The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord is this week and with that in mind we give thanks to the Holy Spirit for our new Pope, Pope Leo XIV.  Barbara brought our thoughts to Our Lady of Good Counsel. To whom we prayed for Pope Leo and our personal intentions. Singing the lovely hymn "O Mother of Mercy" with the words sung "Your children need guidance through all of their days". We give thanks to Our Mother Mary that she is always there for us. Lisa beautifully led the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Latin. "Ora Pro Nobis" may Our Mother pray for us!  Our Lady of Good Counsel We now turn our attention to the crowning of Our Lady. With candles lit and the room filled with joyous singing of "Bring Flowers of the Rarest". Sam & Harry processioned carrying the crown of white chrysanthemums which Sister Bridie lovingly placed on Our Lady's head. Sr Bridie Crowning Our Lady "Our glad voices telling. The praise of the loveliest rose of the Vale. Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May.  Submitted by Candy Finney, Coolock, Newcastle Upon Lyme, Mercy Associates.

MARY STOOD BENEATH THE CROSS “Standing beneath the Cross of Jesus were His Mother, and His Mother’s Sister, Mary, the wife of Cleopas and Mary Magdalene”. John 19:25) Time passes very quickly with days into weeks and weeks into years. It seems so recently that we celebrated Christmas and already we are reflecting on the significance of Lent. Since Christmas is very much about Our Lady as is the Feast of the Presentation in the Temple known as Candlemas.  I thought we might give some attention to how Our Lady features in the season of Lent with special reference to Holy Week. We are aware that Jesus in His public Ministry and indeed before was always a puzzle to His Mother even at a young age when he got lost and was found teaching in the Temple.  Most mothers would despair and ask themselves “Who is this child that I have given birth to”?: He doesn’t take after me and certainly he doesn’t take after his dad. Jesus was the kind of child that every teacher would either love or dread to have in his / her class. As an adult in His public life, He was probably out all day teaching, preaching, visiting the sick and above all communicating with His Heavenly Father.  All this left very little time to help Joseph in the carpenter’s shop.  On top of that Mary probably never knew what time He would return home for food and maybe when He did return home, He was silent, and Mary wondered what He had been up to. I wonder if all this prepared Mary for the horrible day when she met Him on the way to Calvery carrying a huge cross with a crown of thorns and blood flowing down His face disfiguring it beyond recognition. The struggle up the hill behind her Son carrying the Cross was more than most women would have the inner strength to cope with. Maybe Mary leaned on some of the other women in the crowd to steady her feet as the tears flowing down her face would have made it impossible to see the rough terrain.  Whatever it was that kept Mary on the journey to Calvery she made it with her son and watched with anguish as the soldiers nailed His broken body to the Cross.  To add insult to injury Jesus was crucified between two thieves. The women and John were there with Mary to support and comfort her. If we think that was the most painful happening, we need to know that the soldiers continued to ridicule Jesus even to the extent of throwing dice to gamble on who might have His white cloak.  The sheer horror of the scene must have made Mary cry out in anguish saying. MY SON, I LOVE YOU: I AM YOUR MOTHER AND I WILL NOT WALK AWAY FROM YOU AT THIS HOUR.   Jesus with a weak voice said to Mary “WOMAN BEHOLD YOUR SON” and to John He said, “SON BEHOLD YOUR MOTHER”.     Mary then knew that John would care for her and that He would be there when she needed him. There is so much suffering in our world... We only have to listen to the daily news to feel the pain in people's lives and in the wider world like Gaza and Ukraine.   Everywhere people stand beneath their Cross every day and experience the most distressing pain and grief watching those they love suffer and die.  In my Chaplaincy at St Thomas’s Hospital almost every week I feel challenged by the many encounters I have especially with parents whose children are seriously ill.  Mary beneath the Cross of her Son all she could do was stand there quietly in His presence. Her calling at that time was to just to “BE THERE”.  A few month’s ago, I was asked to visit a small baby in the NICU (inte nsive care for babies). It was quite challenging as on that day the parents had gone to a funeral of a close relative and I was asked to fill in some time at the end of which I left but before doing so the duty nurse told me that Rosa was not expected to live long and she hoped that the parents would return soon .I remember feeling uncomfortable about leaving so prayed or should I say talked to our Lady and asked her to stand in for me as she did at the foot of the Cross. What a surprise when I found little Rosa still alive the following Monday with her father sitting by her little cot quietly saying the Rosary of the Divine Mercy. I was very humbled and joined in with him.  Here was a grown man not afraid to show his faith and trust in the Mother of God who like him had been at the foot of the Cross The Crosses we stand by may not always mean that someone is dying. Maybe it is someone who is endlessly talking and relaying a journey through old wounds talking at a great rate and not allowing one to make any kind of a response. If this being the case one is indeed beneath the Cross. Listening to someone who is so depressed that all he or she wants to do is give up and no longer live, one has indeed stood on the hill of Calvery. In families where there is a member with alcohol dependency or who is abusing drugs and every day making false promises or in utter denial to a Mother/Faher / Husband or Wife; the listener has indeed stood at the foot of the Cross. Mary stood beneath the cross of Jesus. Standing all that time was indeed very tiring for her to say nothing about the heart ache and sorrow at seeing Jesus die.  Her watching there tells us of her faithfulness.  She was totally present to the intense suffering that Jesus was experiencing. We learn from Mary that the human spirit is very resilient and put to the test can endure. The Martyrs give us an example of what it means to suffer and to die for Christ. Keeping vigil with someone who is suffering and who is near and dear to us requires great strength, faithfulness and a spirit of prayer with the ability to stay with the situation as it is and not to agitate to make it different.  We need to hold out and bear up under tough times and not be destroyed by them.  Like Mary we will find strength to stand there with the help of God. Mary, you have been there before me Weary and worn from the long vigil Saddened by the pain of your loved one Heartbroken by what you could not change I draw inspiration from your journey I, too, can move through the pain of my situation Your faith and courage lead me on. (Author not known)        Sr Assumpta Walsh Lent 2025 .

