MAY | JUNE 2015 Bimonthly publication for sisters, associates and companions of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas

also in this issue: Catholic Social Tradition and Mercy’s Past, Present and Future For the Least of These: Climate Change and Conversion Table of Contents MAY | JUNE 2015

page 4 page 8 page 12

FEATURES

“Women Spirit Rising,” by Mary Southard, CSJ. ZZZ0DU\6RXWKDUG$UWRUJ 7KHÀQDOUHSRUW 4 Hopes and Unexpected Gifts after the Apostolic Visitation of the Apostolic Visitation offers fresh hopes By Sisters Terri Bednarz (South Central), Amy Hoey (Northeast), for women religious. Read perspectives from across the Institute on page 4. Pat McDermott (Institute president), Angelina Mitre (CCASA/Panama),

&RUUHFWLRQ7KH6SLFHRI0HUF\/LIHUHÁHFWLRQ Janet Rozzano (West Midwest) and Mayon Sylvain (Mid-Atlantic) in the March | April issue contained a PLVLGHQWLÀHGSLFWXUH7KHSLFWXUHSULQWHG is of Sister Mary Annrita Mitchell, longtime 8 Catholic Social Tradition and Mercy’s Past, OLEUDULDQDW(GJHFOLII&ROOHJH Present and Future By Sister Patricia Talone, Ph.D. (Mid-Atlantic)

12 For the Least of These: Climate Change and Conversion

BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION FOR SISTERS, ASSOCIATES By Sister Rita Parks (West Midwest) AND COMPANIONS OF THE INSTITUTE OF THE SISTERS OF MERCY OF THE AMERICAS

Publisher The Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas COLUMNS 8380 Colesville Road, #300 Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-6264 tel 301.587.0423 11 Vocation & Incorporation | Getting to the Heart [email protected]

Editor of the Matter Lauren Tyrrell [email protected] By Sister Cynthia Serjak (Institute New Membership Office)

Design and Production RoundPeg Translation 16 Justice | Practicing Active Hope Leads to More Many thanks to our translators!

Advisory Board Sustainable Future for All Sisters Camille D’Arienzo, Anne Curtis, Ivette Diaz, Kathleen Erickson, Diane Guerin and Patricia Kenny. By Marianne Comfort (Institute Justice Team) Associate Kathleen Wade. Anne Boyle and Sue Carroll.

Articles or portions thereof are protected by copyright laws and therefore cannot be reproduced or reprinted without the permission of ¡Viva! Mercy and/or the author. DEPARTMENTS Visit www.sistersofmercy.org for highlighted articles from this publication. ¡Viva! Mercy is printed on acid free, elemental chlorine-free 2 Community Update paper containing 50 percent recycled content including 15 percent post consumer waste. Compiled by Mercy Communicators

17 Spice of Mercy Life By Sister Sheila Carney (New York, Pennsylvania, Pacific West) From the Institute Leadership Team

Dear Sisters, Associates, Companions and Mercy Volunteers,

Traditionally the month of May invites us to ponder and pray with Mary, that young spirit-filled Jewish woman who delight- ed in God. Theologian Elizabeth A. Johnson, CSJ, encourages us to connect our life-story with Mary’s, thereby tapping our courage and depth of imagination to enact God’s dream for our world today. Mary was a strong and intelligent woman; she was not submissively pious. Mary actually had the wits to question the angel who visited and shared God’s invitation for her life. Like so many women of our world today Mary experienced poverty and suffering, oppression, flight and exile. Yet, in the midst of life’s daily struggles Mary gave active and responsible consent to the invitation of God; she heard the word of God and acted on it. In many respects Mary reminds us of Catherine McAuley, another woman who heard the word of God within her own life circumstances and acted upon it. We can only imagine that she too had the wits to question both herself and God about her desires, dreams and practical but enterprising plan to respond to the poor of Dublin in her own day.

THE INSTITUTE LEADERSHIP TEAM Recalling Mary and Catherine is not an exercise in nostalgia. Looking back on our lives or (STANDING) SISTERS PAT MCDERMOTT, the lives of others is always in service of the future. As Elizabeth Johnson states, “memory MARY PAT GARVIN, EILEEN CAMPBELL; releases energy for discipleship.” The memory of Mary and Catherine inspires us to make (SEATED) SISTERS ANNE CURTIS AND courageous choices in our own lives, to ask “what really matters” and to partner with God DEBORAH TROILLETT in creating a future that, of necessity, is always at least partially unknown. As Sisters of Mercy of the Americas we are presently exploring our future and how best to move forward as we continue “to seek justice, to be compassionate and to reflect mercy to our world” (Constitutions, 84). Journeying into the future always requires that we tap our personal and communal courage and depth of imagination so that we, like Mary and Catherine, may hear the word of God and act on it in our own day. So during this month of May let us pray that the God of mercy, wisdom and mystery may guide us in the months to come as we ponder our future for the sake of our life and mission in God’s suffering world.

