Sharing the story of Catherine McAuley
Part of the vision of the Chapter of 2013 in the Western Province was to share the great story of Catherine McAuley. Sometimes we can forget how inspiring her life was and how she was in her fifties when the Mercy Order was founded. We do not always put ourselves back into the social reality of Ireland in the eighteen hundreds or take time to reflect on the dreadful poverty that beset the country in Catherine’s day. To share this story with our employees can be eye-opening for them and it can also be a source of renewal for ourselves. Such was the day organised by Alacoque Gleeson rsm, HR person for the Province.
A group of women and men, who work in different communities, along with an interested group of Mercy Sisters, were treated to an excellent talk on the life of Catherine, to begin the afternoon. This was illustrated by a PowerPoint presentation, showing the significant dates in Catherine’s life, the house in Coolock that she was to inherit and the house in Baggot Street that she built from the proceeds of Coolock. Áine Barrins rsm was the presenter and she included many of the difficulties Catherine faced, her personal bereavements and the many children she adopted. We were also told much about her faith life and the deep desire she had to make life better for the poor of her time.
Áine, seen above, was clear throughout that Catherine surmounted any problem she faced, often because of her great sense of humour. Some of those gathered had a good sense of Catherine’s life already, through their own interest and because of their working with Mercy. However, for others, it was a new story. Áine gives many courses in the Mercy International Centre and so is very adept at sharing Catherine’s story. We even heard that Catherine had no intention of founding a religious community but was pushed into doing so, so that the ministry could continue.
Alacoque Gleeson rsm is seen above with Ambrose Farrell, who is the Manager in Stella Maria. His waving hand covers the face of Mary Glynn, from the PLT. Brenda O’Shaughnessy, the Provincial Treasurer, is on the right.
Some of the expectant faces are viewed above. From left they are: Andrea O’Hara, Olive Kilmartin, Siobhán O’Dea (secretarial staff in Caoineas) and Mary Glynn PLT. In the background, Elizabeth Tierney rsm, Rosaleen Berry rsm, Maura Callaghan, all of Stewardship staff and Alacoque is observing that all is going well. Brenda O’Shaughnessy is seen entering the room.
Gerry McDonnell is seen above in the foreground
It couldn’t be a Mercy gathering without a cup of tea. This was a great opportunity to meet others and to let some of the story rest in our hearts. There was a great buzz in the room, as we gathered around round tables and were treated to a lovely selection of buns.
The aforementioned buns are being enjoyed by Breege Donohue rsm, from PLT, Siobhán O’Dea, Caoineas staff, and Maura Callaghan rsm, from Stewardship staff
Olive Kilmartin, Andrea O’Hara, Ita O’Flaherty rsm, Bridget Mongan and Phil Healy are engaged in what looks like an interesting discussion
The second section of the afternoon was devoted to Catherine’s letters. Áine shared a handout, with four of her letters. Through these, Catherine’s personality shone forth. Her affection for all of the Sisters was obvious and her light turn of phrase was intended to focus ministry on the most needy and to give new heart to the doubtful. Áine emphasised the hardships that Catherine had to endure, as she travelled by coach and canal, to make a series of new foundations around Ireland and in England. All done in the space of ten years! We heard how Catherine referred to those who entered religious life in Baggot Street as her children and those who entered in new foundations as her grandchildren. All of this Áine put into the context of the language of the time.
We paid particular attention to a letter Catherine wrote in December, 1840, to Sr. de Sales White. In this, we see Catherine’s humour, as she uses the imagery of two dances of the time. Catherine was well able to socalise in her day and so would have been familiar with different dances! She uses them to console the recipient, that she is doing God’s work, though they must change places. She needs to stay in London for the moment, while Catherine needs to return to Dublin.
Before leaving Caoineas (the Provincial Offices of the Western Province), we were presented with two significant gifts. One was a quotation from Catherine, while the second was a bookmark, with an illustration from the manuscripts of Sr. Clare Augustice Moore and a blessing from Catherine. One person suggested that the next meeting might be held in Australia and there seemed to be general interest in such a possibility, farfetched though it may be!
Martina Kelly and Mary Spellman are seen above, beside a Peruvian picture
There is a four minute video from the day and this can be viewed by clicking on the link below. To hear the sound, please ensure that you have the speakers turned up.
https://youtu.be/HoZuLV-V99c
Suzanne Ryder rsm
Western Province
