia O’Donovan
Patricia has arrived at Mercy International Association offices in Dublin so that it is possible for us to have a few weeks of working side-by-side until she takes over as Chief Executive Officer on 1 March 2023. During the week we had a Ritual of Blessing and Welcome which we hope assured Patricia of the support she will have from staff as she moves into the position.
While Patricia has now had the chance to meet all staff working in Dublin, she has yet to meet some of the staff at the Mercy Global Action office in New York. She has met all of the Directors and all but one of the Members so is already no stranger to MIA. Patricia, through the leadership roles she held in The Congregation, is familiar with MIA structures and has given support over many years. Some of you have been present at celebrations at Baggot Street at which Patricia, and other members of the group of musicians and singers to which she belongs, have made a wonderful contribution.
It is a pleasure to welcome Patricia, the leadership she will bring, and the talents she will share. Her email here is patriciaodonovan@mercyinternational.ie
Prayer
MIA Prayer Intention: St. Brigid's Day
Prayer
MIA Prayer Intention: St. Brigid's Day
As we prepare for Saint Brigid’s Day on February 5 in Ireland, we are reminded of women’s leadership, blessings, and protection. Saint Brigid is Abbess and Secondary Patron of Ireland, and is known for her hospitality, almsgiving and care of the sick. “…Born in 454 and she went on to found a double monastery in Kildare with the assistance of Bishop Conleth. The Saint Brigid’s Cross, in legend used by Brigid to explain the Christian faith, remains a popular sign of God’s protection.”
Together, we pray…
You were a woman of peace.
You brought harmony where there was conflict.
You brought light to the darkness.
You brought hope to the downcast.
May the mantle of your peace cover those who are troubled and anxious, and may peace be firmly rooted in our hearts and in our world.
Inspire us to act justly and to reverence all God has made.
Brigid, you were a voice for the wounded and the weary.
Strengthen what is weak within us.
Calm us into a quietness that heals and listens.
May we grow each day into greater
wholeness in mind, body and spirit.
Amen.
Information and prayer are attributed to the Catholic Bishops of Ireland.
Mercy Matters
Fact
On This Day
January 25, 1837: Profession of Sr M Ursula Frayne
1846: First Mercy profession in Australia (Sr M Ignatia de la Hoyde)
Contribute a fact from your Mercy congregation, institute, or federation, to our online archive.
Mercy Global Action
New Years Greetings from Mercy Global Action
Warm New Years greetings from the Mercy Global Action team! Our team has dived into 2023 with renewed energy. Our priority areas remain ‘Degradation of Earth’ and ‘Displacement of People’ and we continue to work within the UN system and with partners across Mercy World for justice on these issues. This year, we have also adopted the priority area of ‘women’s leadership’, which pays homage to the long history of feminist campaigns led by the Sisters of Mercy and aligns naturally with the growth of the Mercy Global Action Emerging Leaders Fellowship.
Mercy International Association
Best Wishes to the Newlyweds!
Congratulations to Elizabeth Donahue (formerly MacNeal) who was married a few weeks ago to William (Billy) Donahue. Elizabeth and Billy, we wish you every joy and blessing in your life together.
Further Resources
Worth Watching
The Pope Video January: For Educators
In The Pope Video for January, Francis proposes that educators “add new content to their teaching, fraternity.” He invites them to “become community builders” and prays that they may “be credible witnesses, teaching fraternity rather than confrontation.” Indeed, the Pope remarks, educators do much more than teach mathematics, geography, or history: “Educators are witnesses who not only impart their mental knowledge, but also their convictions, their commitment to life.”
View the Video
Worth Knowing
Reflection & Prayer to End Human Trafficking
The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Orange offer a daily prayer resource remembering all those affected by Human Trafficking through February 8th, the Feast of St. Josephine Bakhita. Also included in the prayer guide is a resource for healthcare professionals.
View the Prayer Resource
Worth Watching
9 Sustainable Development Events in 2023
As we begin 2023, we look forward to a year that provides peace and prosperity for people and the planet. We can all get involved in learning more about initiatives and research which support sustainable development throughout the world. Watch this short video to learn about nine sustainable development events to look for in 2023.
View the Video
Mercy eNews
The online newsletter of Mercy International Association is published weekly, 48 weeks each year and distributed to subscribers via email.
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