In Mercy,

MAY | JUNE 2015 ¡Viva! Mercy 1 Community Update COMPILED BY MERCY COMMUNICATORS

NORTHEAST CARIBBEAN, CENTRAL AMERICA, SOUTH AMERICA

THE NORTHEAST AND NyPPaW Community Leadership Teams AS THE YEAR of are pleased to announce that Sister Laurie Orman (NyPPaW) has Consecrated Life been appointed as the new vocation minister for the Northeast/ continues, various NyPPaW New Membership Team. The team consists of vocation CCASA countries ministers Sister Dale Jarvis (Northeast), Sister Laurie Orman sponsored retreats. (NyPPaW) and Mercy Argentina invited Associate Angie Sister Gail Worselo, Giuffre (NyPPaW) and CP, founder of incorporation minister Green Mountain 6LVWHUV1RUPD)HUQiQGH] $UJHQWLQD *DLO Sister Kathy Sisson Monastery in :RUVHOR6*0,PHOGD6XOOLYDQ $UJHQWLQD DQG (NyPPaW). Vermont, for a four- 1RUPD$UJHULFKLQDQLPDWHGFRQYHUVDWLRQDIWHU The Leadership day retreat based on *DLO·VSUHVHQWDWLRQ Teams of the Northeast the works of Pierre and NyPPaW Comm- Teilhard de Chardin and Thomas Berry. The sisters in Chile began unities also wish to their 50th anniversary year with Sister Mary Sullivan (Northeast) thank outgoing vocation leading them in days of reflection entitled, “Following Jesus Christ, minister Sister Phyllis with Catherine McAuley.” In Peru, CCASA sisters gathered with Marie Zaworski Sisters of Mercy from Newfoundland and Ireland for days of prayer (NyPPaW) for her and reflection on Catherine’s Suscipe, led by Sister Mary Pat Garvin five years of dedication (Institute Leadership Team). and service. The Prophetic Voice Commission organized a workshop in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, in March with “No to Violence” as its theme. Two sisters and/or associates from each country partici- 6LVWHU/DXULH2UPDQQHZ pated with Associate Nelly Del Cid (Honduras) facilitating. YRFDWLRQPLQLVWHUIRUWKH Country coordinators met in early May in Panama with the 1RUWKHDVW1\33D:1HZ CCASA Community Leadership Team and planning commission 0HPEHUVKLS7HDP for final preparations for the community gathering in July.

MID-ATLANTIC

CELEBRATIONS ABOUND in the Mid-Atlantic Community! Over 95 sisters celebrated their jubilees this calendar year at local liturgies and events. These wonderful women were acknowledged for their dedication, love and service following in the footsteps of Catherine McAuley. Sisters were also recognized during National Catholic Sisters Week at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, New Jersey, at an Evening Experience. The purpose of this event was to instruct, enlighten and bring greater focus to the lives of women religious. Over 30 sisters gathered with college students in prayer to listen, share their vocation stories and familiarize students with religious life. At the gathering, students premiered videos of interviews with sisters they produced and developed earlier in the year. The videos 0LG$WODQWLFVLVWHUVDQG*HRUJLDQ&RXUWVWXGHQWVWDNHD´VHOÀHµDWWKH1DWLRQDO will become part of the National Catholic Sisters Week oral &DWKROLF6LVWHUV:HHN(YHQLQJ([SHULHQFH )URQWIURPOHIW 6WXGHQW0HJDQ history project, chronicling the life stories of Catholic sisters .HOO\DQG6LVWHU5RVHPDU\-HIIULHV %DFNIURPOHIW -DPLH+DQGVWXGHQW and their profound impact on the world today. 6LVWHUV&DURO+HQU\DQG0DU\/RX0LOOHUDQG$OH[DQGULD*UD]LRVLVWXGHQW

2 ¡Viva! Mercy MAY | JUNE 2015 WEST MIDWEST

THE WEST MIDWEST Community Ministry Office is turning its attention to ministry into the future. They gathered with 12 sisters from throughout the Community for a discussion on “Ministry Matters.” The group engaged in a creative process, facilitated by Michael Culliton, by sharing experiences of the current reality of ministry and thinking creatively about its future. Sister Kathy Thornton said, “One of the goals of Ministry Matters was to have audacious conversation. My skeptical side questioned, ‘Audacious conversation in the midst of declining 5HFHQWO\PHHWLQJLQ2PDKD1HEUDVNDIRU0HUF\0LQLVWU\0DWWHUVZHUH IURQW numbers and diminishing funds?’ However, we talked energetically IURPOHIW 6LVWHUV9LFNLH%UDG\5LWD(VSDU]D/DXUD5HLFNV &/7SUHVLGHQW .DWK\ and realistically about ministry in this awkward ‘middle space’ 7KLOO&DURO6WRHFNOLQDQG6XVDQ2·&RQQRUDQGIDFLOLWDWRU0LFKDHO&XOOLWRQ EDFN  time. Our fourth vow is alive and well as we learn together new 6LVWHUV*DEULHOOH0DULH-RQHV$QQH0DULH0LOOHU &/7 0DUJDUHW0DU\+LQ] ways to express it. Ministry matters!” &/7 0DULH+HQGHUVRQ.DWK\7KRUQWRQ3HJ0DORQH\6XVDQ6DQGHUV &/7  0DULD.ORVRZVNL &/7 5LWD6SHFKW.DUHQ.LHOEDQG7DU\Q6WDUN

NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, PACIFIC WEST (NyPPaW) SOUTH CENTRAL

SISTER MARIE PREPARATIONS FOR Assembly 2016, which will be held June Michele Donnelly 21-25, 2016, at the Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord in North (Mid-Atlantic) Carolina, are well underway. Sister Nancy Schreck, OSF, a past will talk on president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious “Living in Mercy, (LCWR) and a biblical scholar, will serve as assembly keynote Remembering the speaker. Sister Nancy delivered the keynote address at the 2014 Call, Celebrating LCWR Assembly. the Vows” at the Some 70 heads of ministry and board members gathered Theology of a March 9-10 in Belmont, North Carolina, for the 2015 Sponsored Merciful Heart Ministry Forum with the theme “Our Catholic and Mercy gathering, July 17- Identity in Today’s Church and World.” The goal of the forum 19 at Mercyhurst was to help heads of ministry, who could face church-related University in Erie, issues in the future, make potentially difficult decisions from an Pennsylvania. 6LVWHU3DXO0DULH:HVWODNHLVSLFWXUHGZRUNLQJRQD informed perspective. Sister Sharon Euart, a canon lawyer, Holy Cross GROOKRXVHWREHUDIÁHGRIIWREHQHÀWWKH$XWLVP6RFLHW\RI addressed a forum on “Sponsors, Ministry Leaders and Church High School in 1RUWKZHVWHUQ3HQQV\OYDQLD Leaders Working Together in Mission” and provided direction Kolambugan, for breakout sessions. Philippines, no longer has to depend on rainwater thanks to 6LVWHU(ODLQH6HEHUD a deep-water well that went into service in February, providing OHIW FKDLUOHDGV water for the entire campus. $VVHPEO\6WHHULQJ Sister Susan Welsh, president and CEO of Pittsburgh Mercy &RPPLWWHHPHPEHUV Health System, was among 20 women honored by the Allegheny including Sister Marilyn County (Pennsylvania) District Attorney’s Office at the Women *RWWHPRHOOHU ULJKW  of Achievement Awards. Additionally, Sister Patricia Whalen was WKURXJKWKHDJHQGD presented the Distinguished Alumni Award for Service by DWDSODQQLQJPHHWLQJ Mercyhurst Prep, Erie. LQ%HOPRQW1RUWK In music news, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops &DUROLQD selected text written by Sister Cynthia Serjak, director of the Institute New Membership Office, for a hymn titled “Wake Up the World,” as the official song for the Year of Consecrated Life.

