One of the many rewarding aspects of supporting the formation programs for Mercy Ministry Companions has been the opportunity to meet staff across the ministries and other Mercy heritage Ministerial Public Juridic Persons (MPJPs). In October, I had the pleasure of attending site visits arranged for Group 2 as part of the 2025 Middle Leadership: Empowering Middle Leaders program offered in Western Australia.
On Friday, 17 October, we began our day with a tour of Mercedes College – Ursula Frayne’s first school, founded in 1846. Our guide, Vedette Lendich, Director of Faith & Mercy Charism, Mercedes College Perth, shared the remarkable story of the school’s opening: despite Ursula being told, before she left for Australia, that hundreds of children needed education, only one child arrived at the beginning of the first day, with five more arriving during the day. Undeterred, Ursula and her sisters took to the streets, encouraging families to send their children. Slowly numbers increased and the school’s legacy began to take root.
I was once again struck by Ursula’s unwavering determination. When the mother house sent funds for her return to Ireland, she chose to stay, despite the harsh conditions and difficult personalities she encountered. Her resilience in the face of adversity is deeply inspiring. Two of the graves on site – belonging to young priests who had journeyed to Australia only to pass away shortly after their arrival – serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those early pioneers. It must have been incredibly difficult for Ursula to witness such loss and still press forward, fearing that she and those in her care might suffer the same fate.
After the tour of the Mercedes grounds and the Victoria Square heritage centre, we were then treated to the most amazing scones and tea, complete with Ursula Frayne-inspired tea cosies, served in the convent dining room. Mercedes College Principal, Dr Lucie McCrory, joined us for morning tea.
Our journey continued to the MercyCare site at Wembley, where we explored the Early Learning Centre, nestled within the historic grounds of the former St Joseph’s Orphanage. MercyCare was the first Mercy heritage MPJP in Western Australia, established in 2002. Given that this Middle Leaders program was being offered in Western Australia, MMC welcomed MercyCare Middle leaders into the program. The visit to Wembley offered a meaningful glimpse into the deep Mercy heritage woven throughout the site. Guiding us through the building was Anna Germano, whose 35 years of employment at the site brought invaluable insight and a heartfelt perspective shaped by decades of experience. Lunch was then enjoyed in the Sister Martin Kelly Centre on the Wembley grounds.
A highlight of the experience was the heritage tour, which revealed the remarkable layers of history preserved at Wembley. Among the most treasured features are the heritage-listed olive trees, originally planted by Benedictine monks in the 1850s. These trees are not only a living link to the past but also continue to serve a meaningful purpose today. Each year, MercyCare volunteers, supported by equipment from the New Norcia Benedictine Monastery, harvest the olives and the oil is used in various programs run by MercyCare ministries.
Our final stop for the day was MercyCare Wembley Aged Care Home, where we were privileged to witness residents engaging in a variety of thoughtfully arranged activities. It was wonderful to see the joy and connection fostered by the dedicated staff.
The facility itself is surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens, offering a serene and uplifting environment for those who call Wembley home. The peaceful setting adds a special touch to the care and comfort provided within.
A sincere thank you to Emily Hunt from Mercedes College, and to Jayne Cummings, Courtney Barnard, and Penny Street from MercyCare for your incredible planning and hard work. Your efforts made the day truly memorable.
At the beginning of the day, we gathered in the grounds of Mercedes College where Emily led the Acknowledgement of Country and Prayer. You are invited to join in this prayer, which concludes with a litany regularly prayed by the staff and students of Mercedes College.
Prayer
God of Mercy and Compassion,
We gather in gratitude for the vision of Catherine McAuley
And for all who continue her work of love in our world.
Bless this time together,
May our worlds be kind, our actions gentle,
And our hearts open to the needs of others.
Renew in us the courage to serve with humility,
to welcome with warmth,
and to act always with justice and mercy.
May your spirit guide us
To be shining lights of hope and compassion.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Litany
Our Lady of Mercy R: Pray for us
Catherine McAuley R: Pray for us
Ursula Frayne R: Pray for us
May we be people of mercy R: For time and eternity
Amen
Belinda Cooney, MMC Formation Support Officer
