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Mary Clare Moore joined the Sisters of Mercy in August 1837, a week after her 29th birthday, taking the name Sr. Clare Augustine when she was received into the Order.
She was already an accomplished artist and used her talent generously. While we know from some of Catherine McAuley's Letters that she did not always find it easy to deal with Clare Augustine Moore's artistic temperament, it is to Catherine's great credit that she did not thwart or prevent that talent from flourishing to its fullest.
It is truly remarkable that the Mercy charism was expressed through the medium of art at a time when extreme poverty, need and disease were rampant, in the midst of extraordinarily busy schedules, when financial resources were very limited, and when the structures of Religious Life were not conducive to the development of an individual's talent.
Thankfully none of the above proved to be an obstacle to the genius of Clare Augustine Moore.
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Jesus is Risen
Mary arrives at the tomb on Easter morning, dressed once again in her vibrant blue robe.
She stands out - this solitary figure - as she contemplates the scene before her.
Her attention draws us also to contemplate what she sees: all the implements of crucifixion are scattered - a crown of thorns, pliers, hammer, nails, augur, sword, caption, even the cross itself - all are discarded.
The cave stands empty.
The only other piece of brightness is the white cloth used to wrap the body of the dead Jesus - that too is thrown there - no further use for it.
Once again Mary invites us into a stance of reverence, before the mysterious workings of God who brings fullness of life out of the forces of evil and death.
Her confidence in God is unshakeable.
Reflection:
Can I trust God to bring new life out of the hurt, pain and destruction in my life? In our world?
Is my confidence in God deepened or threatened by the experiences of life?
This reflection is by Sr Áine Barrins rsm, from a booklet entitled Opening the Treasures (some images of Mary by Clare Augustine Moore).
Images are copyrighted to MIA.