This photograph of Bríd Caulfield rsm, is taken beside a stained glass window, showing Mercy ministry

An invitation was extended across the Mercy world to submit photographs of our Sisters in ministry, before Easter 2014. It was my privilege and pleasure to take some of these photographs in the Western Province. I can now say definitively that the motto, a Mercy Sister never retires, is correct. Perhaps I could add that the range of ministries, in which we are engaged, is magnificently varied. Further to this, we are rather good at multi-tasking!

Here we see Kathleen Rooney rsm, at her desk in the Star of the Sea Retreat Centre in Mullaghmore

Having limited time to pursue the task of clicking a camera, I know that only a fraction of the kaleidoscope of ministries was recorded. Indeed some ministries, as all can attest, are by their nature, not for viewing, due to the need for confidentiality. For example, I did not enter the hallowed space of Hope House, as this could have been a disruption for those going through treatment there.

Helen Diviney rsm overlooks the work of a student in Reading Recovery

While most Sisters have moved from the more traditional ministry of education, there are some who continue to work in schools, though in a different capacity. Teresa Nolan is one of those, as she does chaplaincy work in Saint Brigid’s School Tuam.

Teresa Nolan rsm conducts a school ritual to mark the beginning of Lent

All of our ministries are immeasurable. We can never tell where Mercy influence begins or ends. Sometimes, it is only when a Sister has died, that particular stories are told of kindness and sensitivity. More stories will never come into the limelight of our earthly dwellings. I was also very aware that one still photograph only gives a brief impression of a Sister’s ministry. Nevertheless, it is my hope that we look at these pictures, in the realisation that they each carry a world behind and before them.

Kathleen Conneally rsm puts a caring hand on a friend in the Avalon Centre, Sligo

Adele Howard is the Mercy Sister in Melbourne, who had the task of compiling all the photography from around the Mercy world. She then had unenviable role of selecting a number for exhibit in Baggot Street. This was limited by the amount of space available in the international room there. Of the 12,000 she received, 310 were chosen for the actual exhibition. A further 800 were put on a slide show that was shown continuously. The exhibition was mounted and displayed for just two weeks but many Sisters came to visit there, due to the celebration of the twentieth anniversary of the opening of the centre. I must admit to a certain pride in noticing many Western faces among those on show.

Dorothy Duggan rsm is no stranger to the chapel in Stella Maria

Those of you, who have attended the gathering days with the Congregational Leadership Team, will have been treated to a further selection of photographs. These were compiled by Ailish O’Brien, to give a sense of the breadth of Mercy life in the congregation. They seemed to engender a certain sacred atmosphere, as each saw some she could recognise from her own Province, in the mix with those from our sister Provinces. As such days continue, we can deepen our appreciation of one another.

Teresa Delaney rsm beside a pictorial map of the Province

One particularly notable photograph was of Síle Lohan, who died on October 4th, 2014. She was being attended by one of her good friends, Máire Cahill. I am including another photograph taken on that same day, this time with her own sister, Christine. The care given to Síle during her illness was exemplary. That this was recorded came from a prompt by Teresa Delaney, who saw what a valuable ministry that the care of each other is. Síle herself showed the face of Christ, as she bore the pain of her illness. Such a story is continuously being experienced by many of us.

Christine Lohan rsm gives a drink to her sister Síle rsm (RIP)

The ministry of prayer, Adele noted, came to her in a multitude of images. It seems that we are good at it! Personally, I was tentative in visiting one of our communities to ask if they might be photographed while at prayer. I need not have been concerned, as what I met in Stella Maria, was graciousness personified. There was no bother in calling Sisters into the chapel, as they were already in situ, when I called in unexpectedly. Their generosity was obvious and their genuineness palpable.

Máire Nolan rsm talks with her friend in Saint Jarlath’s Court, Tuam

Marian O’Connor rsm prepares for her ministry with children in hospital

Some of our ministries are singular in that they are specialised, giving much needed and appreciated help to particular groups of people. Some of these included here are Music Therapy, Reading Recovery and work with Children in Hospital Ireland. As we grow in appreciation of our beautiful planet, the ministry of caring for our Earth is evident among us. In the Western Province, this is shown most clearly in An Gáirdín, in Portumna. A photograph of Anne Mills feeding the chickens was one of those on view in Baggot Street and I include Noreen Lyons here, as she kneels in reverential weeding, while being joined by their companion dog, Paws.

Noreen Lyons rsm weeding in An Gáirdín, Portumna

Some of us move into new ministries on retirement and Mary Forde is one example of this. Her present ministry of massage is much appreciated by many enjoying retreat time in Mullaghmore. Where we live can also call forth special ministry. Máire Nolan, who lives in Saint Jarlath’s Court, can count the ministry of being a good neighbour among the several strings she has to her bow.

Mary Forde rsm at her massage table in Mullaghmore, Co Sligo

More of us move into new realms of ministry when returning from ministry in another country. Gerardine Kelly can be viewed in the kitchen area of centre for Asylum Seekers in Athlone. It was one of the big eye-openers for me, to see the vast expanse of mobile homes, where many are housed. This was another place where it was important to be sensitive with the camera.

Gerardine Kelly rsm in the kitchen furnished with Mercy funding in the centre for Asylum Seekers in Athlone

Everyone whose photograph was taken signed a permission slip, allowing her/his image to be used. However, I decided not to name anyone, other than the Mercy Sisters, seen in this collection. I thank each person for allowing me to take these images. No doubt, some wondered what it was all about! May we continue to inspire each other to be the compassionate face of God at every turn of our day!

Evelyn Horan rsm, surrounded by some of the musical instruments she uses in the ministry of Music Therapy

Let us also hope that this valuable exhibition might move around the Mercy world into the future. Much credit is due to the generous skills of Adele Howard and to all who took any part in this great work of art.

Suzanne Ryder rsm  
Western Province