In May this year, a group from Mercy Ministries across Australia embarked upon a pilgrimage to Dublin to be inspired by the work of the Sisters of Mercy Founder, Catherine McAuley.

Of the participants selected, two were Emmanuel College alumni – Karen Jongebloed (Class of 1975) and Justin Houlihan (Class of 1990). Karen was chosen due to her role as Mercy Education Board Deputy Chair, and Justin, for his role at Emmanuel College as Assistant Principal – Learning and Teaching.

“Having other leaders from across Australia representing ministries in Education, Health, Disability Services, Finance and Aged Care - It was a great group to be a part of. It was great learning alongside them.” Justin reflects.

The pilgrimage afforded the opportunity for personal and professional reflection, as participants developed their leadership skills. Karen said, “The aim is about increasing your awareness of what it takes to be a Mercy Leader.”

Through the experience, pilgrims spent time at the original house in Baggot Street, now known as the Mercy International Centre. There, they learnt from examples of Catherine’s leadership. Justin said, “I took a lot from these stories. She had a great ability to connect with other people. She put her faith in them, didn’t micromanage, just provided them with guidance. I took a lot from her resilience as well.”

“She was such an extraordinary woman” Karen emphasised. “She went against societies expectations at the time, but in a way that gained her respect and inspired others to do the same.”

A walking tour took them through the parts of Dublin that Catherine and her Sisters ministered in. Both Karen and Justin highlighted this experience, commenting on the real insight it gave into the challenges she faced.

“It takes you back to the time, and allows you to reflect on some of the challenges that Catherine would have had. In many cases, the challenges are not dissimilar to what we currently face.” Karen explains.

In addition to taking lessons from our history, sessions were also future focused, looking at the challenges of responding to the needs of people and the planet, and the projects of Mercy Global Action.

Justin reflects, “It’s a true story of how a rain drop leads into a waterfall. There’s now Sisters of Mercy around the world, with thousands employed in McAuley and Mercy Services.”

Karen hopes the experience will help her to lead by example. “It is about enriching our school communities to be communities of Mercy. Enabling our students, so that when they go out, they can continue the Mercy work in some capacity. I think the Inspiring Alumni stories are reflective of that. You see the good that people do, who follow their passion.”