‘As was increasingly her practice, whether “beyond the limits of prudence” or not, Catherine had asked the most prominent of the very wealthy to join her in helping the destitute, and her plea had not gone unheard.’ (The Path of Mercy by Mary C. Sullivan p.141.)
Since their arrival in South Africa in 1897, the Sisters of Mercy have responded to the needs of those around them and have endeavoured to help people reach their potential and to take their place in society. They have always relied on the support of others to carry out the works of mercy and to respond to new needs as they emerged.
It was obvious, however, by 1987 that in our fast changing world, there was a need to ensure the necessary funds for the services that were offered. It was decided to establish a Sisters of Mercy Education Trust and a General Trust. Over the past twenty-seven years, the collaboration between the Trustees and the generous donors has given support to the projects which have contributed to a better life for many people.
Sr. Kathy Rule, Provincial Leader and Giani Mariano, chairman of the Trusts
On the 6th of November, 2014, a Trust Luncheon was held at the First National Bank Conference Centre for the Trustees of the Trusts and the donors. Mr. Liam Mac Gabhann, the new Irish Ambassador to South Africa was also present.
Kathy Rule rsm, the Provincial Leader of the South African Province, reported on the activities that are funded by the Trusts and so informed those present about the impact of the various ministries of the Sisters of Mercy to which the donors had contributed so generously. The lives of innumerable men, women and children have been touched in significant ways.
“The role of the enabler, as it was for Catherine McAuley, is to allow the people to choose what course of action they are able to take, and then to walk with them, supporting and resourcing them in every possible way along their journey to self-reliance and change.” – J. Regan rsm
The Sisters of Mercy in the ministries and the donors are all “enablers”.
Charts depicting the areas of ministry
Sr. Kathy reported on the main areas in which the Sisters are present.
In all the places where we live there are Sisters involved in pastoral outreach: Visiting the sick in their homes, hospitals and hospices; providing opportunities for prayer guidance and retreat times; helping children to grow in their faith and in prison visitation – activities that respond to people’s need for meaning and their search for God.
“While it is difficult to measure quantitatively this kind of work”, said Sr. Kathy, “ a recent letter from a prisoner to the editor of the Southern Cross throws some light on the matter: I wish to praise a very dear soul, Sr. Rita (Carey) who is a religious worker at Losperfontein Correctional Centre where she gives a selfless service. Sister shares the word of God, sings hymns and conducts courses that assist offenders hugely in personal growth on both personal and religious levels. People like Sister change the world through their actions for the better. She truly walks the proverbial talk.”
Guests attending the Trust Luncheon
One of the main areas in which the Sisters are involved is education. The approach to education has been inspired by Catherine McAuley and all involved in the schools are committed to the holistic development of each learner. At present there are over 4000 children in the schools. These children and students come from a wide variety of backgrounds. At McAuley House School in Johannesburg over 60 percent of the learners live more than 20 km from the school and these children wake up by 4.30 am to be on time. But the parents want a value based education in a safe disciplined environment. The Matric results each year are very impressive….at 100 percent they can’t get much better! At Iona Convent in Pretoria a new block for the school beginners has been built with generous support from the donors.
Another area in which the Sisters are involved is Socialsection. There are six centres for homeless people, abused and trafficked women and those requiring rehabilitation. During 2013 four hundred and seventy people were given a shelter over their heads and Immaculata Hall in Rosebank, Johannesburg, served over 16 000 hot meals to people who live in the surrounding parks or streets. The shelters receive a grant from the Department of Social Development to run these centres but it only covers about half the annual costs. It is because of the faithful supporters that the Sisters can continue to provide these services.
Economic justice is one of the sectors of focus because, as Sr. Kathy said, ”We believe that we have to use the resources of our faith, the strength of our economy and the opportunities of our time to shape a society that better protects the dignity and basic rights of our sisters and brothers. By raising people’s awareness of the many and complex issues we believe that they are enabled to choose a course of action. One of great needs of our country at this time is for reconciliation and healing of memories. Until this happens it is hard for a person or a nation to move on.”
South Africa has a high unemployment rate and the release of Statistics for the 3rd quarter of 2014 showed that out of working population of 35.5 million, 42 percent are not economically active. Many of the people need to develop a skill that will enable them to get an income. At the skills centre in Winterveldt, training is offered in welding, carpentry, bricklaying, computer, sewing baking and embroidery. Two challenges that arise in this area are the cost of raw materials and the market for selling the products. At Mercy Primedia Centre in Berea, Johannesburg there are opportunities to learn computer skills, sewing and baking. On completion of the sewing and baking courses a “take-home” kit is provided so that the women can make use of that skill to make some money.
In 2015 there will be a focus on the development of entrepreneurial skills so people can learn to manage a small informal business. A second area that needs immediate attention is that of capacity building in management and leadership among the co-workers in all the various projects.
Another important ministry is in the area of health care. Each month about 3500 patients are attended to at Mercy Clinic which is the Winterveldt which is forty kilometres north-west of Pretoria. The Clinic forms the hub for a wide variety of medical services such as dental treatment, eye care, the ‘well baby’ section and home based care. While antiretroviral medication has improved the life possibilities for those who have HIV/Aids there are many casualties of the pandemic. The Kopano Lerato programme cares for over 300 children who are either orphans or very vulnerable. The programme is community based and the carers are responsible for over one hundred households. Continual fundraising is needed to keep this programme alive. Counselling and visiting HIV/Aids patients is still a much needed service. Although the basic right to adequate food and water is enshrined in the South African Constitution, there are men, women and children who are hungry and hence the need for nutrition programmes. Besides the distribution of basic foods there is an emphasis on developing food gardens.
All of these activities could not be carried out without the help of the Trusts.
Sr. Kathy concluded her report by quoting Pope Francis: “What is essential in the Gospel is mercy”. He added that there are no theoretical lessons in mercy. It must be done in practice.
Mr Liam Mac Gabhann, the Irish Ambassador to South Africa, Sr. Denise Boyle, Deepa Patel, Sr. Kathy Rule, Mr Giani Mariano and Sr. Aine O’Connor
Áine O’Connor rsm, the Mercy Global Action Co-Ordinator at the United Nations, and Sr. Denise Boyle FMDM, Co-Ordinator of the Global Action Programme with Mercy International Association, who were visiting the Sisters in South Africa at the time, were invited to address the gathering. Sr. Denise spoke on human trafficking and how the Mercy Sisters all over the world are trying to combat the scourge. Sr. Áine gave a brief report on the MIA Global Action Programme, especially dealing with fracking, mining and the world water crisis.
The Trustees and the donors expressed appreciation for gaining a deeper understanding of the global justice outreach of Mercy; and how their contribution in South Africa was a part of the bigger Mercy picture.
Colleen Wilkinson rsm
South African Province