In the heart of Newcastle-under-Lyme, a meaningful gathering took place, bringing together a diverse tapestry of individuals who are interconnected through their shared values and commitments.  The day commenced with a grand celebratory Mass at noon in Holy Trinity Church led by Canon Paul McNally, the church resounded with the harmonious presence of the school choirs and representatives from various groups that enrich the vibrant community of Coolock. From the esteemed National Catholic Nurses to the dedicated Mercy associates, the event was a testament to the unity and solidarity that define this special place. The atmosphere was filled with warmth as the familiar faces of The SVP, the Walsingham Association, Hospital chaplains, and teachers and pupils from local schools, including St Mary’s, St George, and St Martin's, united in a spirit of togetherness. The occasion saw not only the renewal of commitment by 40 present associates but also the commissioning of two new associates by Sister Patricia Bell, who embraced their roles with reverence and dedication. Lady Susan and Lord John McDonald, both Mercy associates, carried the offertory gifts, symbolizing the values of generosity and community service that underpin the fabric of Coolock. Following the Mass, the celebration continued as Barbara Davies, the Parish Catechist for Holy Trinity parish, led the attendees in uplifting songs of praise. The hall at Holy Trinity Parish transformed into a lively space where 160 guests were treated to lunch prepared by Anne Dwyer and her dedicated staff. The tables adorned with gold-coloured tablecloths displayed elegance and provided a fitting backdrop for the joyful festivities. The highlight of the culinary indulgence was the beautiful celebration cake crafted by Christine Jamieson-Harvey, a talented Mercy associate. The cake not only delighted the guests' taste buds but also served as a visual feast, reflecting the artistry and dedication of the Coolock community. As the guests mingled and enjoyed the festivities, the stage stood as a visual tribute to the legacy and heritage of the Mercy associates. Adorned with the Mercy Cross, the icon of Venerable Catherine McAuley, and the Mercy Associate banner, the stage emanated a sense of reverence and belonging. A photograph commemorating the inaugural group of associates held pride of place, a poignant reminder of the journey and growth that the community has experienced over time. The floral decorations, beautifully arranged by Sr. Marie Windle, added a touch of natural beauty to the surroundings, creating a serene and charming atmosphere that complemented the celebrations perfectly. Sisters Bernadette, Christine, and Margaret Jones, as part of the leadership team, brought wisdom and unity to the event. The strong feeling of community and common goal highlighted Coolock's identity as a sanctuary of love and support, where unity, faith, and compassion unite.The genuine sense of community and shared purpose underscored the essence of Coolock as a place where unity, faith, and compassion come together to create a sanctuary of love and support. As the day concluded, it was evident that the celebration had not only honoured the commitment and dedication of the associates but also reinforced the bonds that tie the Coolock community together in a tapestry of grace and unity. Information from Sr Bridie Stephens & Sr Betty Larkin 19th September 2024

The 24th September, the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy, is our Patronal Feast and I thought it might be helpful to reflect on the life of Venerable Catherine McAuley, our Foundress, since Mercy was Catherine’s overwhelming characteristic.  On the 29th of September 1778 in Stormanstown House Dublin, Catherine Elizabeth McAuley was born to her parents James and Elinor McAuley, both devout Catholics. Catherine’s early years were happy, secure and comfortable in a loving family, with an older sister Mary and a younger brother James. Sadly, when Catherine was less than five years old, her father James, died leaving her mother inadequate in handling the family’s business and the finances. Elinor McAuley was young and impressionable and greatly influenced by people of means who were mainly Protestants who looked on Catholics as poor, depressed, uneducated and downtrodden by three centuries of penal servitude.  While James McAuley was alive his wife, Elinor, was a practising Catholic sustained by her husband’s sincerity and devotion, but sadly the death of James’ changed everything. Elinor squandered his money and sold off valuable property to enable her to maintain a high lifestyle and she associated with ill-advised friends who did not agree with her Catholic beliefs. The family was reduced to sharing accommodation with friends but on the death of Elinor, Catherine and James were homeless regularly using the floor for a bed.  Eventually Catherine and her siblings were taken in by a kind and caring cousin, Dr Armstrong, who was a staunch Protestant and expected all who shared his home to share his beliefs.  Catherine remained steadfast in her Catholic Faith while her siblings followed the beliefs of Dr Armstrong.  This was a trying time for Catherine as mealtimes, especially when guests were present, were used to ridicule the Catholic faith based on Theological discussions.   The survival of Catherine’s faith was nothing short of a miracle. In these circumstances Catherine remained polite, ladylike, gracious and ever grateful for the care and protection of Dr Armstrong. God acts in mysterious ways because it was through remaining in Dr Armstrong’s household that Catherine met the Callaghan’s and was eventually adopted by Mr and Mrs Callaghan and eventually lived with them in Coolock House for twenty years. When both became frail and elderly Catherine proved to be a blessing as she looked after them with gentleness and compassion.   