Thirteen years ago in 1997, Bonnie Brennan rsm was asked by the Leadership team to come up with a new form of Mercy Association (finding new ways of being merciful in the 21st century). The only ‘condition’ made by Bonnie was that lay people should be included in the planning from the very beginning.
For the next three years the team of four Sisters and five lay people worked together in Castleblayney Convent teasing out ideas and formats until they came up with a ‘Preparation Programme’ which is based on the key elements of Prayer, Mutual Support and Compassionate Service.
The Circle of Mercy differs from other Associate groups in that rather than making commitment to the Congregation, members make the commitment to each other to live the Gospel according to the spirit of Catherine McAuley.
Some might think this is strange, but it is progressive thinking at its best. In an age when vocations to the religious life are decreasing, this model ensures that the charism of Catherine McAuley lives on.
In September 2000 a pilot scheme began with the formation of 16 circles and on 18th September, 2010, the Circle of Mercy (Northern Province) celebrated its tenth anniversary.
The opening lines in the Anniversary Booklet of ‘musings’ compiled by the members of the Circle of Mercy state:
“This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!”
And it certainly was a day full of rejoicing and celebration.
Chris Hegarty rsm going over the order of events with core group members Marie McDonagh, Bonnie Brennan rsm and Christina Ferris
Castleblayney has always been the location for the ceremony but this was the first time it was held in the magnificent Iontas centre, which proved an ideal venue where Sr. Celine and her staff made everyone feel so welcome and so well catered for, from the very welcome cup of tea and scones on arrival to the delicious banquet at the end of the evening.
Eighteen circles were present and it was a special delight that two of these were new circles (Belfast and Newry) formed in the last year.
On entering the auditorium, there was a great buzz as people took their seats around the splendid centre-piece and it wasn’t long before the theme of day became evident.
The main part of the floral art was a compass-like structure filled with beautiful purple and pink flowers, carefully chosen for their meaning – purple liatris representing all the circles joined together in tight clusters full of majestic pride. Out of this ball of colour burst delicate pink carnations symbolising the Circles bursting forth with the charism of Catherine in their local communities. When one gives a gift of a pink carnation, it means ‘I will never forget you’ and this was a day when Catherine McAuley certainly was not forgotten.
The ceremony began at 2.00 pm and Mary O’Connor rsm did a marvellous job as M.C.
Bonnie Brennan rsm formally welcomed everyone to the event, including Bernie Ryan rsm from the Circle of Mercy in the Southern Province, Kathy Rule representing the CLT, Rose Marie and Eleanor from the Northern Province P.L.T. Coirle McCarthy rsm, Nellie McLaughlin rsm and Maureen McGurran rsm would love to have been present, but prior engagements dictated otherwise.
The opening Ritual began with the lighting of a candle, representing ‘Christ our Light’ and the singing of a beautiful new mantra composed by Teresa Martin rsm. ‘Round and round the compass goes, without stirring from the centre…’ and then, in turn, four elements (wind, earth, fire and water) were brought to the centre and placed beside the candle as the prayerful narration was read by a member of the Doire Circle. This was followed by two short scripture readings (Ann Daly, Athboy) and the Ritual concluded with a prayer read by Barry Davey (Core Group).
Sr. Brenda Dolphin
It was a great honour for the Circle of Mercy to have Postulator, Brenda Dolphin rsm as the guest speaker. Brenda spoke about the life of Catherine McAuley and, in her own unique style, blended the serious with the humorous and had something for everyone in her talk. She was so simple, enthusiastic and encouraging in what she said. Click here to download Brenda’s talk.
After a short stretch break, the procession of symbols began with the singing of another mantra specifically composed by Teresa for the occasion. A few months prior to the event, members were asked to forward quotations of Catherine’s that, to them, embodied the Circle of Mercy and from this Teresa composed the most beautiful and haunting mantra, something for each circle to treasure and use at their meetings.
V. There are some things the poor prize, as being more precious than gold, though they cost the donor nothing….. ‘The kind, kind word, the gentle compassionate look, and the patient hearing of sorrows.
Each of the 16 existing circles brought forward a symbol which signified their involvement in mercy ministry within their respective circles and, as always, were very innovative in their choice. It was obvious that a lot of collective and prayerful thought had gone into each symbol. Anna Haughian rsm (Laytown) and Michael (Ballinamore) read the description of each symbol during the procession.
The most important part of, and the reason for the celebration followed – the Commitment ceremony and each new member was invited to come forward and read aloud the words of commitment, sign the commitment card and receive their emblem. They then received a blessing from all present who sang ‘Amen, we affirm…’. This is a very emotional part of the ceremony and on our tenth anniversary was even more so with two new Circles.
The ten new members making their commitment
Existing members then made their re-commitment before Teresa Martin was invited to sing her new arrangement of ‘The Suscipe’.
Teresa Martin (centre) presented Bonnie and Catherine from the Core Group with a framed copy of the front of her new CD of mantras
Mary O’Connor then invited Kathy Rule rsm (CLT) and Rose Marie Conlan (PLT) to give a blessing to the gathering which they did with great joy.
The ceremony ended with Una Lawless giving thanks on behalf of the Core Group to all who took part. Presentations of personalised pottery bowls were then made to Brenda Dolphin, Teresa Martin and the Castleblayney Community. Una then expressed her gratitude to six founding members of the original Core Group and surprised each of them with a beautiful engraved clock.
It was a marvellous occasion and in the words of Sr. Gertrude from Laytown:
“It was a very inspiring experience to be present with so many interested and enthusiastic followers of Catherine both lay and religious and it certainly gave me hope for the future of Mercy”.
If you would like some more information about the Circle of Mercy,or would like us to come and talk to your community,please contact Catherine at:
catherine.mcevoy3@btinternet.com or circleofmercynp@gmail.com
Catherine McEvoy
Secretary
Circle of Mercy
Northern Province