MAY | JUNE 2015 ¡Viva! Mercy 3 A COLLECTION OF REFLECTIONS

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MAY | JUNE 2015 ¡Viva! Mercy 5 SISTER PAT MCDERMOTT feast, pulsing as it does with new life and spontaneity, but INSTITUTE PRESIDENT the announcement of the Apostolic Visitation came as a cold shower on a bright, sunny day. Surely, we have serious issues One style of leadership called for the Apostolic Visitation to confront as fewer women seek vowed membership, but the in January 2009, and a very different one reflected on its announcement brought with it an atmosphere of suspicion findings in December 2014. Throughout the press confer- and negative pre-judgment that I found distressing. ence, Cardinal João Braz de Aviz (CICLSAL’s prefect) and My gratitude for our ILT’s courage and integrity deep- Archbishop José Rodríguez Carballo, O.F.M. (CICLSAL’s ened as they engaged in the Visitation process on our behalf. secretary) offered their gratitude and spoke with great As the Visitation process dragged on, I’ll admit that I lost respect about the ministries and lives of women religious. interest, but I did gain renewed hope from the gifts that Pope Even their recommendations were invitational and aspira- Francis brought to all of us. Mother Clare Millea, ASCJ, earned tional, rather than the critique we had feared. my gratitude for the way she coordinated the process. I’m For many of us who witnessed the aftermath of Vatican encouraged by what I’ve read regarding the final report. There II—its foibles and its movements forward—we take a view seem to be renewed opportunities for mutual trust in the of history. The Church is both human and evolving, and our multiple expressions of religious life in our Church. May we experience teaches us to be realistic. Yet, we take heart in the continue to rejoice in one another’s versions of the Magnificat! hopes offered to us by CICLSAL’s report. At this moment in time, the Church seems committed to actively involve “compe- SISTER MARY JANET ROZZANO tent women religious … in ecclesial dialogue” about women’s leadership in the church. There’s a call for women religious WEST MIDWEST COMMUNITY and our brother bishops to intensify our collaboration. For me, the Apostolic Visitation held two gifts. First, it has There’s hope that the “Francis effect” is moving us toward deepened my understanding of the vow of obedience as more conversation, mutuality and dialogue. expressed in our Constitutions. If the only thing we used We celebrate these hopes as well as the unexpected gifts to guide us through this process had been paragraph 28 of we found in the process of the Apostolic Visitation: our abili- our Constitutions, it would have been enough. That article ty to work well with the Church through a very complex pro- “impels us to search together for God’s will in fidelity to our cess; our ability to come together and work well with other mission.” This was a communal effort, involving members, congregations of women religious; our delight and gratitude leaders and other congregations. Our focus was outward— for the affirmation we received from our lay colleagues; and our mission expressed in community life and ministry. finally, our presence throughout the process that ended in a Paragraph 28 goes on to state what for me is the most essen- positive outcome: deeper respect for our ministries and lives. tial and demanding aspect of obedience: “Responsible obedi- ence requires that we inform our minds and prepare our hearts SISTER MAYON SYLVAIN for dialogue… .” In our search for the truth we had to share MID-ATLANTIC COMMUNITY honestly what we were thinking and feeling and what actions we thought our leaders should take. The challenge was to “lis- As women religious, we responded to the Apostolic ten to one another in love and accept conversion to God’s will.” Visitation the way women do. We gathered and shared That kind of openness and willingness to be influenced by one our experiences and welcomed the support of our sisters another is a rare, much needed quality in our world today. and brothers. Having embraced the mystery of our call as Finally, paragraph 28 speaks of the fruit of obedience, not followers of Jesus, we heeded the call of our community as something achieved by our own efforts alone, but by Spirit- leaders to enter into contemplation as a body. The invita- given wisdom and courage. And what does the Spirit enable tion to contemplation was a natural inclination for us— us to do? We don’t necessarily “win” or get things to go our contemplation and action. way, but we are able “to embrace the cross in whatever shape Catherine McAuley called us to serve those who are poor, it presents itself.” At first look, that doesn’t sound like such a sick and seeking truth, especially women. Catherine, howev- great gift. But certainly we know the cross is an indispensable er, encountered many challenges, kept her focus and received part of the paschal mystery leading to new and transformed life. the guidance and support to address those circumstances. The second gift of the Visitation flows naturally from this We, Sisters of Mercy, have a model in the instructions of understanding of obedience. It is the nonviolent manner in Catherine and the story of her life. We know, also, the bless- which we have worked with both the Apostolic Visitation ings of women religious of other congregations, our associates and the investigation of LCWR. I am inspired and proud that and partners as companions on the journey. We welcome the we have chosen this way. I believe in the value of our efforts support of members of the clergy who walk with us. to work nonviolently, respecting those with whom we disagree, willing to stay in dialogue with them, and resist- SISTER AMY HOEY ing polarizing “we/they” and “good guy/bad guy” kinds of NORTHEAST COMMUNITY thinking. What a powerful witness for church and world at a Inserting the word “apostolic” before “visitation” changed the time when violence in speech and behavior abounds! What meaning of a favorite joyful mystery. I have long loved that a mercy-filled legacy for those who will follow us!