They were devout Protestants and realized their obligation before God to feed the hungry and to be just and caring towards their employees. For them it was a blessing to realize that Catherine had the same sense of justice and concern for the poor and they were delighted to give her the where with to feed the hungry and gather needy children daily in the gatehouse to instruct and feed them.   Gradually Catherine realized that the poor needed more than handouts and daily food.  They needed education, employment and accommodation and a belief that they had self-worth to lift themselves out of idleness and servitude.  It is through this experience that Catherine’s Mercy Life was budding. She began to follow a regular prayer life and was no longer shy in having religious objects displayed in her room.  Little did she know that God was stirring in her heart a desire to make life better for the poor and to give children a sound education with firm instruction in the Catholic Faith.  She was a regular visitor to the homes of the poor, destitute and seriously ill in and around Dublin.  In her faith she was well supported by a Jesuit priest and grew in confidence to witness to her Catholic Faith in a public manner. Mr Callaghan was quite surprised that she would be well known among such a “Vulgar Sect”, but as often happens time and example change things and in the end both Mrs and Mr Callaghan were so impressed by the peace that Catherine received from the practise of her faith that they asked to be received into the Church , Mrs Callaghan on her death bed and Mr Callaghan following the death of his wife. Much to the annoyance of Mr Callaghan’s relatives he bequeathed all his property and money to Catherine since she made it clear to him that she had no interest in marriage but had a calling to find a house and support a few poor women.  All this fell into shape and Catherine built a property in what became known as 64A Lower Baggot Street. She was very precise in giving details to the builders …she needed large rooms, a chapel and classrooms for poor children in the locality who did not have the opportunity to go to school. With this she requested some small bedrooms for ladies who would like to help her in her vison. Choosing Baggot Street was deliberate as she was of the mind that the poor should be visible to the rich so that the latter would be challenged into believing that the poor need help today and not next week.  In making all these plans Catherine had no guarantee that anyone would wish to join her in her vision, but she trusted in God that if it was His work it would succeed. She once said “ IF THIS IS GOD’S WORK IT WILL SUCCEED BUT IF IT IS MIINE THE SOONER IT FALLS TO THE GROUND THE BETTER”   Indeed, it was God’s work because in 1827, five years after the death of Mr Callaghan, her benefactor, the House of Mercy was blessed and opened. Catherine and two assistants, Mary Anne Doyle and Catherine Byrne, took up residence.  The first guests for the House of Mercy were two very young girls who were sisters, and the classrooms began to fill with children from the lanes and back streets of Dublin.  The last thing in Catherine’s mind was to establish a Religious Congregation, she merely wanted a few like-minded people to be part of her vision for those in need.  Soon the House of Mercy was filled with homeless and needy girls who sought protection. Together with that ministry Catherine and her companions were involved in visiting the sick poor in the local hospitals as well as in their own homes.  These were certainly areas of great need, and the church saw with gratitude the amazing work that was being done by Catherine and her followers.     However, not all were approving of the House of Mercy, and it was made clear to Catherine that she was behaving like a Religious Congregation without approval from the Church. To continue this Mercy, work she would have to become a vowed Religious. For this reason, Catherine and two of her companions, Mary Anne Doyle and Elizabeth Harley went to the Presentation Sisters in Georges Hill to follow a Formation Programme. On the 12th December 1831 they made their vows and the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy was born.  On 11th November 1841 Catherine died just a few weeks less than ten years since the Order was founded.   In that short time of ten years Catherine left about 150 Sisters in fourteen Foundations 12 in Ireland, Two in England (Bermondsey and Birmingham) and within another 10 years the number of Sisters rose to three thousand and the Order spread far and wide in Ireland, England, Newfoundland, North America, Australia, New Zealand and South America.  This year on the 19th November we are privileged to celebrate the 185th anniversary of the arrival of Catherine and 5 Sisters to Bermondsey. Among the group was Mother Clare Moore who accompanied Florence Nightingale to the Crimea.  History tells us that the sisters arrived from Liverpool by train to London and that they walked down Tooley Street at 7pm in the pouring rain to an unfinished and unheated Pugin Building.  It is said that they had a hot cup of tea and went to bed. Catherine was not impressed by Pugin’s architecture as she is supposed to have said “I DO NOT LIKE THIS MR PUGIN HE IS DETERMINED THAT WE DO NOT LOOK OUT OF THE WINDOWS” .   The Sisters did not hide behind the Convent walls.  They went out into the Community helping the poor and visiting the sick at home and in St Thomas‘Hospital.  