Celebrating 180 years of Mercy Life
On 16 July 2011, the Sisters of the South African province and representatives of the Mercy associates gathered in Winterveldt to celebrate 180 years of Mercy life. The “under sixties” were responsible for organising the event and it was truly a day that made “the young merry and the old young”.

As the guests arrived at the venue, they were invited to enjoy a comfortable cup of tea before proceeding to the hall where the ritual took place. The joyful sound of the marimbas signalled the start of the celebration. Seven African pots representing the seven provinces of the Congregation were placed in the centre of the room. This symbolised our connectedness.

African pots representing each of the provinces

Sr Thérèse Tangney, the provincial leader, then welcomed everyone and explained the reason for the celebration.

Sr Therese Tangney

In true African tradition, the ancestors are invoked to be present at all important occasions. Our ancestors in Mercy were called on by Sr St John Enright who invited them to share in this special time of remembering and thanksgiving.

Sr St John Enright

This was followed by a time for reflection aided by a slide show and the playing of the song: Standing on the Shoulders by Earth Mama.

Catherine (Sr Marvis) instructs a sister (Sr Aine)

We were reminded of the balance between prayer and service of the poor in Catherine’s life when Sisters Aine, Rachel and Marvis acted out a scene from the early years of the first foundation.

Sr. Evangelist sharing her story

Sr. Magdalen sharing her story

Sr. Marla sharing her story

A few of the Sisters were invited to share the stories of their experience of Mercy.A very interesting powerpoint presentation was given by Sr Goretti Rule. The past 113 years of South African Mercy life were brought to life with pictures of the Sisters and places of ministry.

Sr Goretti and her technology

The celebrations were brought to a close with a few of the Mercy Associates reading out some of Catherine’s inspiring sayings. Each community and regional group of Associates were then presented with a picture of Catherine McAuley.

The Mercy Associates reflect on the sayings of Catherine

Finally all were invited to a meal in the convent where the celebrations continued well into the afternoon.

Sr Connie Kuele

Sr Myra Milburn - photos

1