“What the poor hold more precious than gold is the kind word, the gentle compassionate look and the patient hearing of sorrows.” – Catherine McAuley

This ministry has only one parameter – it begins and ends with the person at the centre of Mercy time and attention. While some specific examples are shared, it would be naïve to assume that the totality of what is being done on the ground is ever captured.

There is both a formal and an informal structure to this ministry. It can take the shape of a hospital or nursing home visit, just as it can manifest itself as a chat on the doorstep.

Common to all instances of Visitation is the overwhelming conviction that investing time and paying real attention to the individual, be they man, woman or child, is as rewarding for those engaged in making the visit as those on the receiving end.

It is said to be a “privilege to meet people where they are in their lives.“

Often the listening ear is enough. Other times there can be a steering of someone towards services that will hopefully improve the quality of their lives. This can be the case when brought into contact with “people suffering depression, those coping with addiction problems or others trying to negotiate the painful journey into dementia.”

Involvement with this ministry has different origins : perhaps it began after time spent previously as a social worker, or after years’ experience as a primary school teacher when “awareness was developed around the need to understand and therefore better support the whole child rather than just the academic needs “.

What is also important to bear in mind is that : “The call of the poor is not always the materially poor, but the poverty of aloneness, loneliness – waiting for the door bell or phone to ring…….. the aloneness of sickness, the need for a listening ear, a comforting word, a prayer said or practical help and support of the carer.”

A further constant within the ministry of Visitation is the fundamental reason that it happens at all : “The two greatest needs of the people I visit are a need of someone’s presence and a listening ear.  In this age of technology there is a hunger for someone’s real presence. The sense of loneliness, isolation and disconnection among people can be put to flight albeit temporarily by a visit and sharing a cup of tea together.”

These few words shared by Sisters engaged in this ministry might reveal the depth of Mercy engagement and personal witness :

“Taking the time to sit at the “hearth” of someone’s abode and listen attentively to the pains, joys, anxieties of another’s heart has brought us to our knees on many occasions.”