The local Mill Street at the time was an infested slum where Dickens got his inspiration to write Oliver Twist and today if one wished to buy a property there one would need two million pounds in the bank!  Catherine stayed one month with the Community leaving Clare Moore as the Superior.  During that month Catherine received new recruits into the Community among them was Lady Barbara Eyre who took the name of Sister De Sales.  On her Reception Day there were many of the nobility present with 100 poor girls from the parish for whom Catherine and the sisters had made new dresses.  Again, another opportunity for Catherine to make the poor visible to the rich.   Sadly, the Pugin Building was bombed on March 2nd, 1945, and 3 priests in the Presbytery next door were killed. One of the priests, Canon Arbuthnot, was pulled out of the rubble by the milkman and glass regularly had to be removed from his face until he died many years later in St Mary’s Home in Worthing.    The Current Convent was built post-World War 2 and officially opened on the 19th of November 1958. It is not on the site of the Pugin Building as the Locally Authority decided to open the road between Tooley Street and Jamacia Road which made Parker’s Row redundant as the main road. The parish Priest, Canon McManus, suggested that the Sisters exchange their site with the Church making Most Holy Trinity prominent on the main Road and the Convent more secluded on Parker’s Row  During this year of 2024, we will remember the 150th Anniversary of the opening of the Convent in Eltham and we have already anticipated the 150th Anniversary of the death of Mother Clare Moore with a Mass of thanksgiving at St George’s Cathedral. It is our intention to have a Mercy Day Celebration with Mass at 10.30 am in the Church and a Celebratory Meal at 1.00pm with Sisters from Communities nearby joining us for the day.   FOR ALL THAT HAS BEEN WE GIVE THANKS AND FOR WHAT WILL BE WE SAY YES    (Sr Assumpta 20/9/24)

Reflection on the Life of Sr Norma Lynch 27th July 2024 R.I.P. Norma was born in Baltimore in West Cork, which is a place of outstanding natural beauty and is famous for its holiday resorts, folklore and good food. Norma always boasted that one could see the tip of America from Baltimore. When she was a child, her parents located to Killonan, Ballysimon Co. Limerick. Norma was the eldest of seven children and was educated at the Presentation Convent in Limerick, making that long journey every day with her neighbour, Marion McCarthy, later known as Sr Marion RIP. Norma was brought up by her devout parents Tom and Mary Jo and her prayer life was rooted in the family practices of devotion to Our Lady, the Family Rosary and the practice of the First Friday and Sunday Mass. Through the visit of a Religious Sister to her school she learned about Bermondsey and the devastation of life following World War II and how the Sisters were struggling to rebuild their Convent with limited numbers to ensure continuation into the future. Reflecting on this encounter Norma decided to offer herself as a postulant to the Mercy Sisters in Bermondsey and was graciously accepted. This was indeed a shock to her parents and siblings as Norma had many friends and loved socializing. So, in 1953 with the blessing of her family, who had some reservations, Norma joined nine other young women, who entered the Noviciate in Chislehurst, Kent. The large house in Chislehurst was a replacement for the bombed Convent in Bermondsey. Here we are talking about post war England where there was still rationing and many items at the Convent were scarce, including butter. Telling an Irish girl about the scarcity of butter was like telling her about a famine! Despite the early rising at 5.30am, the daily routine of prayer, study, household and other duties together with the apparent scarcity, Norma threw herself whole heartedly into the life and was exemplary in everything she did. She became a reliable assistant to the Superior, Mother Columba RIP, who loved gardening and Norma was her right-hand person who had an extensive knowledge of plants and flowers as well as weeds, all learned from her mother. I remember on one occasion being sent out to help Norma in the garden and after a short while the Superior told me to go in as I had “foolish hands”! Time passed quickly and after excelling in the appropriate exams Norma went to the Training College in Southampton where she graduated as a teacher in 1960 and spent 7 happy years in St Joseph’s School, Dockhead. It is a blessing to meet some of her past pupils in our Sunday Congregation. Having moved on to St Anne’s School Orpington for 11 years Norma finished her Teaching Career at St Mary’s Whitstable where she served as Teacher, Headteacher and Leader of the Mercy Community. Norma excelled in every aspect of her teaching life, always putting the needs of her pupils first and she seemed to have boundless energy for Netball and Football. In Community she was selfless, generous and had the ability to cook, clean and drive for miles if the need arose. Norma was very hospitable and if visitors arrived unexpectedly, she could put a meal on the table in a short time. She was most generous in helping parishioners who needed a listening ear or a lift to hospital to visit a close relative who was seriously ill. She also had the ability to relax and loved a walk by the seaside on a bright evening and if you were her companion you had to be able to it step out. To recap on Norma’s ministries, it is appropriate to include the time she spent with the Catholic Children’s Society under the Direction of the late Fr Jimmy Hurley RIP. She was