As we ponder on Mercy University Hospital’s 156 years of rich history let us remember with Oliver Holmes that “the great thing in this world is not so much where we are but in what direction we are moving.” To reclaim that sense of direction for today it is important to connect with those roots which set MUH firmly on its course. In doing so we need to allow ourselves to be drawn into the source of where Catherine McAuley’s dream for Mercy began 182 years ago. Imagine her experiencing that dream as it unfolded in a most compelling way, coursing a tangible compassion for the poorest through every fibre of her being. This was a dream she knew that daring to follow would cause her to lose her prestigious footing in many areas. Her fears were surely founded as was evidenced in the many heartaches and stumbling blocks she experienced in trying to give life to that dream. That it grew within her, even in the most difficult circumstances and a very active life, is without question, for she was a woman who lived life increasingly from the wells of her own contemplative heart – a heart that was in union with and completely trusting of the God who inspired her action. Catherine knew that for her, despite the numerous obstacles, the dream was irresistible and that “not to dare is to lose oneself.”
Hear again Catherine naming the truth of her time: the uneducated and sick poor neglected in their destitution; oppressive social conditions of the 19th Century that were far from kind to those who were considered the have-nots of society; children of God hungering for compassion and justice and dying for the want of a response; opportunities available only to the select minority. There she stood, a truly great woman, the harbinger of Good News. The poor were now to become the beloved focus of her Mission of Mercy. Her radical commitment to reaching out with practical compassion to their needs inspired and attracted many others. Together they moved into places of heart-rending unmet need both near and afar with absolute trust in the God who called them and promised to be with them.
This is our heritage – a heritage that has continued to inspire thousands around the world. Today there are over 8,000 Sisters of Mercy 5,000 associates, 250,000 partners in Mission. They can be found in every continent, spread throughout 49 countries around the world. Each one of us within this wide circle of Mercy has been entrusted with the nurturing and passing on of Catherine’s inspirational legacy. When we take stock of how faithfully Catherine’s dream became a lived reality in “The Mercy” over the past 156 years we have indeed much to celebrate. From its humble 40 bed beginnings this first Mercy Hospital has developed into a modern 350 bed acute hospital providing excellent care for all who seek its services. It is indeed a great tribute to the multitude of ‘care-givers’ who so generously invested their time and talents over the years to promote purposeful progress while never losing sight of the people it served.
Following the celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the hospital’s foundation, management and the CEO of MUH asked the critical question: “How can we continue to preserve such a heritage in today’s world?” They had the foresight to recognise, as Yeats did, that without due diligence, “things fall apart when the centre cannot hold.” This led to the decision to engage management and staff in a process that would bring them right back to the heart of who they say they are. Caroline Reddington (HR) was assigned responsibility to co-ordinate this new initiative that was destined to permeate throughout the hospital. She enlisted the help of the Southern Province Core Values Group to progress this. The role of the core purpose in determining the hospital’s direction and acting as the reference point for all its decisions was highlighted. It was agreed that a focus on core purpose is necessary to build cohesion as all involved unite around their common purpose. Time was then given for a cross section of hospital staff to identify and articulate the values deemed to be core in the service of the hospital’s purpose. It is these values that will remind staff of what is important; how to respond and act and what to prioritise.
David Kearns, Clinical Director, Clare O’Reilly rsm, Provincial Leadership Team, Sandra Daly, CEO, Michael O’Sullivan, Chair of Board of Management signing the commitment to the core values on behalf of the Mercy University Hospital
At a meeting with the Board of Governors on the 29th July, collated feedback from the various workshops was presented. The core values identified by the staff were fully endorsed by the Board. A decision was made to officially launch the values at a special Mass on Mercy Day. The Mass was beautifully celebrated by Fr. Pearse who ‘laced’ the values meaningfully throughout the ceremony. St. Mary’s Choir added great solemnity to the occasion and it was refreshing to see the involvement of so many staff from various departments of the hospital as they actively participated in the Mass. A most moving and significant moment was when the scroll with the Values inscribed on it was placed on the altar. Fr. Pearse then invited Sandra Daly, CEO, Michael O’Sullivan, Chair of the Board of Governors, David Kearns, Clinical Director and Clare O’Reilly, Leadership Team of the Mercy Sisters Southern Province, to sign the commitment to the values on behalf of the whole hospital. After the Mass Michael O’Sullivan had the last words!
“LET US GO NOW AND LIVE THE VALUES”
Fr. Pearse, Noreen O’Sullivan, Director of Nursing, Michael O’Sullivan, Sandra Daly, Caroline Reddington (HR), David Kearns and Sisters of Mercy
Core Values of Mercy University Hospital
Respect is a recognition of the dignity of each person at all times.
“Our mutual respect is to be cordial.” C. McAuley
Compassion calls us to empathise with the other as we try to understand his/her suffering.
“The kind word, the gentle compassionate look and the patient hearing of sorrows — these cost the giver nothing.” C. McAuley
Justice is honouring the rights and responsibilities of each person in light of the common good.
“The poor need help today not next week.” C. McAuley
Team Spirit is working together to achieve our common purpose.
“Take short, careful steps, not great strides.” C. McAuley
Excellence means giving of our very best within the resources available to us.
“The Spirit of Union is the greatest blessing on a community.” C. McAuley
Core Values Group
Southern Province
