On March 2nd and 3rd at the Kevin Castles Centre in Rockhampton, Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Associates and teachers from The Cathedral College were blessed in having Sister Mary Pat Garvin (a member of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas) conduct two reflective days.

“Centred on God …  Sent on Mission” focused on Catherine McAuley (founder of the Sisters of Mercy) as a Social Mystic – a person whose relationship with Jesus unleashed social change.   The challenge to all participants was to follow Catherine’s example, be a Social Mystic and ‘mend the part of the world that is within their reach.’ 

On the second day, “Affectionately Yours: Catherine’s letters speak,” Sister Mary Pat helped participants to see how the words Catherine wrote to the Sisters at that time may not have the same meaning or interpretation in today’s world.  Her letters also show Catherine living out her call to be a Social Mystic in all of her humanness.  The challenge of the day: what relevance do Catherine’s letters have for us today?