Wednesday 28th June, 2023 was a memorable occasion for Sisters who had ministered in Zambia, as about forty Sisters from Northern Province gathered in Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim, Co Meath to mark the Province’s withdrawal from the African mission and to celebrate the seeds sown there over forty-eight years.
The event was an opportunity to reflect with gratitude on the many Sisters who served in Zambia, from the first three volunteers in 1971 to the final closure in 2019 as well as the many supporters and funders who played their part over those years.
The meeting room was decorated with symbols of Zambian culture and colourful clothes woven by the women there, while in the background, a video loop played photographs of Sisters and their co-workers in ministry.
Following an opening address by our Provincial Leader, Sr. Rose Marie Conlan, an inspiring ritual centred on a tree branch rooted in Zambian cloths, representing the Zambian soil. Around the base of the tree were symbols of everyday life in Zambia – a basket of fruit, the national flag, small carvings, and the staple food, mealie meal.
Left to Right: Srs. Agnes Hannon and Mary Cudden
During the ritual, the names of deceased Sisters who had ministered in Zambia were read aloud and hung on the tree on cut-out leaves. Each Sister present then placed her own name on the tree, and the group recalled the Sisters from across the wider Mercy world who also ministered with them- Sisters from Southern and Western Province, Ireland, Australia, Kenya and Newfoundland. Finally leaves were hung to represent the many generous donations received from groups across the island of Ireland, USA, Newfoundland and England, including many primary and secondary schools who have supported Mercy projects over many years.
A few Sisters danced around the room waving African cloths, honouring the liberation and empowerment of women that the Mercy ministry nurtured and encouraged. The ritual ended with a viewing of the film ‘More Precious the Gold’ recording the story of Mercy in Zambia.
In true Mercy tradition, the event concluded with a delicious meal, while the room echoed with laughter and tears, as stories were told and fond memories recalled.
Zambian Flag
The Irish Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy is no longer in Zambia, but seeds of hope and growth have been sown, watered and nurtured by the prayer and service of many Sisters, and as their mission sites are taken over by local indigenous communities, the Sisters from Northern Province yield to the discerned Divine will, with a heartfelt ‘Alumbwe Lesa’, ‘Praise and thank God’.
Sr. Philomena Horner
Northern Province
