The Experience of the Week: YML 2017

'It is so important to bring students to the pilgrimage because they get to see that Mercy is so much larger than their individual school communities and the immense impact we can, and do, have on the world. Being able to spend time together in Catherine’s house is a transformative blessing that sets the ground work for the rest of the pilgrimage.'
- Ashley Miller, Chaperone, Mercy High School, Omaha, Nebraska, USA

l-r: Ashley and students, Mercy High School, Omaha, Nebraska, USA

'I loved getting to know and become friends with Mercy girls and guys all around the world. I’m going to take away the knowledge that Mercy is an international community and no matter where I go I’ll always have friends.'
- Alex Steinbaugh, Mercy High School, Omaha, Nebraska, USA

'Meeting students from around the world has truly been an amazing experience especially because we are all united by one thing: Mercy. The YML conference has not only deepened my understanding of Catherine and her mission, but also allowed me to physically see the lasting effect she has had on the entire world.
- Lexi Rains, Mercy High School, Omaha, Nebraska, USA

There were many things in this conference I loved which makes it hard to pick one but I would pick the Taize Prayer. We all sang songs in the chapel and it was beautiful.
What I will take away from this is my new thoughts and knowledge about other countries.'
- Kaylee Cuho, Mercy High School, Omaha, Nebraska, USA

What I enjoyed: 1. I enjoyed the interactive group work eg the spaghetti and marshmallow architecture. 2 The workshop on human trafficking. What I hope to bring forward: 2. My knowledge of human trafficking -- people should have more awareness around it. 3. The importance of being a Good Samaritan.
- Mackenzie Ellwood, Our Lady of Mercy College, Sligo

This past week has been an enjoyable week in which I developed my own personal faith. I loved learning more about Catherine McAuley and her Dublin. From both the leadership and the UN addresses I felt I learned so much. I also formed friendships with young catholic leaders my own age all over the world.
- Grace, Our Lady of Mercy College, Sligo

I enjoyed making friendships with young Mercy Leaders from around the world. I also really enjoyed the walk and learning about all the places that Catherine has been.
- Leah Fox, Our Lady of Mercy College, Sligo

I really enjoyed this experience. I found it very good the way we did lots of different workshops that developed my understanding of the Mercy Leaders. I enjoyed the mime workshop as I saw the humorous side of Catherine. Thanks for this experience.
- Bridie Lyons, Our Lady of Mercy College, Sligo

'...Walking in Catherine’s footsteps allowed me to see her in a different light – as a breathing living human being. During day 2 of the conference I felt that I was developing a truly individual and personal connection with Catherine. This new perception of Catherine has allowed me to understand that, as Howard Zinn so eloquently phrases: “we don’t have to engage in grand heroic actions to participate in the process of change in the world”. Mercy is about noticing and then acting. After only five days of the conference my skills as a Young Mercy Leader have improved vastly and I am understanding that Mercy should be worn as my badge of honour.'
- Bridie Squire, St Aloysius College, Adelaide, Australia

'..Walking in the footsteps of Catherine was both overwhelming and empowering. I was struck by how radical Catherine was for her time, the lengths she went to in order to ensure the safety and education of others, particularly young girls. Catherine showed astounding commitment to mercy and her charity, even in the face of adversity. We hope to mirror Catherine’s commitment and to use this pilgrimage as a seed of mercy that will be nourished by all to grow and prosper.'
- Kealy Rau, Sacred Heart College, Geelong, Australia

'One of the highlights of this conference for us was meeting so many people from different countries and learning so much more about Catherine McAuley’s life that we didn’t know before.'
-Laura Kerins, Colaiste Mhuire, Ballymote, Co. Mayo

'Something I enjoyed about this conference was the opportunity to meet so many new and interesting people. Also it opened my eyes to new aspects of Catherine’s life.'
-Ada McDonagh, Colaiste Mhuire, Ballymote, Co. Mayo

'I found the workshops and talks very interesting and useful for later on in life. It is important we are all educated on Catherine and the legacy of Mercy she has (left us).'
-Sarah McGlare, Colaiste Mhuire, Ballymote, Co. Mayo

'This week gave me the chance to learn more about what Mercy means and how we can all get involved to make a difference. Though we live in different parts of the world, it’s amazing to see how we can all have a common value in mercy.'
-Maeve O’Sullivan, Mount St Michael’s, Rosscarbery, Co Cork.

We have really enjoyed our pilgrimage especially meeting other students from other Mercy schools all over the world. We also thoroughly enjoyed the walking tour of Catherine’s Dublin as it put into perspective that she was just a girl that we can all strive to be like. We have found this experience incredibly inspiring and uplifting and would recommend it to other Mercy schools. Many thanks.
-Our Lady’s Grammar School, Newry.

'It has been a wonderful experience. I was amazed at how quickly all the YML got to know each other. They moved easily in and out of groups and didn’t stay with their own school friends. The programme was very good, it was busy which was good as everyone was involved in something at all times. The walk was an excellent idea, as one young person said to me: ”it made Catherine McAuley a real person, not just someone we read about, when you see all the places associated with her and also helps us to see her as a member of a family.” The main presenters were excellent and gave us lots to think about. I feel really blessed to have spent these days with these wonderful young people.'
-Sr. Yvonne.

'In this busy bustling world where we rarely stop to take a rest, this pilgrimage has inspired me to become a more mindful and reflective person. Through workshops and keynote talks I learned how to be more mindful and less self-absorbed. I loved the positive philosophical outlook on how we live our personal lives and our involvement in the lives of others around us. I’m looking forward to sharing what I learned with my friends and peers when I return home.'
-Bebhinn Twomey.

Back row:  Steve Fromhold and Jeannine Hartz with students from Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School, USA

I am forever grateful for the wonderful experience granted to me by the Sisters of Mercy, as my eyes were opened to the wonderful works of the Catherine McAuley's mission. I left Dublin feeling more empowered than ever, and I look forward to furthering my education alongside future Mercy leaders! Attending the Youth leadership conference is an experience I will never forget and something I surely hope many other students will get the chance to take part in the future.
- Grace K., Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School, USA

Attending the International Mercy Confrence has been an amazing experience full of mercy, new friendships, and learning about Catherine McCauley. I loved to learn about how others students from all around the world worship God and show mercy and how we can relate to them. I am very thankful to all the nuns and staff that made this event possible because without them this experience would not have happened.
- Lizzie L.,Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School, USA

After attending the youth mercy leadership conference in Dublin, not only have I gained a greater understanding of Catherine McAuley, but I also gained new leadership abilities. The gathering allowed me to truly experience the buildings that Catherine herself dwelled in. I have acquired new friendships and abilities that will last a lifetime.
-Alyssa M.,Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School, USA

Thank you for a wonderful conference and am amazing experience for our girls.

Jeannine Hartz and Steve Fromhold

Before we go here are some of the memories of the week for you to enjoy

Scenes from the days together

More Scenes from the 2017 Young Mercy Leaders pilgrimage to Baggot Street

The YML 2017 programme has concluded. If your Mercy school is interested in attending the next secondary school pilgrimage to Mercy international Centre, it will be held 9-12 July 2019. Register your interest with Anna Nicholls rsm

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