The final few days of Term 3, like the previous 9½ weeks, have remained extremely busy in and around the college as we celebrated Mercy Week and recognised Mental Health Awareness. Along with these, we saw the conclusion of the Year 8 Eco Fashion unit in which the students hosted a truly fabulous runway event last night modelling and sharing what they have learnt across the term. At the same time, our NCEA solo music performances showcased their talents across two nights in the theatre. Finally, tomorrow will also see the college student and staff body ‘turn to pink’ as we support, and as a community, raise awareness of breast cancer.
The theme of Community for Mental Health Awareness Week this year was inspired by research that the Mental Health Foundation commissioned, to understand the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle and other extreme weather events on wellbeing. Over 1,500 people from affected regions revealed a clear theme: community is the key to getting through tough times.
This theme was also appropriate for our community this week as we celebrated mass together for the feast day of Our Lady of Mercy. The mass on Tuesday 24 September was also the anniversary of the opening of the House of Mercy in Baggot St, Dublin in 1827. This custom-built house was designed and paid for by Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, who chose to use her considerable inheritance, not for her own comfort and lifestyle, but to set up a centre of Mercy for those most in need, women and children.
At the time of opening, Catherine McAuley, with two young women Anna Maria Doyle and Catherine Byrn, were not part of a religious order. In time, when the formation of a religious order became necessary, the Sisters of Mercy began, taking their name from the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy. Our celebrations of Mercy Day were also part of the worldwide Mercy family, a community we at Carmel College belong to.
Our Mercy Day Mass was celebrated by Father Mark, who graciously shared his homily with me. Part of his homily, included below, resonated with me and many others as Father Mark reminded us of what it means to be a person of Mercy whilst challenging us to make the choices to love.
To be people of mercy, as Our Lady of Mercy teaches us, is to recognise Christ in others, especially in those who are most vulnerable. When we feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, care for the sick, or show kindness to those who are lonely or struggling, we are showing mercy. We are living the mercy that God has shown to us. And we don’t do this for recognition or reward—we do it because mercy is at the heart of who we are as Christians.
Mary, Our Lady of Mercy, is a perfect example of this. Her life was one of saying “yes” to God’s mercy and bringing that mercy into the world. She cared for Jesus, stood by Him in His suffering, and now watches over us with that same maternal love. Mary teaches us that being merciful means being present to others with a heart full of compassion and love.
So, what does it mean for us here at Carmel College to be people of mercy? It means looking around and seeing those who need our help, our kindness, and our understanding. It might be as simple as comforting a friend who is upset, standing up for someone who is being treated unfairly, or reaching out to those who feel left out. Mercy is found in these everyday moments when we make the choice to love as God loves us.
As Term 3 draws to a close tomorrow, as I do at the beginning of each term break, I challenge our students over the next two weeks to find a balance between rest and recuperation, preparation and self improvement. Yes, our young women need to have a break, but they also need to ensure that each day they are doing at least 30 minutes of physical activity, at least 30 minutes of reading, and unplugging from devices at least 30 minutes before bed to ensure they return to school reinvigorated, refreshed and ready to make the most of the continuing opportunities the College has to offer.
I wish you all a safe term break and look forward to seeing you all back for Term 4.
