Happy New Year of Mercy

Editor: It is a meaningful coincidence that we publish the first issue of Mercy eNews for 2016 in the same week that Pope Francis’ message for the 50th World Day of Social Communications is released. In 'Communication and Mercy: A fruitful Encounter', the Pope speaks of the 'broader horizons' that communication opens up and how the use of social networks 'can facilitate relationships and promote the good of society'.

From the beginning of the Institute the letters of Catherine McAuley and other Mercy writings have been a source of union and strength among Sisters and have become central to Mercy life. From their inception, the mercyworld.org website and Mercy eNews have helped Sisters of Mercy and partners-in-Mercy to understand that the life and mission of our own part of the Mercy world is more expansive than our local geographical area and region - that we are each an important part of a global reality known as Mercy International. This year through the Mercy International Reflection Process (MIRP) we will come to know that reality in a deeper way.

Pope Francis concludes his Message with an invitation that is also a challenge: 'The encounter between communication and mercy will be fruitful to the degree that it generates a closeness which cares, comforts, heals, accompanies and celebrates'.

May our communications this year help bring about for each one of us —and for all those who encounter us through these channels —a Happy (i.e.blessed) New Year of Mercy.

Messages to: Mary Reynolds rsm - Executive Director MIA

Image: #EarthArt Patches of emerald, amber and purplish-blue woven over #MiddleEast like a colorful carpet. #YearInSpace NASA/Scott Kelly. Used with permission
Commander Kelly, who in March 2016 completes a year-long mission on the International Space Station (ISS), on a scientific research project that studies the health effects of long term spaceflight, is sharing amazing images of Earth that look like art, hence the hashtag.

Follow Scott Kelly on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to see more of his mesmerising photos and experience more of the magnificence of our common home.