Mercy at the heart of a vocation

Sydney
10 August 2003

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Mercy at the heart of a vocation

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Mercy at the heart of a vocation

“The only return God asks of us is a return of love.” These inspiring yet challenging words were spoken by Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, more than 170 years ago, and yet they are still relevant today as they speak of a woman so moved by the gift of God’s unconditional love and mercy towards her that she felt impelled by a burning desire to reach out to others in need of compassion and mercy, too.

During her life, Catherine experienced many difficulties and hardships which heightened her awareness of the immense human suffering caused by the social, economic and religious injustices of 19th century Ireland.

Not stopping at awareness only, Catherine responded actively to suffering by dedicating her life to ministering in practical ways to the poor, sick and uneducated and, through her enthusiasm and drive, drew many other women to be her companions in this mission of mercy.

This mercy mission, which is at the heart of all Christian life, is viewed today with fresh awareness, calling always for response in mercy. For more than 1800 women in Australia today, the call of Jesus to discipleship and the vision of Catherine’s mission of mercy inspires them to commit their lives to God as Sisters of Mercy making ‘mercy’ their song.