Back in 2018 the Congregational Chapter called members to: nourish and live the charism of mercy with others and with the whole community of life.
It was in response to that call from Chapter 2018 and a further call from Pope Francis to create ‘a culture of encounter and a culture of mercy’ that the Encountering Mercy group came into being in 2021.
Describing our purpose and identity we say: Catherine McAuley continues to inspire our Encountering Mercy group’s work and mission, with her legacy providing a guiding light for our efforts in mercy and justice today. Her charism of mercy is the compassionate commitment to serving others, embodying God’s merciful love through practical acts of care and service. Her writings and sayings continue to be a living inspiration. These are enduring words transcending all cultures and times. The group is committed to living out the way of mercy and embodying compassion in all aspects of life. The encounter group has brought new life and purpose to the mission of mercy in the sharing of this charism in a hopeful vision for the future.
Since first coming together in November 2021 Encountering Mercy members have regular meetings via Zoom and in person. Each meeting usually consists of a reflection prepared by one of the members, quiet time for prayer and sharing. In addition, Encountering Mercy members deepen their awareness of the call to both receive and extend mercy in the fabric of everyday life through ‘mercy in action’. As they remain attentive to the sacred presence that dwells within and among us, love and compassion flow outward into mission. All members lead very busy lives working in schools, hospitals and other settings. They reside in Counties Cork, Carlow and Tipperary and one member stayed in touch while she was on career break for two years in Sydney. In working with and serving others, they discover that mercy is not only given but received, that those they encounter become teachers, transforming hearts and widening compassion.
For the Encountering Mercy group, the mission of mercy is lived in each encounter as a sacred exchange, where attentiveness, listening, and presence allow compassion to take flesh, and where every meeting planned or unexpected becomes an opportunity for mutual transformation. The group members support each other in their works of mercy and in their shared faith, especially amid the realities and complexities of daily life, the Encountering Mercy group finds itself repeatedly drawn back together, renewed in purpose and united in the mission of mercy in the way of Catherine, where the spirit is renewed and vision clarified. Held within this sacred rhythm, mission unfolds as a daily living exchange for them, where contemplation and compassionate action are inseparably woven, and where each encounter becomes an invitation to deeper conversion.
Michelle Cooke and Niamh Mulligan
Coordinators, Encountering Mercy
E: encounteringmercy@gmail.com
