Huihuinga Whakaaronui Tuarua took place over three days in April in Wellington as sisters from Aotearoa New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa, Chile and Australia gathered. On the second day we were joined by partners in mission from incorporated Mercy ministries in Aotearoa.

At the opening ritual we prayed with Ruth, “Wherever you go I shall go, wherever you live so shall I live… your people will be my people and your God shall be my God too…”

We shared symbols of hope …a rich and varied mercy tapestry… and we wrapped and placed our symbols in freshly woven kete food baskets … gifts to feed us on our journey.

On the second day we relished Mary Sullivan rsm’s keynote presentation on Catherine McAuley, ‘Getting Up Again’ and ‘Laying Down our Lives’. She began by quoting Isaiah, “How lovely on the mountain are the feet of those who bring good news”. And Mary was the bearer of good news to us.

We were also energised through being in conversation with our partners in mission from across the country. We shared in circles, sisters and partners together, about what had inspired us in Mary Sullivan’s presentation. And we pondered, “What is the call to us at this time, in this place?” and “What do we choose to do together so that Catherine’s passion will live on in our time?” Catherine’s homemade shoes and black shawl symbolised going out to others in mercy and wrapping people in mercy.

On the last day of the hui sisters reflected deeply on Tihei Mauri Ora Chapter Statement 2009 and discerned our focus as we approach the next Chapter in 2014.

These have been days rich in blessings – in times of prayer, during our discussions, over cups of tea and coffee, in sharing around meal tables and by celebrating together at the Eucharistic table. We have been inspired by Mary Sullivan’s address and the presence and insights of our partners in mission.

Together we will continue to be ‘centred in God, impelled to be Mercy, keeping hope alive in our world today.’

Click the link below to view video and articles on the spirituality of Catherine McAuley by Mary Sullivan rsm on the Mercy World website.