6 ¡Viva! Mercy MAY | JUNE 2015 SISTER TERRI BEDNARZ SOUTH CENTRAL COMMUNITY Sunlight As a sister in higher education, I am part of a generation of shines into sisters who have been significantly challenged and shaped by St. Peter’s postmodern perspectives. I bring this lens to my reflections. Basilica The Visitation process and the subsequent report on con- in Vatican secrated life brought to light several key observations for City. Photo me. First, the gap between traditional practices and shift- by Flickr ing theologies continues to grow wider. The address of user John Sister Laurie Brink, OP, to LCWR in 2007, “A Marginal Williams, Life: Pursuing Holiness in the 21st Century,” brought Ph.D. some of these perspectives to the forefront. Creative Second, there is a concern in the report that a growing Commons number of sisters experience the mystical in ways that License do not center on Christ. This may be unsettling for some available at sisters, but for others, it is a hopeful shift informed by http://bit.ly/ postmodern theologies. 1hYHpKw.

Third, the language of the report reveals nuanced A COLLECTION OF REFLECTIONS patriarchal views which can be read positively, but these nuances reveal condescending language. Particularly trou- bling to me is the line: “We will continue to work to see that competent [emphasis added] women religious will be actively involved in ecclesial dialogue regarding ‘the pos- sible role of women in decision-making in different areas of the Church’s life’ (Evangelii Gaudium, 104).” Why the need for the qualifier, “competent”? Finally, while we value the various aspects of our lives (theological, human, cultural, spiritual and pastoral) as noted in the report, we continue to struggle with the prac- ticalities of integrating these into our current community lifestyles. More importantly, we struggle to integrate these aspects in ways that are meaningful to us as women, and in ways meaningful to those we serve.

SISTER ANGELICA MITRE CARIBBEAN, CENTRAL AMERICA, SOUTH AMERICA COMMUNITY

I thought [the Apostolic Visitation] could be a tense expe- rience, but not necessarily negative. In religious life, we are called to be prophetic; that is, to show a different way of life. In this way, authority is given, as an exercise in FOR FURTHER READING dialogue, of common decision-making. … The Visitation process gave evidence of the contribu- tions of so many consecrated women that have given their Apostolic Visitation Final lives to make Jesus Christ present, especially to the most vulnerable. For the Institute of Mercy, it was an exercise Report ELWO\$9ÀQDOUHSRUW of gathering all of our strength, ingeniousness, creativity and vitality of many years, that has been manifested in the From Global Sisters Report: works of mercy. It is the testimony of our leadership that Q&A with Sister Dolores we carry out [these works], together with the laity. We are one among many servants—we do not serve as supe- Liptak (Northeast), a member riors, but as sisters who walk with the people. With Saint of the Apostolic Visitation Paul, we can say: “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called Team, by Dawn Cherie Araujo according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). ELWO\'RORUHV/LSWDN Catholic Social Tradition & Mercy’s Past, Present and Future

BY SISTER PATRICIA TALONE, Ph.D.

Catherine McAuley founded her ministry and then a command to “Go and do likewise”—feeding the hun- religious congregation at a time of tectonic societal gry, tending the sick and educating those in need and cultural shift. Many parts of the world were rap- of learning. Is it any wonder that Sisters of Mercy idly moving from an agrarian to anindustrial econo- claim that a passion for social justice is in our DNA? my, workers were leaving the country for the city, and Moreover, Catherine established religious founda- deplorable living conditions rendered many persons tions, granting each one sufficient autonomy to assess (particularly women and children) vulnerable to sick- and address the needs of the people in their specific ness, poverty and exploitation. More than 50 years locale. Having formed and mentored the sisters, she before the Church’s magisterium articulated a formal enabled them to maximize their own creativity at the social teaching, Catherine was living the scriptural service of the common good.

8 ¡Viva! Mercy MAY | JUNE 2015 The Elements of Catholic sities (particularly but not exclusively chapel in Rome’s Trastevere neighbor- Social Tradition Catholic universities) and within social hood to pray. Today, the Sant’ Egidio Those engaged in the multitudes of service and health care ministries. Community (as they became known), ministries of the Church sometimes Social teaching and thought can have numbering over 60,000 members, com- speak almost facilely about the Church’s little impact upon our society with- mits itself to prayer, communicating social teaching without fully acknowl- out the daily, heroic actions of indi- the gospel, dialogue, ecumenism and edging the richness, complexity and viduals and organizations ministering solidarity with the poor. In each age, scope of our tradition, or recognizing with and for the Church throughout the Spirit inspires generous women and and celebrating their own place within the world. Catholic social practice, or men who recognize that those who suffer it. The Catholic Social Tradition (see praxis, takes place anywhere a com- are their sisters and brothers. diagram below) is comprised of three mitted individual labors to educate, integrally-related parts: social teaching, comfort, guide or lead others in the Where are We? social thought and social practice. Each name of Jesus Christ. Historically, Like Catherine McAuley before us, element continually informs, challenges dynamic individuals and movements Mercy sisters, companions, associates and shapes the others. have emerged within the Church to and Mercy Volunteer Corps mem- Catholic social teaching originates address the specific needs of what bers continually engage in the arenas from the magisterium or teaching Pope Francis calls “God’s holy people.” of social thought and social practice. authority of the Church; that is, the Similar to Catherine’s response to the Catherine, while neither a theologian pope and the bishops in communion challenges of the Industrial Revolution, nor a solicitor, nonetheless exercised with the pontiff. John Paul II, in his Dorothy Day, inspired by social activ- her considerable influence and con- 1987 encyclical Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, ist Peter Maurin, started the Catholic nections to engage in dialogue with described this teaching as the “accurate Worker Movement in the midst of the both ecclesial and civic leaders of her formulation of the results of a careful Great Depression to provide food, cloth- time, improving the plight of those reflection on the complex realities of ing, shelter and, most important of all, who were in need. Today her followers human existence” (41). Rooting their dignity to the many persons who were are attorneys, physicians, psychologists, work first in sacred scripture, the pope unemployed and poor. advocates, theologians, social analysts, and bishops draw upon the Church’s Again, after World War II, when educators, pastoral associates and any theological tradition as well as upon thousands of men, women and chil- profession that reaches out to those at its rich and varied pastoral expertise to dren were displaced, Catholic Relief the peripheries. address complex and difficult realities. Services, an international humanitar- Those who are busy about the work Catholic social thought, multidis- ian agency of the Church, stepped in to which they are called can often over- ciplinary in nature, is the work of to relocate and reestablish individuals look the important interplay between and philosophers, theologians, economists, and families needing homes, medical among the three elements of the Church’s political scientists and educators bring- care and education. social tradition. Conciliar documents and ing their knowledge and analysis to Later, in the vibrant after-glow of the papal encyclicals do not emerge in a bear upon the complex realities of our Second Vatican Council, young teenaged vacuum; they build upon the work of day. This process is ongoing in univer- lay women and men gathered in a small the broader church. An example illus-

