This year, Mercy Connect’s Reconciliation Week event, honoured the theme, Bridging Now to Next, and was attended by staff, participants and community members including Sister Carina RSM, Mackillop Family Services and Albury City Council.
Mercy Connect purchased four original canvases, titled Spiritual Connections, which will be mounted and displayed in the Albury office. Each painting is accompanied by reflection questions which have been designed to inspire thoughtful consideration of the pieces and how they relate to Mercy Connect. The artwork invites viewers to reflect on their own connections to heritage, the significance of spirituality in daily life, and the importance of honouring those who came before us. Each brushstroke tells a story, celebrating the richness of culture and the enduring strength of community.
Past: The three crosses on the left represent three integral Sisters of Mercy, Catherine McAuley, Ursula Frayne (Mother Superior) and Mother M. Ignatius Murphy, connected to the larger circle in the centre which represents Mercy Connect’s past. The white dots coming from the large circle represent the spirit of the three sisters living on through Mercy Connect. The branches and leaves representing connection and strength, with the lines flowing on containing 3 sets of dots – the centre being Mercy Connect, with either side representing family and community, and the other representing clients and participants.
Present: Wavy lines consisting of Mercy Connect, family, and participants flow into the present, which is represented in the large central circle. This represents what Mercy Connect has grown into, with the colours reflecting our values. The branch and leaves remaining present showing that strength and connection is vital part of Mercy. The wavy lines then lead on and flow into the future.
Future: The circle has become bigger with more presence, with the wavy lines connecting to smaller circles representing the various communities, families and circles Mercy Connect will grow to support. With branches and leaves coming from the centre circle, continuing to illustrate our strength and connection, still surrounded by the white dots representing the spirit of the founding Sisters of Mercy.
Emerging: The final piece represents Mercy Connect emerging, signifying recognition and leadership. The numerous central circles represent the growth of our communities and family, still surrounded by the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy, guided between the wavy lines that represent Mercy Connect, our family and community, and our participants.