Leadership in the Mercy Way
July 31, 2024
Cynthia Mulholland (centre) with Prof Azza Karam and Ms Anneke Kat.
As the graduation of the Mercy Global Action Emerging Leaders Fellowship (MELF) program becomes a treasured memory, Cynthia Mulholland of the Institute’s Communication Team and a member of Cohort 3 finds herself regularly pausing to reflect on how fortunate she was to be part of this program.
“I was one of nine women from nine different countries who participated in this 12 month journey led by Sister Angela Reed and the Mercy Global Action team,” said Cynthia.
“This journey has provided me with many challenges, opportunities and increased inner strength to tackle both issues and opportunities that have and may arise. With the help of my mentor, Sister Liz Callen, who has been by my side during the 12 months, I was able to learn from these lessons and understand the deeper meanings while opening my heart to all that has come my way.
“The MELF focuses on Displacement of People and Degradation of the Earth. These are huge social justice issues, and I don’t mind admitting that it was a little daunting at the start of the program. However, as it progressed, we were exposed to concepts and practices of leading with dignity, messages of hope and practical change towards both the environment and the displacement of people. Those feelings that I found daunting turned into sparks of hope and change, helping me find my way to advocate for change on the issues that matter to me,” she said.
The program provided three immersions: Siem Reap, Cambodia in August last year; New York, USA last March; and a final immersion in July in Dublin, Ireland. In addition, there were regular webinars with leaders in social justice advocacy on a variety of topics.
A key component of the 12 month journey was the development of a research project which focuses on a social justice message that participants feel the Mercy world needs to hear.
Cynthia’s research project was titled, ‘Free & Equal: An Australian Conversation on Human Rights’ and it was presented to the Mercy world in the third immersion and graduation at Baggot Street, Dublin in July.
Cambodia – Back row: Sr Denise Coghlan RSM, Jo Thompson (UK), Sarah Dwan (New Zealand), Cynthia Mulholland (Australia), Hilda Cruz (Mexico / USA), Andrea Haller (USA), Marietta Latonio (MGA), Sr Paula Anamani RSM (MGA), Sr Virgencita Alegado RSM (Philippines), Alexis Stephens (Guyana). Front row: Sister Angela Reed (MGA), Dinah Mwenda (Kenya), Ret (Cambodia), Maria Pearson (Argentina).
The journey of progression to graduation started in Cambodia 12 months ago.
“It was here we heard of the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge from survivors, we met with families that are living in poverty, but we also saw how lives are changed through the simple act of giving and sharing Mercy. Ret, who was one of the survivors of the Khmer Rouge and is also a victim of one of the millions of landmines across their country, shared with us that his healing began when he started working with Sister Denise Coghlan. He and Denise started advocating for the removal of landmines and also developing and distributing specially-designed wheelchairs for survivors of landmines. Both Ret and Sr Denise received the Nobel Peace Prize for their work. This is one story of many that touched my heart during my time in Cambodia,” said Cynthia.
MELF participants at the United Nations in New York. L-R: Hilda Cruz (Mexico / USA), Maria Pearson (Argentina), Dinah Mwenda (Kenya), Sarah Dwan (New Zealand), Andrea Haller (USA), Jo Thompson (UK), Virgencita Alegado RSM (Philippines) Alexis Stephens (Guyana), Cynthia Mulholland (Australia).
“During the New York immersion, we participated in the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations. This was an opportunity to hear of the many social justice issues facing women across the world. While many stories were heartbreaking, like women fighting oppression in Afghanistan, there was also many successes and signs of encouragement. I found the common denominator for many of the issues discussed was ‘education’. Not just schooling, but education on physical health, their rights and potential pathways forward. In addition to attending this conference, we also had the opportunity to hear about the success the Sisters of Mercy are achieving in different parts of the world as well as in the US,” said Cynthia.
The final immersion in Dublin provided participants with the opportunity to walk in Catherine McAuley’s footsteps both at Baggot Street and Coolock House. This was followed with the research presentations. As part of the graduation ceremony, the participants wrote a statement to sum up their involvement in the program. It says, “We are women from nine different countries united in Mercy, committed to empowerment. We envision a healed and just world through the lived experiences of women, interculturality, collaboration and interconnectedness. With the continue support of each other, we strive to create spaces for transformative advocacy and action sin our own communities and the wider Mercy world.”
This is a visual representation of the MELF Cohort Three 2024 Statement
“As I settle into life after MELF, I reflect on the powerful impact and the legacy this program has had on me. I am grateful for the opportunity to walk beside the other MELF participants, work with my mentor and to meet the incredible Mercy women who shared their knowledge, expertise and passion for social justice.
“I wish every success for the next cohort of participants who are starting their MELF journey in September and I am sure they will learn to lead with dignity and to advocate for justice in their part of our global community,” concluded Cynthia.
To view the MELF Cohort Three Research Presentations – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fE8SaTpvttA&t=2s
Messages to: cynthia.mulholland@ismapng.org.au