On Friday September 15, OLMC Parramatta celebrated our 128th Mercy Day in the College’s newest building, the Ailsa Mackinnon Community Centre.
The day began with a dialogue between students, staff, Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv DD, Pastoral Worker at Detention Centres on Manus and Christmas Islands, Sr Margaret Sheppard and refugee and advocate, Mrs Deena Yako. This was a chance to hear Deena’s experience of seeking protection in Australia after journeying from Iraq. Students were given the chance to ask questions and to share their responses to the speakers’ stories. Sr Margaret invited students to become like ‘shining lamps’ of justice and compassion. Bishop Vincent, also a refugee from Vietnam during the 1970s, passionately shared the many ways Australia has the capacity to be hospitable, ‘with boundless plains to share’ towards those who seek protection.
Shortly after the dialogue, Bishop Vincent celebrated Eucharist and inspired the community to live as agents of faith, hope and mercy. After the Solemn Blessing, Congregation Leader of the Parramatta Sisters of Mercy, Sr Mary-Louise Petro challenged the community to engage in ‘contemplative action’ and to ask ourselves:
“In light of what I have heard today, what is one small action I can now do, where God’s Spirit is inspiring me to live and be mercy?