“Branches of Forgiveness” and “Steady flower steady flower”
–
Author: Roz Parr
“Safe Place” and “Love of the Natural World”
April is National Poetry Month! Follow along on our Stories of Mercy blog and enjoy poems from Mercy students on the theme “Love of the Natural World.”
‘Every Day is Earth Day’ for Vermont Sister
By Catherine Walsh, Features Writer —
As spring alternately steals and dances into Vermont’s Champlain Valley, Sister Betty Secord savors new life around her. In the fields, woods, pond, and barn of Mercy Ecospirituality Center—her home of the last eight years—she marvels that “everything is so alive and fresh. It’s wonderful to be working in the gardens again.”
A Calling to be Present
By Mercy Volunteer Lauren Scheunemann, Detroit, Michigan —
When I was discerning what to do after I graduated from college, there was truly no question as to whether or not I wanted to commit to a year of service, it was just a matter of where and with what program. After my application and interview process with Mercy Volunteer Corps (MVC), it was clear to me this is where I belonged.
Adopting a Sustainable Lifestyle
This reflection from Dr. Joy Ochs of Mount Mercy University on sustainable lifestyles is the first in a series of articles highlighting how Mercy is addressing the 7 goals of the Vatican’s Laudato Si Action Platform.
Reflection on Easter Life
By Sister Carolyn McWatters — These days, in the northern hemisphere, we are offered a splendid visual metaphor for Jesus’ risen life which Easter celebrates. Our senses are engaged by the feel, the sight and the smells of breezes, sunlight, baby animals and the gorgeous display of flowers and trees in bloom. Fresh, new life abounds, enlivening us with wonder and gratitude. Divinity is truly on display!
The Gift of Service: A Reflection for Holy Thursday
By Sister Jeanne O’Rourke — Holy Thursday not only calls us to serve one another, but, most importantly, to bring our gift of service to the table of the Lord where we hear the words spoken by Jesus. It is here we receive the GIFT.
So Much More Than Stayin’ Alive
By Mercy Volunteer Susan Donnelly — Some days, the world around us may feel like “stayin’ alive” is a reasonable goal. Here at Mercy Center we hope and work for so much more.
Celebration in Guyana: A reflection for Palm Sunday
By Sister Denise Lyttle — Guyana is a diverse country, ethnically and religiously. Christians are the minority. Palm Sunday and Good Friday are our biggest public witness. As part of our celebration we re-enact the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem by having processions throughout the streets of Guyana.
Bury the Dead
By Sister Sheila Stevenson —
Mercy and compassion are never more needed than at the time of death and all that surrounds this often unexpected period. To bury the dead is a call and gift extending beyond the act of burying. It can be cultivated over time; I know this from my own life.
Visit the Imprisoned
By Sister Natalie Rossi — To find the genuine in oneself is to find God. Does one find God in prison? One could say one is overwhelmed with the Presence of God in prison. I have worked in prison ministry for about 20 years, not all at one time. The women I see or talk with open their hearts to God.
Visit the Sick
By Sister Rose A. Palacio
Medical Director, Mercy Community Hospital, Inc. — When COVID-19 hit Iligan City in 2020, the local government hospital was not equipped to handle COVID patients. Mercy Community Hospital, Inc., opened its doors to these patients.