CATHOLIC SOCIAL Catholic TRADITION Social Catholic Teaching Social Thought

Catholic Social Practice trates this point. A well-known tenet of Sisters Kathleen Keenan (Mid-Atlantic), Donna Conroy the Church’s social teaching, articulated (Northeast) and Jane Hot- in Leo XIII’s encyclical Rerum Novarum stream (South Central) join (1891), highlights the dignity and rights in group discussion during of workers. What is not so well known is the March meeting of that some in the late nineteenth-century the Institute Leadership church had urged Leo XIII to condemn Conference. The exploration unions because of their secret practices of one leadership team and rituals, fearing that participation in and one center of authority unions might lure faithful Catholics away was a primary focus. from the Church. Other Church lead- ers, particularly in rapidly industrializing countries like England, Canada and the United States, recognized that faithful Attentiveness to those at the coal face needy. Honoring experience demands Catholics, already suffering from perse- arises from the most fundamental of all prayer, reflection and dialogue in order cution and poverty, needed the strength social principles—the inherent dignity to ground one’s ministry. Advocacy of association to protect their ability to of each person. It recognizes that work and social action on behalf of those make a living. A few cardinals, influenced changes people; that it can enhance or at the margins of society influence us by priests and religious and lay leaders in suppress the individual’s dignity. John who are engaged in social thought and their own dioceses, traveled to Rome to Paul II, in Centesimus Annus (1991), social teaching. Dialogue with others urge the pontiff not to condemn unions, noted that “a community of a higher is an integral part of the contemporary but rather to uphold the dignity and rights order should not interfere in the internal asceticism of social justice. of workers. Dialogue and listening on life of a community of lower order… but As the Institute moves forward toward behalf of ecclesiastics, scholars and those rather, should support it in case of need one leadership team and one center of working in parishes with families directly and help to coordinate its activity … authority, leadership and membership affected by the Industrial Revolution acted with a view to the common good.” The have an opportunity to live out the prin- in tandem to bring about the articulation Pontifical Council on Justice and Peace, in ciple of subsidiarity through ongoing of this historic teaching document. its 2012 document, “The Vocation of the conversation and mutual dialogue. Mercy Business Leader,” asserted that subsidiar- demands “staying at the table” on behalf 6XEVLGLDULW\ ity “recognizes that in human societies, of those who are not represented or smaller communities exist within larger whose voices are not heard. Each one is It would be impossible to highlight ones … (subsidiarity) insists that the even more obligated to creatively maxi- each principle or component of the freedom and input of those closest to the mize opportunities to speak to and hear Catholic Social Tradition in an article effects to be felt should not be arbitrari- the voices of those at the “coal face.” such as this one. But, given ongo- ly disregarded.” Subsidiarity, it asserts, Pope Benedict, in his encyclical Caritas ing changes—including the Institute “fosters initiative, innovation, creativity in Veritate (2009), warned that “As soci- Leadership Conference’s exploration and a sense of shared responsibility.” ety becomes even more globalized, it of one leadership team and one center This practice is exactly what Catherine makes us neighbors, but does not make of authority by 2023—the principle of implemented when she granted each us brothers [or sisters] … This [relation- subsidiarity deserves a brief commen- new foundation the autonomy that was ship] originates in a transcendent voca- tary. Webster defines the characteristic needed to meet needs at a local level. tion from God the Father, who loved as a “principle in social organizations,” us first, teaching us through the Son noting that “functions which local what … charity is” (19). Pope Benedict’s organizations perform more effectively &RQFOXVLRQ words echo Catherine McAuley’s nine- belong more properly to them than to a The contemporary follower of Catherine teenth-century retreat instructions: “Our dominant central organization.” McAuley has much to learn from the charity must be in our hearts and from Countries within the United Kingdom Church’s rich social tradition. We must our hearts, and a charity such as Jesus colloquially speak of the importance of be rooted in prayer, honor our ministe- Christ practiced while on earth.” being at the “coal face.” They theorize rial experience, speak and act for justice that when a mining accident occurs, and engage in ongoing dialogue with Sister Patricia Talone authorities should not first speak to man- co-workers as well as Church and civic (Mid-Atlantic) is a theo- agers who sit in an above-ground office. leaders. While involved primarily in logical ethicist. She serves They need to speak to those who have social practice, one must honor the deep as vice president of Mission been at the coal face, know the work at personal experience that accompanies Services for the Catholic hand and live with the dangers therein. ministering with and for the poor and Health Association of the United States.

