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Search - Governance Structures Of The Congregation Of The Sisters Of Mercy: Becoming One (Roman Catholic Studies, 23)

Governance Structures Of The Congregation Of The Sisters Of Mercy Becoming One - Roman Catholic Studies, 23
Author: Mary Lyons

This study examines how the governance structures that operated in this congregation evolved in response to ecclesiastical legislation of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, especially to the Second Vatican Council's mandate for adaptation and renewal. The history of religious life in the Catholic Church is one that is marked by starts and f... more »inishes. Few institutes last more than 200 years without a major reconfiguration or renewal. Many institutes were set up in accordance with the Church laws that were in effect at the time, even though this was not what the founders or foundresses had in mind when they presented their proposals for a new foundation. This is particularly so in the case of religious institutes of women. For, in a number of instances, because the canon law was so designed, cloister and solemn vows were imposed on persons who wished to exercise some type of apostolate out in the world, rather than from behind convent walls. This created unnecessary tensions as the obligations of prayer and community life were conjugated with the needs of those being served in so many ways. As social conditions changed, particularly with the industrial revolution, women in the Church, oftentimes inspired by their bishops, realized that things had to change. Thus it was that, gradually, new institutes of women began to emerge; the members left the shelter of the cloister and undertook difficult and even dangerous work with those who were most in need of assistance. Members of nursing communities, particularly in times of epidemics, risked their lives to render help to the poor, the sick and the dying. Education was another area where there were special needs, especially among the poor who could not afford schooling. As elsewhere in Europe, such needs to assist "the poor, the sick and the ignorant" were strongly felt in Ireland. Catherine McAuley, a woman of vision, was not afraid to face opposition, and even bigotry, in order to come to the assistance of those in greatest need, while, at the same time, making the saving and healing mission of Jesus Christ better known and understood. The Institute of Sisters that she founded was, like so many others, subject to the canonical regulations in effect at the time. Her Order could not be centralised, but rather each house was subject to the bishop of the diocese where it was located. This system worked fine for a number of years; but, as the fields of healthcare and education became more refined and even more complicated, the need for greater coordination and unity made itself felt. There were initial movements towards types of union or federation within the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy. Some of these were imposed, as it were, on Sisters residing in the same diocese or country; other types were voluntary. Not all of them produced the same beneficial results. After the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), religious institutes were asked to return to their sources, to study the intentions and desires of the Founders and Foundresses, and, where necessary, to rekindle the founding ideal. This was based on what was known in theological circles as the "founding charism" of the Institute, or its special gift received from the Holy Spirit for the good of people. The Sisters of Mercy, as one of the largest of the English-speaking foundations of women in the Church, were no exception. As various studies were undertaken on the life and mission of Catherine McAuley, it became evident that the style of government now exercised in the convents of the Order needed to be re-examined. This led to major re-groupings of the Sisters, whether in the USA, in Australia, or in Ireland. Also, but to a lesser degree, there were other Federations established in England, in New Zealand, and elsewhere. New groups are still being founded, with the example of Papua and New Guinea perhaps being foremost among the new and creative foundations of the Order. Of course, the Sisters of Mercy were not alone in this process. Other Institutes, such as theSisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also went through similar forms of restructuring. The present work addresses but one part of this movement, and concentrates on the efforts made in Ireland to bring into one, the 26 distinct Congregations of the Sisters of Mercy, each stemming from the same original source; in addition, a Congregation of Sisters in South Africa, many of whose members were originally from Ireland, also asked to join in the process. In all, over 3,000 Sisters were involved in these particular discussions. However, the tide was not stemmed by the Irish unification. For, indeed, an international centre, located on Baggot Street in Dublin, now houses "Mercy World", which gathers together, on a regular basis, Sisters belonging to each of the various groups of Sisters of Mercy established around the world. Does this mean that, some day, all the groups of Sisters of Mercy will be united in one Institute? It is too early to tell. One thing is certain though: the movement towards unity is very strong, and the impetus of Catherine's message is leading to new and unforeseen discoveries. The present work is particularly important, because it is based on original archival material. It traces the various, sometimes hesitating, steps taken towards unification. It shows the difficulties that the Sisters had to face, not only from within the Institute, but also from the part of certain Church authorities. It shows how, with time and patience, minds could adapt to new situations and come up with solutions that would have been unthinkable just 20 years ago. Other institutes that are considering similar regrouping processes could also learn from this work. In other words, it is much more than a "nice story", even though much of it reads like a novel! It challenges; it does not hesitate to show newly-discovered weaknesses in the revised structures; but, at the sametime, it is able to demonstrate how unimaginable things can be brought about through prayer and concerted action. It was a pleasure to read this work and to see it come to a successful conclusion. For those who are interested in the history of the Catholic Church in Ireland in the 19th and 20th centuries, there are many fascinating discoveries to be made as they read and reflect on the facts outlined for us in Sister Mary Lyons' very scholarly work. Those who are students of religious life will also learn how determination and continued effort, especially when the grace of God is at work, can lead to unexpected results. While Catherine McAuley might not recognise today the structure of the Institute she founded in 1831, she would certainly recognise the spirit and the willingness to respond to unmet needs of society.

ISBN-13: 9780773461864
ISBN-10: 0773461868
Publication Date: 6/30/2005
Pages: 264
Rating:

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Publisher: Edwin Mellen Press
Book Type: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 0
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Christian Books & Bibles >> Churches & Church Leadership >> Church Institutions & Organizations

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Search - Governance Structures Of The Congregation Of The Sisters Of Mercy: Becoming One (Roman Catholic Studies, 23)

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