Thursday morning, Day three of the Young Mercy Leaders’ Pilgrimage, dawned bright, warm and sunny. It is wonderful that the weather is so good and everyone is enjoying being outside in the garden during the breaks. This is unusual for Ireland so it is worth mentioning in the daily reports!

The Morning Prayer took place in the International Room of Mercy International Centre. The hymn, ‘Circle of Mercy’ was sung and by now it is becoming familiar to all the Young Mercy Leaders, so the volume and zest of the singing is growing. The number of musicians has also increased as some of the Mercy Leaders and Delegation Leaders are playing violin, concertina, guitar, flute and melodica with the Sisters of Mercy musicians’ group, so it is a remarkable, combined effort.

During the singing of ‘The Circle of Mercy’, one student from each school, processed in with gifts from their local place and placed them around the prayer centrepiece. After a reflection on the pilgrimage logo, Morning Prayer ended with a rousing rendition of the pilgrimage anthem, ‘A Better Way’ by Liam Lawton.

Immediately after Morning Prayer, everyone moved to the Liffey Room in the Catherine McAuley Centre for the opening session, in advance of the first workshops of the morning. Pilgrimage Facilitator, Dee McKenna rsm says, in response to being asked how she is experiencing the group, “What a terrific group to work with. Smiling faces, immediate responses when invited to speak and earnest engagement with the work of the pilgrimage”.

Three workshops sessions took place today – two in the morning and one in the early afternoon. As the weather is so beautiful, the dance workshop was held in the garden, much to the delight of the participants…..

Click here to read the full report.

Congregation