10 ¡Viva! Mercy MAY | JUNE 2015 VOCATION & INCORPORATION

Getting to the Heart of the Matter

The ministry of new membership, the work we call vocation and incor- poration, requires deep and attentive listening skills. It means being familiar with the different languages the human heart may speak as it opens to the powerful invitation of God’s call. When we first encounter young women who inquire about becoming a sister, we sometimes find that the words they use to express the hunger that is in them may not be the words we would use. The vocabulary of our religious life has been honed over many years of prayer, study and talking with one another. We are not able even to hear this special vocabulary because it is so much a part of the fabric of our lives. When young people try to express their thoughts, their language may sound foreign to us. This may be because they have not been exposed to the language of the spiritual life. In churches where preaching centers Sister Corlita Bonnarens (South Central) and Phuong Dong, novice. mostly around doctrine, the vocabulary that describes the deep longing in the hearts of people may not be heard. might judge to be too “traditional” what I thought I wanted [e.g. a chance A steady diet of certain kinds of music, or not enough “Vatican II.” What is to make a difference in the world], while attractive to the younger spirit, to be savored in all this, is that the call but now I can see that this is what I may also be lacking in expressions of persists. God is faithful and continues really want [e.g. a deepening relation- the deeper spiritual longing expressed, to inspire young people to search for ship with the Source of all Life].” for example, in psalmody. what is valuable in their lives. But their This learning enables them to get to Many young people, through no search is made difficult when they are the heart of the matter. Accompanying fault of their own, are not taught how not offered a context in which to frame it. them may be the most important work to pray, or even that they can pray. It is important for us to listen we can do these days. As we harvest This leaves them with only a vague beneath their words and to begin to the richness of many years of probing feeling about or loose connection share with them the rich vocabulary the depths of religious living, we can to divine grace in their lives. They may of the spiritual life. It is quite a poverty share with those who are hungry, par- come to us expressing a sense of some- to be without the words to name the ticularly young women, a way to speak thing missing, something for which deep longing in our hearts. When people about these matters of the heart. they have no name. Perhaps they are begin to hear those words, a new able to share this only a little, or per- world opens to them and they often —By Sister Cynthia Serjak haps they use words that we express delight. They may say: “This is (Institute New Membership Office)

MAY | JUNE 2015 ¡Viva! Mercy 11 C L I M A T E C H A N G E A N D C O N V E R S I O N

BY SISTER RITA PARKS

12 ¡Viva! Mercy MAY | JUNE 2015 was a warm evening in late In the weeks and months between that 1 Communications September 2014 after an evening and now, these cries of Earth and of from Religions for the Earth Conference (2014). even warmer day. The last of people pursue me. They continue to call me The stated purpose of the more than 400,000 who to see Earth with new eyes that behold the the conference was to ITjoined the People’s Climate March in New beauty, yes, but that also look beyond to an “bring together more York City, New York, that morning were still Earth scarred, despoiled and gasping for air. than 200 religious and spiritual leaders of moving toward the end point. Many who They call me to more clearly understand that diverse traditions from had finished earlier were now part of another our lives and future are irrevocably entwined around the world to gathering—a multi-faith service filling the with that of Earth, and to the chilling reality explore spirituality and vast spaces of the great Cathedral of Saint that when Earth can no longer support its faith-based action related John the Divine in Manhattan’s Morningside own life, it cannot support our lives, either. to climate change.” Heights neighborhood. In this sacred space, We who are privileged are living beyond the 2 Wallis, Jim (2014). scientists and activists, artists and officials had means of Earth to support us. Climate Conversion in been invited to “share [their] moral commit- It goes without saying that these inconve- New York. Sojourners blog. Retrieved from ment with the wider public and concentrate nient truths are not new understandings. Yet bit.ly/ClimateConversion. [their] spiritual energies for the work ahead.”1 the multiplication of words and denials persist Among the many deeply moving and some- as we continue in a lifestyle that insistently (Photo at left) A scene times painful reflections, one offered by Jim moves us down in this direction. from Lovelock, Nevada, on February 7, 2014: Wallis, president and founder of Sojourners, How can right relationships be restored? State park rangers caught me and holds me fast even to this day: We knew the answer even before Wallis burned weeds on the “We all know that the world is moving down voiced it that September evening: “We need exposed lake bed of the a very dangerous path, and that we must reverse conversion. Nothing less.” Rye Patch Reservoir in Nevada, which was our direction. … We need conversion. Nothing Yet this clearest, most convincing answer is at 3.5 percent capacity less. Only our conversion could change our dan- also the most difficult to hear, let alone respond to. amid a drought that has gerous direction.” In the past several months, more unnatural caused the worst water Wallis sees conversion as “a new and catastrophes and cautionary gatherings have shortage the region has faced in more than a deeper understanding of how climate change moved environmental degradation to center century. Credit: FEMA/ is now impacting all of our lists—and could stage. Crop failures, famine and human dis- Photo by Max Whittaker, devastate all the people and things we most placement follow upon increasingly erratic The New York Times. care about. For people of faith, this list weather events. Animals, birds and fish migrate includes care for all marginalized peoples, to find food as ice sheets melt into rising those ‘least of these’ to whom Jesus called us seas. Toxic air hangs over cities polluted by to show special care in the Gospel of Matthew. chemical waste. Scientists continue to confirm … For the hungry—massive food shortages that climate change, while it cannot be reversed, and starvation. The thirsty—more droughts. must be slowed down. U.S. President Barack The naked—stripping millions of all their Obama and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have resources. The stranger—dislocating millions agreed to a plan for limiting greenhouse gases. more as immigrants. The sick—spreading Representatives of nations from around the more disease. The prisoner—more destabili- globe are preparing for a December 2015 meeting zation, chaos, desperation and crime.” 2 in Paris, France, with the hope of reaching Deepening this theme, Wallis transposes agreements on climate that will bind all the Jesus’ denunciations to those of Earth accus- nations of the world. And Pope Francis’ ing us in words like, “When I was hungry forthcoming encyclical on ecology, including you poisoned my crops, when I was thirsty global warming, is expected to connect the you contaminated my water”—giving voice root causes of Earth’s wounding to its devas- to an Earth that cries out no less piercingly tating effect upon the least of these. than the least of these. In truth, the voice of While these commitments and challenges Earth and its peoples are one. can stir glimmers of hope within us, we can