an excellent House Mother always cooking the food the Children enjoyed and giving endless cups of tea to their families on a Saturday. She was imaginative in organizing games and swimming when we spent two weeks every year with the children at Dymchurch. Norma will be remembered here in Dockhead for the part she played in the life of the parish as Reader, Eucharistic Minister, a Member of the RCIA and the Parish Liturgy Group together with helping Sr Vianney with the Sacristy Work. When needed Norma was always ready to visit the sick at home or in hospital. She had a listening ear with a promise of prayer to Our Lady for all who shared their concerns and worries. To say we will miss Norma in our Mercy Community is an understatement. She has left a huge void in our lives, but we thank God that she lived among us for all those years and that we were blessed with her presence, generosity and concern for each of us. Norma loved her family, and we assure them of our condolences and prayers today and into the future. Go Dté Tú Slán. REST IN PEACE NORMA AND WAIT FOR US ON THE OTHER SIDE Sr Assumpta Walsh 6.8.2024

THE 150th ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF MOTHER CLARE MOORE. Twenty Twenty-Four is a remarkable year of celebration for the Sisters of Mercy in Bermondsey. On the 19th of November we will be giving thanks for the arrival of Venerable Catherine McAuley and five Sisters to Bermondsey and on the 14th of December we will be celebrating with gratitude the life of Mother Clare Moore as we remember the 150th Anniversary of her death. It is only fitting that we should reflect on the huge contribution that Clare made to life in the Archdiocese of Southwark and further afield in the Crimea.   On the 20th of March 1814 Georgina Moore was born in Dublin to George and Catherine Moore who resided in the parish of St Anne. Her parents were non-Catholic.  Sadly, Georgina’s father died when she was only three years old.    In 1823, when Georgina was about nine her mother converted to Catholicism ensuring that her daughter had the opportunity to be brough up in the Catholic faith. It understood that Georgina got acquainted with Catherine McAuley, possibly through attending Mass at the Carmelite Church in Clarendon Street.  Gradually Georgina learned of the work in Baggot Street and decided to join a group of lay women who were devoted helpers of Catherine in what was then a night refuge for homeless poor girls and servant women in mortal danger. It is known historically that these lay women were also involved in visiting the sick poor in local hospitals.  Catherine saw in Georgina an admirable young lady capable of many valuable ministries and she entrusted her own young niece, also called Catherine McAuley, and an adopted cousin to her care as a governess. Georgina, because of ill health, left Baggot Street on a temporary basis and eventually returned to receive the habit on 23/01/1832 being then eighteen years old.  She requested the name Mary Clare it being the Baptismal name of her older sister Mary Clare who later became a Sister of Mercy.   At that time cholera was raging in Dublin and the Sisters found themselves extremely busy working in the hospitals in Townsend Street. On the 24th of March 1833 Georgina made her Final Vows as a Sister of Mercy.   Present in the chapel for the occasion were Daniel Murray, Archbishop of Dublin, Mother Catherine McAuley and several Sisters of Mercy. Clare was an intelligent and an obviously trusted companion of Catherine. It is alleged that she assisted Catherine in the preparation of the original Rule and Constitutions   In July 1837 Clare was sent to Cork to open a Convent and following on from there in 1839 Clare was once again on the move accompanying Catherine and five other Sisters to open the first Convent of Mercy outside Ireland in the parish of Holy Trinity Church Bermondsey. Time did not stand still, and more responsibility was thrust upon her.  It was seen that the Sister appointed to be superior in Bermondsey was more suited to the enclosed life and so her tenure was short lived. The obvious choice for Superior was Mary Clare Moore. The work of the Bermondsey Community was multifaceted.  They visited the sick poor in their homes along Mill Street which was where Dickens got his inspiration to write Oliver Twist and they were well known for visitation at the hospitals of Guys and St Thomas’. The Sisters undertook the instruction of children in preparation for the Sacraments, instructed adult converts, conducted poor schools for female children of the parish and nursery classes for toddlers. They assisted the poor in countless ways providing welfare and the listening ear to many in physical and spiritual difficulty.  Clare Moore was the energy behind all these activities encouraging the community to be steadfast in their resolve to walk with those in every kind of need.  The Bermondsey annals say of her ‘her governing powers were extraordinary as once remarked of her by one of the bishops with whom she worked; she was fit to rule a kingdom’ Catherine McAuley said, ‘ You can never say it is enough ’ and certainly in Clare Moore’s life that was also her maxim. On October 17th, 1854, Clare with four other Bermondsey Sisters went to the Crimea to nurse the wounded and sick soldiers of the British Isles and Ireland who were involved in the war with Russia. They were given three days’ notice to be ready at the request of Bishop Grant of Southwark in a response for nurses by Sidney Herbert, the Secretary at War.   Clare was assigned to the hospital in Scutari Turkey and worked there until peace was declared.   