IPC meets in NSW outback

In keeping with the practice of holding its meetings in places where there have been Mercy foundations, the Institute Plenary Council (IPC) gathered for its second meeting this year in Broken Hill, New South Wales (NSW), from October 16 to 21.

 

Situated in the NSW far west, Broken Hill is close to the South Australian border and midway between the Queensland and Victorian borders.

 

According to Sister Caroline Ryan, Institute Vice-President, a number of sisters drove the long distances to Broken Hill and were confronted and moved by the devastation of the drought.

 

She said a highlight of the gathering was meeting the children and staff of St Therese’s Mission School in Wilcannia. The school community consists of about 40 indigenous children from kindergarten to year two.

 

Bishop Chris Toohey of Wilcannia-Forbes made a special trip to Broken Hill to be available for Eucharist during the meeting.

 

Caroline made particular mention of the “generous hospitality” the leaders received from Wilcannia-Forbes Congregation Leader, Sister Patricia Lynch and her sisters.

 

IPC meetings are normally held twice yearly but this year there will be an additional meeting in November.

 

Photo: Members of the Institute Plenary Council.