MAY | JUNE 2015 ¡Viva! Mercy 13 3 Catholic Bishops’ move beyond hope to reality only if we move “We stand at a critical moment in Earth’s statement in Lima on beyond commitment to conversion. Scripture history, a time when humanity must choose the road to Paris (2014, December 9). calls us to this. Again and again, God speaks its future. As the world becomes increasingly Retrieved from to us of the hardness of our hearts, of blind- interdependent and fragile, the future at once bit.ly/RoadtoParis. ness and of cold indifference to those who holds great peril and great promise. To move suffer. Again and again, God invites, cajoles forward we must recognize that in the midst 4 With drafting begun in 1994, the final and pleads with us to turn to God, who alone of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life text of the Earth can create a new heart within us. forms we are one human family and one Earth Charter was approved And new hearts are sorely needed in these community with a common destiny. We must in 2000. You can read perilous times because the root causes of our join together to bring forth a sustainable global it online at bit.ly/ EarthCharterOnline. present sorry state reach far beyond the natu- society founded on respect for nature, universal ral evolution of the planet and its inhabitants. human rights, economic justice, and a culture of 5 Notes from “Engaging The reach is into our very souls. Why are peace. Towards this end, it is imperative that Ecological Despair and small islands sinking into the sea and displac- we, the peoples of Earth, declare our responsi- Grief,” a workshop at Religions for the Earth ing the people who once made their homes bility to one another, to the greater community 4 Conference (2014, there? Why are stolen farmlands and ravaged of life, and to future generations.” September 19-21). forests causing impoverished parents to sell All of this can overwhelm us, can suck the their children into slavery? Why are govern- last bit of hope out of us. Yet Rabbi Mordechai ments selling off their precious resources of Liebling, director of the Social Justice Organizing land, water, forests and minerals? Program at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Catholic bishops from around the world College, encourages us that “we must get gathered in Lima, Peru, in December 2014 through grief to get to hope.” He believes and reminded us that we already know why: as that feeling sad about creation is a radical act privileged people, we benefit from “a financial and we need to create containers to hold our and economic order based on the primacy sadness; it is an indication of our love for the of the market and profit, which has failed to world and what we want to do about that love. put the human being and the common good Similarly Tim DeChristopher, a young at the heart of the economy.” 3 climate activist and co-founder of the envi- The bishops spoke on a global scale; yet ronmental group Peaceful Uprising, reminds our own 2011 Chapter Declaration reminds us that engagement with negative issues, us of our complicity. In our desire to live as rather than avoidance of them, can connect followers of Jesus, institutionally as well as us with what we value most and galvanize us personally we continually come up against our to action to defend what we are grateful for. deeply and culturally ingrained habits of com- He tells us we do not need to be optimistic; fort and convenience. More, the Declaration we need to be faithful—faithful to what we invites us to deepen our spirituality, to address are grateful for, to what we value, and to root causes, to redistribute our resources, to act what our vision is for the world.5 in solidarity with impoverished people and to The evocation of Matthew 25 on that act so as to contribute to a sustainable future. September evening still compels me, calling This, in fact, is what conversion looks like. me to struggle once again and always, with my If we accept the invitation of our Declaration, own conversion. Care for Earth is also care for what comforts and conveniences will we—will those most in need. It is a heartfelt response, a I—let go of so that we all may live in harmony? work of mercy. Our future and that of Earth is What will I take on? What will I do for my inextricably bound to our conversion, to our sisters and brothers—for our Earth—that I hope and to the least of these. would wish to be done for me? This invitation comes at a price. Conver- Sister Rita Parks (West Midwest) sion—nothing less. volunteers at the Mercy Global Read today in 2015, the Earth Charter, an Action Office, a ministry bringing international declaration drafted in 1994 and international Mercy voices, concerns approved and promulgated in 2000, remind and advocacy to the United Nations us that we have not yet “turned around,” or in New York. She lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, converted. From the preamble: and can be contacted at [email protected].

14 ¡Viva! Mercy MAY | JUNE 2015 QUESTIONS FOR Reflection

To what and to whom am I blind or indifferent? Why? What does “complicity” look like in my life? In what ways do I benefit from an eco- nomic order based on profit? What can I do about this? How can I “redistribute my resources”? In what practical ways can I speak, act, and work for changes on behalf of the “least of these”? What do I mourn? Where is my hope? What longings, what hungers, what invitations are stirring deep within me? What is blocking me, keeping me from responding? Where can I put my best energies and gifts to help realize the dream of God for our Earth?

(Photo at left) A scene from New Orleans, Louisiana, on August 31, 2005: People walk through the New Orleans flood waters after Hurricane Katrina to get to higher ground. The frequency of extreme weather events is projected to increase as a result of climate change; often those most vulnerable—young children, older adults, those with medical conditions and those who are economically poor—are impacted most by extreme weather. Credit: FEMA/Marty Bahamonde.