It was under the direction of Florence Nightingale that Clare Moore and the Sisters followed their daily routine.  It was from this experience that Florence Nightingale became close to Clare Moore whom she greatly respected.  The work of the Sisters was varied and not only included nursing but also involved comforting a dying soldier promising to write to his mother or his wife assuring them that he died in peace. Many unpleasant situations confronted the Sisters daily. One Sister wrote home ‘I had two rats in my bed last night or maybe it was the same rat twice’.  Because Clare became seriously ill, she had to leave Scutari before all the wounded had returned home.  Florence Nightingale was deeply saddened to see Clare leave and wrote the following from Balaclava.  ‘You going home is the greatest blow I have had yet, but God’s blessing and my love and gratitude go with you’. During the thirty-five years of her life in Bermondsey Clare’s remarkable skills were put to good use. Word spread to many parts of England about the remarkable Mercy Ministries carried out by the Sisters and many requests arrived seeking foundations.  The following are the ones for which Clare was responsible. CHELSEA................1845 - 1954 BRISTOL.................1846 - 1967 GREAT ORMOND STREET....1856-1899 WIGTON...............1857 - 2007 ABINGDON...........1860 - 2011 CLIFFORD..............1870 - 1971 ELTHAM.................1874 OTHER REQUESTS NOT FULFILLED MAURITIUS – 1858 AGRA INDIA – 1860 NORWICH – 1861 EDINBURGH – 1867 – 1869 Sr Teresa Kearney (on loan) WELLINGTON NEWZEALAND – 1870 Everything that Clare achieved was far from plain sailing but with courage and determination she met each obstacle with faith and courage.  During her tenure in Bermondsey, she worked closely with the hierarchy, but the Bishop with whom she worked very closely was Bishop Thomas Grant, Bishop of Southwark until his death in Rome in 1870.  His correspondence with Clare showed great respect for her integrity and wisdom.  On one occasion he confided to Clare that he was dealing with two very serious matters quickly adding that these matters did not concern the Convent! The Bishop often asked Clare to respond to requests on his behalf such as requests for a Sister to be released to help with nursing a sick person known to the Bishop. There are many letters in the Bermondsey Archives which clearly show Thomas Grant’s helpfulness to Clare and hers to him.  That aside Clare did not neglect her own Sisters and there is much evidence in the Archives to show how diligent Clare was in this matter. To one she wrote “Experience is the best teacher- we grow wise through our blunders”; to another “Do all with an upright intention, and never look back”, and yet to another “We are not angels; faults will be committed, mistakes made. Well, they can be remedied by quiet patience, and cheerfulness above all. Always look on the bright side of everything and don’t let anything trouble you. Clare had a tender devotion to the poor and was instrumental in starting the First Communion Breakfast for the children of the parish which was faithfully carried out in Bermondsey up to Pandemic times. In 1874 she was proactive in establishing the house in Eltham just nine miles down the road when money in Bermondsey was indeed very scarce. That was a real endeavor to assist a huge need where 25 girls were living in abject poverty in a place stripped of everything except miserable straw mattresses and thread bare clothing. In a short time, the place was scrubbed clean and well supplied with essential items to provide the girls with a comfortable place in which to live. On top of that they were given respectable clothing together with good food to enable their welfare and happiness.  Sadly, Clare only lived ten weeks after that challenging undertaking.  On December 2nd she caught a bad cold which developed into pleurisy and on December 14th she died peacefully in her own bed in Bermondsey in her sixty first year. Reflecting on this short article we get insight into an extraordinary Mercy woman of vision, love for humanity especially the poor who was well ahead of her time and who followed Catherine’s maxim ‘ NEVER SAY IT IS ENOUGH’ . We may be tempted to think that it was the 2nd Vatican Council that gave us the authority to launch out and embrace different ministries. Nothing could be further from the truth as we already had a remarkable woman like Clare who saw a need and responded with courage, faith and generosity. May this historical event of 150 years since the death of Clare give us courage to claim our Chapter Mandate “WHAT MERCY MIGHT YET BE “in 2024 and beyond. REST IN PEACE CLARE AND WAIT FOR US ON THE OTHER SIDE Sr Assumpta Walsh February 2024

Mary is the fulfilment of God’s promise to take us to Himself.  Her Assumption is for us a sign of hope and consolation. The Church has declared this Feast as a Holy Day of Obligation so that we take time to attend Mass and thank God for all He has done for Mary. By celebrating this Feast Day, we are reminded of the destiny to which we are called which is to live forever in happiness and perfect fulfilment with God our Father.  Our Blessed Mother Mary has reached that goal already. Mary is the masterpiece of God’s creation.  The Assumption was a fitting conclusion to the holiness and sinlessness of her life. Our Lady has always been a special part of my prayer life and devotion. In June I was privileged to have spent three nights at the Shrine in Knock.  It is estimated that at least three million people visit Knock every year and from April to October is known as the pilgrimage season.  