Mercy Values Mercy values are explored through quotes and through sketches done by Sr Clare Agnew in 1840. Sr Clare shows the Srs at work way back then. These are real treasures as they offer a visual record of the works of mercy done by the Srs and their helpers.

“The tender mercy of God has given us one another” Aroha COMPASSION “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road” Luke 24:32 “The tender mercy of God has given us one another” Catherine McAuley Aroha compassion has a lot to do with our attitude. We know Jesus was a person who lived and showed aroha. Remember the Easter story of the road to Emmaus? Compassion is about ‘our hearts burning within us’ - burning with the desire to live like Jesus; to be loving, caring people. Ref to Catherine’s dream – to provide safe accommodation for young, poor women and for children in need. Reference to ‘knowing’ inside ourselves. Learning to understand and respect that. Follow your dreams. Catherine’s quote speaks for itself – the value of friendship and support.

Aroha – compassion – deep love and care – deep respect – desire to give the right type of support … Look carefully at this picture – Can you see which ones are Sisters? What is each Sister doing? What might they be saying? What do you think might be happening for this little family? In Dublin, the Sisters were known as ‘the walking sisters’, because they visited people in their homes. AROHA – COMPASSION

Catherine McAuley to Mary Teresa White, November 1, 1838 Tika JUSTICE “God knows that I would rather be cold and hungry than that the poor… should be deprived of any consolation in my power to afford them.” Catherine McAuley to Mary Teresa White, November 1, 1838 Catherine quote – a generous way to live! She believed that everyone was entitled to the best, or as close to the best as possible. Does that resonate with how we operate today?

Catherine saw opportunities for education as a justice issue Catherine saw opportunities for education as a justice issue. The more childrn learnt, the more they were able to have a say in society as they got older. Notice how the chn are standing around their teachers. Catherine had learnt about this method of education in France. Children were put into ability groups for teaching. TIKA – JUSTICE

Awhinatanga SERVICE “These hands, this heart, this voice, my God” Andrew Chinn “You should be like a shining lamp giving light to all around you” Catherine McAuley THESE HANDS song is from Andrew Chinn – very fitting when considering Christian service. With these hands I show my love for you … make friends, work, play … With this heart I share my love for you … With this voice I … talk respectfully, use the correct language, Catherine encouraged all who worked with her to be a like shining lamp. Also Gospel reference to let your light shine.

AWHINATANGA – SERVICE This picture is similar to the previous one. What do you notice in this picture? What might be happening? What do you think the people might be saying here? Notice the hovel the people are living in – not uncommon for the poor in Dublin in the 1830s and thereabouts. AWHINATANGA – SERVICE

Aroha ki te Rawa Kore CARE FOR THE POOR AND THE VULNERABLE When you helped the least of my sisters and brothers you helped me. Matthew 25:41 “Try to meet all with peace and love.” Catherine McAuley Ref to Matthew’s gospel. Catherine also said that the poor need help today! Not tomorrow, or when the office might be open! But today! Catherine had learnt this early on when she was unable to get help for a servant girl who went to her for help as she did not feel safe living in her employers house. She needed safer accommodation. Catherine took this young women to a local agency, who made an appointment to see the girl the following week. Sadly, this young woman was abused while waiting for the appointment!!! Hence Catherine’s determination to help the poor when requested.

AROHA KI TE RAWA KORE – CARE FOR THE POOR AND THE VULNERABLE What is happening here? Why? We might call it a food bank today – a place where people know they can get a bit of food for their family. Vulnerable – what does this mean? Feeling weak, helpless, don’t know what to do and very worried … AROHA KI TE RAWA KORE – CARE FOR THE POOR AND THE VULNERABLE

Tapu o te Tangata RESPECT FOR HUMAN DIGNITY We are all made in the image of God. All of life reflects God. If we really believe we are made in the image of God, that each person is made in the image of God, what might that mean for us? . What challenges does this pose for us?

TAPU O TE TANGATA – RESPECT FOR HUMAN DIGNITY Young women gather to learn. The Sisters were good at encouraging them, even when life was difficult. Tapu o te tangata – developing and showing respect – helping these women learn skills that would help them get better employment; would help them be more familiar with their rights etc TAPU O TE TANGATA – RESPECT FOR HUMAN DIGNITY