Back for More: Day Two of YML Pilgrimage 2017

Day Two of YML Pilgrimage 2017 dawned bringing with it an overcast sky. After the glorious 27 degree weather yesterday (Day One) this weather looked worrying, but spirits were high so the likelihood of rain wasn't going to spoil our day. Besides, all knew to have wet weather gear with them so we simply reordered the programme!

Morning prayer with the theme of the Good Samaritan was held in the Chapel.

Jean Evans rsm (Americas) without introduction or warning commenced chanting 'O God hear Us, Hear Our Prayer' (Bob Hurd). Gradually, as they picked up the tune, the pilgrims joined in until the Chapel was filled with the rhythm, beauty and stillness of the chant.

Sr Jean shared a story from the news of the day. Two people on a beach in southern Italy gave their lives in a vain attempt to rescue a young girl. 'Three people met God face to face today,' she said. Students were then invited to recall an occasion when they or someone they knew needed the compassion of a good samaritan, someone who recognised the wound of another and offered mercy because mercy notices and acts.

Jean Evans rsm beginning the chant	Teaching the chant

Pilgrims were invited to notice themselves, their siblings or others who needed a prayer and a glance of compassion. Having invited the pilgrims into prayer Sr Jean reminded them of the prayer needs of the global Mercy community and those intentions, both written and held in the heart, were incorporated into this prayer time.

Holding aloft the prayers of the global Mercy community	Close up of the book of prayer intentions of the global Mercy community received at MIC

Sr Jean explaining elements of the icon	Close up of the icon

Then the group divided into two groups, 'A' and 'B'. The same programme runs today and tomorrow with all pilgrims engaging in all activities on one or other day. The keynote addresses are being given twice, once each day.

L-r: Michele O'Kelly rsm (The Congregation) and Angela Reed rsm (ISMAPNG) who are giving the keynote addresses.

This morning Group A went on the walk in the footsteps of Catherine McAuley. The walking tour guides had been led by Anne Reid and Aine Barrins rsm, experienced presenters of the 'Come Home to Catherine' programme, on the very same tour the week before, so all were well versed in the story.

Group B were in the International Room to hear Michele O'Kelly rsm (The Congregation) address the topic of Mercy and Leadership in her keynote address.[As it is to be given to Group A tomorrow and needs to be fresh for them, we will report on it after they have heard it.]

Sr Michelle giving keynote	Group B at Keynote

Following morning tea, Michelle Kelly rsm and Mary Reynolds rsm led workshops on Leadership to break open the content of the talk. Part of the workshop involved the pilgrims working as teams to create the tallest possible structure using three ingredients: marshmallows, spaghetti sticks and sticky tape. The results were imaginative, creative and feats of engineering!

Mary Reynolds rsm with the workshop group which constructed the tallest and most stable tower.

The afternoon programme for Group A involved the keynote address by Angela Reed rsm (ISMAPNG). [As it is to be given to Group A tomorrow we will report on it after it has been delivered.] Group B members rotated through four workshops: Mindfulness, Mime, Discernment, Art.

Gloria Hesse rsm demonstrating technique	Yvonne Hanna rsm in discussion with table group

Gloria Hesse rsm (Americas) conducted the Mime workshop. It included demonstrations of mime techniques and tips to help make the illusion more convincing for the viewers. The workshop finished with a humorous exercise for the participants based on one of Catherine McAuley’s letters to a novice.

Yvonne Hanna rsm (The Congregation) conducted an art workshop on the Spiritual and Corporal works of Mercy as pilgrims experience these in their own schools. Clare Agnew's drawings were a stimulus with Teresa Martin's CD 'Time for Mercy' playing softly in the background a very rich accompaniment.

The whole group came together in the hall for the Closing Process before dinner out at a local takeaway. Once again, students had time to reflect with directed questions and then the invitation to write notes in their journal.

Anna Nicholls rsm (MIA and pilgrimage organiser) read out some of the messages that have been emailed and posted on social media.

An optional Taize Prayer session was held in the Chapel this evening led by Jean Evans rsm (Americas) and Terry Saetta rsm (Americas). This took place around the illuminated Cross in the chapel at 7pm. Some sat on cushions on the floor and others on chairs during the Taize chant. There was an opportunity for intercessory prayers and time to touch the Cross for any who wished.

The Chapel was nearly full and the beautiful singing led by Sr Jean and accompanied by the musicians resounded through the house. So ended today.

The programme runs until Friday night. You are invited to follow online the life and energy of these days with our daily updates on the mercyworld.org website, on Facebook @mercyinternationalassociation and @mercyleaders and on Twitter using the hashtags @mercyworldwide and #YML2017.

Messages to: YML Communications Team: Elizabeth McNamee rsm and Anne Walsh