On Saturday 22nd June there were at least 4,000 people in the Basilica for the 3.00pm Mass with the Anointing of the Sick and the Mass concluded with the Blessed Sacrament Procession.  The sick and elderly and families were strongly represented as indeed were many people from the Travelling Community whose children were beautifully dressed and behaved impeccably.  All pilgrims carry in their hearts the favours received through Mary’s intercession be it the grace to bear the burdens of life or in gratitude for favours granted through prayer to Our Lady. We each have our own crosses, trials and tribulations to bear as we live our mortal lives and being human, we might be tempted to think that we are never given the right cross. Even Our Lady did not understand the crosses and sorrows that afflicted her in life. She did not understand why her Son left her and St Joseph for three days which left them looking anxiously for Him and on finding Him preaching in the Temple at age 12 she asked herself WHAT CHILD IS THIS?  When I pray this decade of the Rosary, I remember Madeline McCann and I tell God YOU KNOW WHERE MADELINE IS SO PLEASE GET HER HOME. Those who visit Knock come from far and near and all walks of life. In our lifetime we have seen Pope John Paul 2nd and Pope Francis together with the President of the USA spend time in the Shrine Chapel.  We are told that the President had a private conversation with the priest   who had given the Last Rites to his son, Joseph Robinette Biden known as Beau, who died in 2015 of a brain tumour.    That must have been a very moving experience.   Many a pilgrim has received grace, hope courage and consolation at Knock’s Holy Shrine. It may have been in the Chapel of the Apparition, the Confessional, the Anointing of the Sick or the Rosary Way.  Mary leads each one to her Son Jesus and with full confidence repeats what she said at Cana “DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU” Sr Assumpta Walsh August 2024

MARY STOOD BENEATH THE CROSS "Standing beneath the Cross of Jesus were His Mother, and His Mother's Sister, Mary, the wife of Cleopas and Mary Magdalene". (John 19 v25)” Time passes very quickly with days into weeks and weeks into years. It seems so recently that we celebrated Christmas and already we are reflecting on the significance of Lent. Since Christmas is very much about Our Lady as is the Feast of the Presentation in the Temple known as Candlemas. I thought we might give some attention to how Our Lady features in the season of Lent with special reference to Holy Week. We are aware that Jesus in His public Ministry and indeed before was always a puzzle to His Mother even at a young age when he got lost and was found teaching in the Temple. Most mothers would despair and ask themselves who is this child that I have given birth to?; He doesn't take after me and certainly he doesn't take after his dad. Jesus was the kind of child that every teacher would either love or dread to have in his / her class. As an adult in His public life, He was probably out all day teaching, preaching, visiting the sick and above all communicating with His Heavenly Father. All his left very little time to help Joseph in the carpenter's shop. On top of that Mary probably never knew what time He would return home for food and maybe when Fardid return home He was silent and Mary wonder what He had been up to. I wonder if all this prepared Mary for the horrible day when she met Him on the way to Calvery carrying a huge cross with a crown of thorns and blood flowing down His face disfiguring it beyond recognition. The struggle up the hill behind her Son carrying the Cross was more than most women would have the inner strength to cope with. Maybe Mary leaned on some of the other women in the crowd to steady her feet as the tears flowing down her face would have made it impossible to see the rough terrain. Whatever it was that kept Mary on the journey to Calvery she made it with her son and watched with anguish as the soldiers nailed His broken body to the Cross. To add insult to injury Jesus was crucified between two thieves. The women and John were there with Mary to support and comfort her. If we think that was the most painful happening we need to know that the soldiers continued to ridicule Jesus even to the extent of throwing dice to gamble on who might have His white cloak. The sheer horror of the scene must have made Mary cry out in anguish saying . “My Son I Love You: I Am Your Mother And I Will Not Walk Away From You At This Hour”. Jesus with weak voice said to Mary "Woman Behold Your Son" and to John He said, "Son Behold Your Mother". Mary then knew that John would care for her and that He would be there when she needed him. There is so much suffering in our world. Everywhere people stand beneath their Cross every day and experience the most distressing pain and grief watching those they love suffer and die. In my Chaplaincy at St Thomas's Hospital almost every week I feel challenged by the many encounters I have especially with parents whose children are seriously ill. Mary beneath the Cross of her Son all she could do was stand there quietly in His presence. Her calling at that time was to just "Be There". I remember when I was living in Croydon I was asked to visit a family where the lady of the house was dying. The then curate from St Mary's Parish was called and he administered the Last Rites which he did with great devotion. He then went down and sat at the bottom of the stairs in complete silence quietly saying the Rosary until Dolly upstairs died in the presence of her son and a lifelong friend from their teaching days together. The memory of the priest at the bottom of the stairs affected me deeply and in my Chaplaincy when I am challenged