Shared on 2025-07-21 09:16:25 AEST by Breda O'Reilly
When I read the question ‘What memories of your past pilgrimages or journeys are arising?’ I thought of what I wrote when I was invited to talk to a Yr 12 group at Mercedes College.
Memories-of-a-Past-Pilgrimage-by-Sister-Breda-OReilly.pdf
Shared on 2025-07-17 16:36:08 AEST by Geraldine Mugavin
I had packed and left home ‘for the convent’ … 1964 …
Later, my first sibling sister was getting married and after the event she related to me of Mum crying and saying ‘if only Geraldine were here’ ! And of course within a few .. 4/5 years … I could have been … !
What a blessing of so many paths we have been able to travel in the intervening years! And there are still any more to come I feel sure!
Shared on 2025-07-15 16:59:08 AEST by Daphne McKeough
I too have found Maura's story of leavetaking from her family, country, culture,evocative of stories I've heard from Irish sisters in our Congregation... what it takes to follow a missionary vocation. And I'm thinking of what it takes with each ministry assignment.....what I ( we) am called to let go of, say goodbye to, leave behind... what this costs and how I handle the letting go... and where I look to for the grace to step out, in hope..
Shared on 2025-07-14 12:42:41 AEST by Ruth Egar
Having a day free is the perfect way to drink in this very beautiful ‘Packing and Leaving’, ’ our July Pilgrimage. It is our story, - the memories are many as Maura Kelleher’s more dramatic story, (leaving her family and homeland), nevertheless reminds us something of our own.
And with sadness, I now often recall that it was our parents and siblings who also paid the precious price, in perhaps not understanding fully THE CALL! Hopefully, later, they saw the Joy of ‘Mercy’ lived day by day.
Shared on 2025-07-11 10:00:43 AEST by Nicole Rotaru
It has been inspiring and strengthening to read each sister's reflection. Thank you. Thanks also to the sisters who planned the two steps. I am a pilgrim in Lae, PNG. The lushness and beauty of country is balm for my soul. Working with diocesan priests, women religious and staff from Mercy Center Clinics has been challenging, revealing and blessing. As a traveller in a foreign land I cannot fully grasp and understand what I am seeing and hearing. Catherine's trust in the Providence of God is becoming more and more my guide into the unknown vulnerable places.
Shared on 2025-07-07 08:30:54 AEST by Marea Roberts
Recently, I watched Sarah Ferguson interview Pat Dodson on the 7.30 Report. It was a 'Yes' moment for me! Time of paralysis following the devastating Referendum was over, and the Pilgrimage of Hope that First Peoples have been walking, since 1770 onwards, would continue in earnest. (Much we can learn from them.) I was so moved that I got up at 5am the next morning and wrote the following poem. No, it wrote me! I now have the gift of 6 days of Contemplation, to be followed by ongoing Contemplation and Action as a Mercy woman, walking with you in our Pilgrimage of Hope. Thank you.
The-7.30-report.docx
Shared on 2025-07-06 16:48:04 AEST by Tricia McDermott
Many thanks to all those who have contributed to both Step 1 and Step 2 of the Pilgrimage of Hope. This pilgrimage is becoming a unifying, reflective, and deeply spiritual experience where we can “widen our tents” and kindle the focus of responding to our call as Sisters of Mercy.
Shared on 2025-07-05 10:16:48 AEST by Helen Owens
As I have been preparing for the journey I have decided to take the book that is going to be my nourishment (spiritual) along the way. This is ‘Gazing on his Face- A Christ-Centered Spirituality by Robin Ryan CP, and ‘ The Islands’ by Di Morrissey’ for my relaxation. I’m also taking my gym clothes and shoes to do my daily exercises. My medication is another essential item to pack just before I leave. A hat, sunblock cream and some toiletries as well. This list will be added to over the next day or two.
Shared on 2025-07-04 10:05:12 AEST by Lizzie Finnerty
Thank you to all those who contributed. So much food for nourishment. Love the journal and so user- friendly
Shared on 2025-07-01 13:38:06 AEST by John Rochester
The Winter Edition of Just Mercy has just been published. It features an interview with Sister Helen Kearins where she talks about the inspiration behind the pilgrim's song.
https://institute.mercy.org.au/the-inspiration-behind-the-pilgrims-song/
Shared on 2025-07-01 00:03:39 AEST by Anne Foale
On a recent zoom I was reminded of a Meg Wheatley quote that gave me hope particularly in the context of Creating Dementia Friendly Communities. “WE WERE TOGETHER…I FORGET THE REST.” That sums it up for me.
Shared on 2025-06-26 14:46:52 AEST by John Rochester
Staff gathered on zoom this morning to discuss and reflect on Step 1
