This month we welcome back the 24 pilgrims from Australia and New Zealand who participated in Module 2 of the Mercy Leadership Program and Dublin Pilgrimage, from 28 April to 4 May 2024.
The group began their program in March in Melbourne and will meet again in late July, for the third and final module of the leadership program.
The Dublin pilgrimage was facilitated by Sandra Harvey and Amanda Robertson and included presentations from staff at Mercy International Association. The group was welcomed to the Mercy International Centre by Sr Patricia O’Donovan RSM and Sr Margaret Daly RSM, who generously shared their time and knowledge with the group over the week.
The pilgrimage experience was a very privileged and special time for the group. Taking time away from home and the business of normal life gives pilgrims the opportunity for personal and professional reflection. Pilgrims returned home with a deeper knowledge of Catherine McAuley’s life and that of the founding Sisters and a greater understanding of the Mercy values and how these are applicable to our work today.
Participants visited Daniel O’Connell’s house, where they learned about and discussed Catherine McAuley’s time in history and her connection with Daniel O’Connell.
Participants visited Daniel O’Connell’s house, where they learned about and discussed Catherine McAuley’s time in history and her connection with Daniel O’Connell.
Pilgrims at Mercy International Centre
Pilgrims at Mercy International Centre
Pilgrims at Mercy International Centre
Anne Reid provided a wonderful history filled walking tour through the streets of Dublin, sharing insights into the Dublin of Catherine’s time.
Anne Reid provided a wonderful history filled walking tour through the streets of Dublin, sharing insights into the Dublin of Catherine’s time.
A trip to Coolock House (northeast of Dublin) took the group out of the city to reflect on Catherine’s time with the Callaghan family, where she began her ministry work.
A trip to Coolock House (northeast of Dublin) took the group out of the city to reflect on Catherine’s time with the Callaghan family, where she began her ministry work.
The pilgrims enjoyed a very special day trip to Glendalough, a medieval monastic settlement.
The pilgrims enjoyed a very special day trip to Glendalough, a medieval monastic settlement.
The pilgrims enjoyed a very special day trip to Glendalough, a medieval monastic settlement.
The group was blessed with fine spring weather and thoroughly enjoyed Irish hospitality throughout their time in Dublin.