MAY | JUNE 2015 ¡Viva! Mercy 15 JUSTICE

Practicing Active Hope Leads to More Sustainable Future for All

Eco-philosopher Joanna Macy’s reaping financial benefits and power to enable others throughout Mercy to invitation to cultivate active hope in from unjust systems, while the most engage in a similar process of reflection, challenging times is energizing the vulnerable are exploited. The rest of us analysis and commitment to action. Extended Justice Team’s (XJT) work on are manipulated into consumerism, a false You may find more about Joanna unmasking and addressing the underly- sense of security and fear of “the other.” Macy’s work at www.activehope.info ing causes of our Critical Concerns and under the small group process and the interconnections among them. So how do we even begin to materials on the Mercy Taking Action During our annual meeting in grapple with these realities? webpage at www.sistersofmercy.org/ February, the XJT entered into Macy’s mercytakingaction. process for engaging with difficult Joanna Macy suggests that we need to contemporary issues: to first ground work simultaneously on three dimen- —By Marianne Comfort ourselves in gratitude, then to honor sions of the great turning in order to (Institute Justice Team) our pain for the world and finally, achieve a more life-sustaining society: to “see with new eyes” and take action. Part of seeing with new eyes is • Holding actions, which are designed acknowledging the three realities that to hold back and slow down the Macy asserts are operating in our time. damage being caused by the polit- The first is “business as usual,” in which ical-economic system underlying people see little need to change the business as usual. These include way we live. The second is the “great moratoriums on fracking, reducing unraveling,” which can be paralyzing deportations of undocumented as people dwell on the resulting disasters immigrants and supporting victims they see all around them. The third of human trafficking. is the “great turning,” which involves • Life-sustaining structures, which engaging in the transition from an re-imagine everything from where industrial-growth society to a life- we shop and what energy sources sustaining society. we use to how we design healthcare We are choosing to be part of that and transportation networks. great turning. Examples include supporting local To get a glimpse of what that might banks and local economies, integrat- involve, meeting participants analyzed ing peace-making into our schools who benefits from and who is harmed and building welcoming communi- by business as usual and the great ties for immigrants. unraveling in the global extractives • Shift in consciousness, which involves industry, immigration to the United nurturing compassion and other values This design artistically represents the States and the United States’ seemingly that deepen our sense of belonging process Joanna Macy recommends for never-ending war on terror. For each in the world and inspire us to work for cultivating active hope—beginning at issue, we looked at the underlying this life-sustaining society. the roots of the flower with gratitude, political-economic system, socio-cul- through the seeds of the plant, represent- tural norms and core spiritual values. At the end of the meeting, members ing “going forth” to share hope with the What we recognized is that, regard- of the XJT decided to develop a simpli- world. Credit: Dori Midnight. less of the issue, a privileged few are fied version of what we had experienced

16 ¡Viva! Mercy MAY | JUNE 2015

SPICE OF MERCY LIFE

Remembering Veronica

1993 marked the 150th seven missioned to Pittsburgh. She schools and a hospital and otherwise anniversary of the coming of the Sisters knew in advance that she would be engaged with the city. All the while, of Mercy to the United States. In 1843, the portress at the convent, and she Veronica stayed at the convent, open- seven young women left Carlow, Ireland invested herself in that ministry for 40 ing the door. A hidden task, a lowly on November 4, braved the Atlantic years. The other founders scoured the task, we might think. And yet, at her and the Alleghenies, and arrived byways for those in need, established death, there was public mourning in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on in the city because Veronica had December 20. As the community raised the opening of the door to in Pittsburgh prepared for the the level of an art form. To anyone celebration of this anniversary, many who rang, she extended her Irish interesting stories came to light. wit and warmth and anything else The first concerned the she might be able to give them— serendipitous manner in which a warm coat, perhaps, or food for Michael O’Connor, named bishop their children. And if she couldn’t of the newly established Diocese offer them the concrete things they of Pittsburgh, came to know the sought, she offered them God’s Sisters of Mercy. Living in Rome love—and hers. at the time Catherine submitted When I think that something her Rule for approval, he was I’ve been asked to do seems unim- asked to translate it from English portant—when, in hubris, I deem to Latin. When he received things not worth my time—I the appointment to Pittsburgh, remember Veronica. Veronica he remembered the spirit of knew that there is no task, no Catherine’s community and decided human interaction, no matter the Sisters of Mercy would be how insignificant it may appear perfect partners in the ministry to be, that doesn’t provide the of establishing a new local church. opportunity to manifest God’s love When he made this known in and mercy. The care, love, atten- Rome, some of his colleagues tion and respect with which we encouraged him to seek sisters do what is ours to do, turns the from their hometown, Carlow, ordinary events of the day into rather than making the request moments of grace and opportunity. at Baggot Street. Thus it was that When we recognize and take up Michael O’Connor wrote to the In this illustration from Memoirs of the these opportunities, we experience sisters at Saint Leo’s in Carlow Pittsburgh Sisters of Mercy, Sister Veronica what Catherine described: “Each to ask if any would accompany him McDarby is centered at the bottom, labeled action breathes of God, shines with 7. In numeric order, the others are: (1) Pope into the unknown for the love of God. Gregory XVI; (2) Catherine McAuley; (3) God, is fragrant of God.” Of the 36 members of the community, Archbishop Murray; and three others of the 35 volunteered! first seven sisters in Pittsburgh: (4) Francis —Sister Sheila Carney The lone hold-out was Sister Warde; (5) Sister Mary Elizabeth Strange; (New York, Pennsylvania, Veronica McDarby, and, her reluctance and (6) Sister Mary Josephine Cullen. Pacific West) notwithstanding, she was one of the

MAY | JUNE 2015 ¡Viva! Mercy 17 NONPROFIT ORG.

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Calendar

JUNE 14-20 JUNE 14-15 Candidate Connection Conference for Mercy Higher Belmont, North Carolina Education Board Meeting Contact: Sister Cynthia Serjak Silver Spring, Maryland [email protected] Contact: Moya Dittmeier [email protected]

AUGUST 2-6 Advocacy Immersion for Mercy College Students Washington, D.C. Contact: Moya Dittmeier [email protected]

AUGUST 23-26 ILC Ministry Group Meeting Belmont, North Carolina Contact: Sister Deborah Troillett [email protected]

“Those Who Cannot Walk Will be Able to Dance,” by Sister Eloise Hirlemann (West Midwest).