for a response I think of Fr. S saying nothing but by his quiet presence commanding peace and calm to all upstairs and allowing Dolly to die in the most prayer filled presence I have ever experienced. The Crosses we stand by may not always mean that someone is dying. Maybe it is someone who is endlessly talking and relaying a journey through old wounds talking at a great rate and not allowing one to make any kind of a response. If this being the case one is indeed beneath the Cross. Listening to someone who is so depressed that all he or she wants to do is give up and no longer live one has indeed stood on the hill of Calvery, In families where there is a member with alcohol dependency or who is abusing drugs and every day making false promises or utter denial to a Mother/ Father / Husband or wife; the listener has indeed stood at the foot of the Cross. Mary stood beneath the cross of Jesus. Standing all that time was indeed very tiring for her to say nothing about the heart ache and sorrow at seeing Jesus die. Her watching there tells us of her faithfulness. She was totally present to the intense suffering that Jesus was experiencing. We leam from Mary that the human spirit is very resilient and put to the test can endure. The Martyrs give us an example of what it means to suffer and to die for Christ. Keeping vigil with someone who is suffering and who is near and dear to us requires great patience, faithfulness and a spirit of prayer and the ability to stay with the situation as it is and not to agitate to make it different. We need to hold out and bear up under tough times and not be destroyed by the situation. Like Mary we will find strength to stand there with the help of God. Mary you have been there before me, Weary and worn from the long vigil, Saddened by the pain of your loved one, Heartbroken by what you could not change I draw inspiration from your journey I, too, can move through the pain of my situation Your faith and courage leads me on (Author not known) Sr. Assumpta Walsh Lent 2024

On the 31st of January 2024, Coolock welcomed five new Associates to its ever growing Group. Watch as Ann Newman, Lisa Cartlidge, Pat Killeen, Gill Hodgkinson and Jean Elsby make their commitment and follow in the footsteps of the Venerable Catherine McAuley.

Join Sr. Bridie Stephens and the Mercy Associates from Coolock, in Newcastle under Lyme as they carry out the Ritual to Celebrate the death of Catherine McAuley on the 11th November 1841 (links through to YouTube). You can click on Catherine (on the left) or go to the Resources Page, where you'll also find it and other resources to celebrate the life and works of Catherine McCauley.

OUR STECHFORD MERCY ASSOCIATE BETTY GAMBLE RIP A large congregation of family, friends, Sisters & Mercy Associates gathered on Tuesday 21st November at Corpus Christi Church, Stechford to celebrate the life of Elizabeth (Betty) Gamble RIP. Betty was one of the first Associates in our Group and for many years had been a wonderful example of love and mercy to us all. Born in Ireland, she had lived in Stechford, Birmingham for most of her adult life and was widely loved and respected. Betty served our Parish faithfully in looking after the Altar linens and as a member of the Finance Committee to which she brought her expertise. She also looked after our shared ‘Mercy’ purse from which she faithfully arranged Mass offerings whenever the Sisters & Associates wanted Mass said for a sick member of our group, a bereaved family member or a special happy occasion. Among the congregation at Betty’s Requiem Mass were people with whom Betty had been associated – her employers from a family Accountants business whose Muslim faith she deeply respected and who had visited her in hospital. Also present were Nick, Ritsa & Helen, Betty’s hairdressers, who treated her with unfailing kindness and had visited her in her Care Home before she died. She lived just across the road from both businesses and could be spotted crossing over at the lights to keep her appointments, often with flowers or treats in hand for the staff. At her reception the night before, we were privileged to place our Group’s Mercy prayer cloth over Betty’s coffin along with her well-used copy of the Mercy Office Book and a Mercy candle. The Requiem Mass was indeed very special. Betty’s beloved family shared many anecdotes about her long & varied life! One of the most moving moments for our Associate group & Sisters Maura & Maureen was our singing of Venerable Catherine McAuley’s ‘Suscipe’ after Holy Communion. Betty was devoted to our Foundress. She read her Mercy Office book daily and performed many acts of love and mercy throughout her life. As her friends and fellow Associates, we would like to thank all those who made wonderful comments about Betty’s ‘Mercy’ Mass. You will be greatly missed, Betty. May you rest eternally in the arms of Jesus. Mary Moyles, Stechford Mercy Associates. November 2023

Mrs Rita Kennedy, one of Coolock's first Mercy Associates died on the 26th October 2023. Her funeral was held at Holy Trinity Church in Newcastle Under Lyme on 9th November, her body having been taken into the church the previous evening with her eight sons and their families in attendance. After the Reception Service they all came to Coolock to see where Rita visited on so many occasions and where she attended the Associate meetings. They enjoyed a good cup of tea and chatted with the sisters, Sr Maura, Sr Bridie, and Sr Betty. They enjoyed looking at photographs of Rita with her friends and Associates in Coolock and took great comfort from this. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her, may she rest in peace.