News & Events

Pope Leo's first words were of peace. In our world where conflicts, crises and disagreements are so prevalent and economic and social inequalities are pressing issues, his words of peace and justice, building bridges, engaging in dialogue, working together and welcoming all, offer hope to a world in need of hope.

• Read Pope Leo's words in full here
• Join us in praying for Pope Leo. You may like to post your prayer or reflection in our prayer space.

133 Cardinals will enter the Sistine Chapel today, Wednesday, 7 May,  to begin the process of electing the next Pope. There will be one vote today then 4 votes each day until the Pope is elected with a two thirds majority of votes.

The Sisters of Mercy Parramatta Congregation join with the global Catholic community and all people of goodwill, in prayer and reflection for the election of the next Pope. We offer our support to the Cardinal electors and pray that they be wise in their discernment, open in heart and mind to the workings of the Holy Spirit.

Post your prayer or reflection in our sacred space. 

Today we remember the over 103,000 Australians who have sacrificed their lives in our country's name to secure our freedom. We recognise the more than 1.5 million service men and women who have served our country in all conflicts, wars and peacekeeping operations.

We are also concious today of  those parts of our world where wars are being fought, particularly in the Ukraine and in the Middle East.

Join us in praying for peace.

Post your prayer in our prayer space here

"We, Sisters of Mercy Parramatta Congregation, will share with others, including people of different faiths and no religious faith, the joys and struggles of this spiritual journey." (Chapter Statement).

This week Christians mark Holy Week and  Easter (13- 20 April) and Jews celebrate the Passover (12 -20  April.

In his homily read out during the celebration in Saint Peter's Square marking Palm Sunday, Pope Francis called on us all  to reflect on God's limitless compassion, "how we are meant to carry our own cross during this Holy Week", and help others "all around us" who bear the cross of suffering.

The Pope reflected, "Jesus’ passion becomes compassion whenever we hold out our hand to those who feel they cannot go on, when we lift up those who have fallen, when we embrace those who are discouraged. Brothers and sisters, in order to experience this great miracle of mercy, let us decide how we are meant to carry our own cross during this Holy Week: if not on our shoulders, in our hearts. And not only our cross, but also the cross of those who suffer all around us; perhaps even the cross of some unknown person whom chance — but is it really chance? — has placed on our way. Let us prepare for the Lord’s paschal mystery by becoming each of us, for one another, a Simon of Cyrene."
 
Join us in prayer, thought or reflection on the significance of these days for ourselves, for each other, for the wider community and for the needs of the world in which we live.