Mercy Education Pilgrimage 2020
)
Ten participants involved in education in Mercy ministries from New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines and the United States commenced their new year with a five-day programme at Mercy International Centre.
The first half of the week focused on the beginnings of Mercy and included a visit to Coolock where participants undertook a little needlework and considered the impact that Catherine had in teaching the women/girls of the area to sew.
Mary Reynolds rsm presented a valuable session on how education developed in Ireland and Catherine’s role in supporting this. Other staff at Mercy International Association supported the programme with tours of the house and introductions to some of the early women of Mercy, particularly those linked to education. Breege O’Neill rsm was warmly received by the participants for the exploration she led of the challenges and gifts of leadership opportunities in the light of Catherine’s experiences.
The programme at the end of the week focused on Mercy Global Presence and included a session from MECPATHS on their work as an example of the many ways Mercy organisations are engaging in global action as well as a session from Anna Nicholls rsm on exploring bullying in schools from a mercy perspective.
The next Education programme will be conducted from Tuesday 5th –Saturday 9th January 2021.