Opening the Door of Mercy at Gort Convent, Co. Galway (The Congregation)

Mercy Doors were symbolically opened in many Mercy Convents throughout the world on Sunday, 13 December. The Sisters of Mercy, Gort, Co. Galway celebrated the great light of God's mercy in a moving ceremony on that occasion, which was recorded by Sr. Hilda.

Sisters Phil Noone, Caoimhin Ni Chonghaile, Mary Brosna, Rosarii O’Brien, Kathleen O’Brien, de Lourdes Fahy, , Hilda Cleary, John Lee

A large crowd of parishioners, Fathers Tommy Marrinan and Gearoid O'Griofa and friends of the Sisters came through the entrance door which was officially opened by Sr. Phil Noone. Significantly, this was the door through which Mother Aloysius Doyle and the founding Sisters from Carlow entered in 1857.
Everybody enjoyed tea and light refreshments before the ceremony commenced.

Philomena Noone rsm opens the Convent Door

The Solemn Proclamation of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, as announced by Pope Francis in Misericordiae Vultus, was read by Sr. John, concluding with the words, "Today this door will become a Door of Mercy through which anyone who enters will experience the love of God who consoles, pardons, and instills hope."

Mary Brosna rsm leads the singing

As we passed along the corridor towards the chapel, Sr. Mary led us in the Jubilee hymn composed by a Sister of Mercy:

This year of Jubilee is calling us to be
A witness to God's mercy at our time in history.
May mercy now abound wherever we are found
With joy we claim this Mercy name, so let our thanks resound.'

In the chapel, Sr. deLourdes read from the Gospel according to St. Matthew, 25:31-40, the theme of which is 'in so far as you did this to one of the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it to me'.

Some of the many who participated in the event

This was followed by intercessions prayed by Sisters Phil, Kathleen, Caoimhin, and Rosarii, which focused on the needs of our world. In the concluding prayer, recited by all, we asked for the grace to live lives worthy of God's call, in active, practical ways.

Messages to: Gort Mercy Community