A Celebration Of Commissioning

On Wednesday night, the 17th of November, a Celebration of Commissioning of elected leadership for the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia was held at Mary Mackillop Chapel, North Sydney. More than 160 Sisters who are members of the Institute, as well as visitors from Samoa, Newfoundland and Michigan, celebrated the Eucharist which was presided over by Rev Christopher Toohey, Bishop of Wilcannia-Forbes, during which the commissioning took place.

(l-r) Caroline Ryan, Nerida Tinkler, Karon Donnellon

The Eucharist was prepared with sensitive attention to the Institute Mercy story by Jennie Ryan and Carmel McDonough of North Sydney Congregation with the assistance of some students from Monte Sant Angelo Mercy College, North Sydney. It included a Rite of Commitment for all Sisters to the mandate of the 5th Institute Chapter. Within a moving ritual, an acceptance of leadership was made by the new team, Nerida Tinkler, Caroline Ryan and Karon Donnellon. All joined in praying a blessing and in acclamation for the outgoing Leadership Team, Patricia Fox, Paula Smith and Gwen Garland

(l-r) Gwen Garland, Paula Smith, Pat Fox, Nerida Tinkler, Caroline Ryan, Karon Donnellon

Many remarked on the extraordinary "energy" of this gathering of Sisters. A particularly powerful moment was the heartfelt joining of all voices in singing Catherine's Suscipe".

(l-r) Nerida Tinkler, Pat Fox, Kath Burke, Dorothy Campion, Jan Geason

The current Leader and Leader-elect, Patricia Fox and Nerida Tinkler, were joined on this historic occasion by each of the former Leaders of our Mercy Institute: Dorothy Campion (1981-1987), Kath Burke (1988-1992), Jan Geason (1993-1998), Patricia Fox (1999-2004) and Nerida Tinkler (2005-2010)