As our school community comes together to celebrate Mercy Day on the 13th of
September, we honour the enduring legacy of Catherine McAuley, whose vision of
compassion and service continues to inspire our values and actions. Catherine McAuley,
born in Dublin in 1778, dedicated her life to serving the poor, particularly women and
children. In 1827, she established the House of Mercy, a beacon of hope and care for
those in need, which laid the foundation for the Sisters of Mercy. The Sisters of Mercy
arrived in Brisbane in 1861 and began Sacred Heart school in 1893. Mercy Day, observed
annually, commemorates the opening of the House of Mercy, reflecting on the principles of
mercy, justice, and service that Catherine McAuley championed.
This year, our celebration is imbued with a profound sense of community and shared
history as we commence with a traditional smoking ceremony. This ancient practice,
deeply rooted in Aboriginal culture, is a powerful expression of respect for the land and its
original custodians. It serves as a cleansing ritual, promoting healing and unity, and
symbolises our commitment to reconciliation. Through the smoke, we acknowledge the
past and embrace a future of inclusivity and understanding.
The liturgy that follows will be a time of reflection and gratitude, recognising the
contributions of the Sisters of Mercy and reaffirming our dedication to service. As we
gather, we are reminded of the importance of service in our lives, not only as an act of
charity but as a celebration of our shared humanity. In the spirit of reconciliation, we
reflect on the significance of service as a pathway to unity. On Mercy Day, we are all
invited to participate in acts of service, big or small, to honour this tradition of giving and
to contribute to the ongoing journey of reconciliation within our community and beyond.
Let us embrace Mercy Day as an opportunity to come together, to learn from one another,
and to strengthen the bonds that unite us. It is a day to celebrate the values that
Catherine McAuley held dear—compassion, kindness, and a relentless drive to make a
difference in the world. As we participate in the liturgy and the smoking ceremony, let us
carry these values in our hearts and let them guide our actions, not just on this special
day, but every day. Mercy Day is not only a tribute to the past but a beacon for our future,
illuminating the path towards a more just, merciful, and harmonious world.
On Mercy Day we are proud to participate in the Great Book Swap, a meaningful act of
service that supports the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. This initiative is a celebration of
reading and cultural exchange, where students and parents are encouraged to bring a
beloved book and swap it for another, for a gold coin donation. The Great Book Swap not
only fosters a love for reading among our students but also raises awareness and funds for
remote Indigenous communities. Through this event, we are contributing to the gifting of
culturally appropriate books across Australia, promoting literacy and the joy of reading in
areas where these resources are much needed. By participating in the Great Book Swap,
we are not just celebrating Mercy Day through service, but also reinforcing the importance
of cultural understanding and the power of education to bring people together.
© Brisbane Catholic Education, Sacred Heart School (2024)