News & Events

"We will open our hearts to the cries of the poor..." (Chapter Statement)

During the month of June, traditionally dedicated to devotion to the Heart of Jesus, Pope Leo invites us to pray “that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from his Heart, learn to have compassion on the world.”

Post your prayer in our sacred space here

We join with the Holy Father in expressing our concern about the “worrying and painful” situation in Gaza.

We support his appeal to “allow the entry of dignified humanitarian aid and to put an end to the hostilities, whose heartbreaking price is paid by the children, elderly, and the sick”, as well as the safe return of hostages...

We suggest three positive steps in building an ‘architecture of peace’: genuine dialogue, truth-telling and education."

• Read the Statement here
• Post your prayer for peace in our prayer space

"We will enjoy and celebrate Earth’s beauty and bounty and her many species. We will honour our duty to love and care for her and add to her well-being wherever possible."
(Chapter Statement)

This year's World Environment Dayobservance comes as countries make progress towards securing a global treaty to end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.

Plastic pollution permeates every corner of the planet—even in our bodies in the form of microplastics.

All of us can take action to #BeatPlasticPollution and create a healthier future for ourselves, our planet and all life forms. We can start by reducing, reusing and recycling plastics.

Practical tips can be found here

Laudato Si' Week is the annual celebration to commemorate the publishing of the encyclical (letter). It is held globally from 24-31 May and in Australia from 16-24 May to allow for full celebration of National Sorry Day (May 26) and National Reconciliation Week (May 27-June 3).

Mercy Sisters Parramatta, in our Chapter Statements of 2016 and 2023 have emphasised our commitment to "care of earth, care of the poor and care of each other " (2023), "to enjoy and celebrate Earth’s beauty and bounty", to "love and care for [Earth], to "live simply, in a way that takes into account the fragility of Mother Earth" and to "make practical efforts to stem the hurtful effects of climate change, pollution and the ‘throw away’ mentality." (2016).

In highlighting the importance of caring for our shared home and the need for a spirituality of love and respect for all creation, Mercy Sisters Parramatta reflect the themes of Laudato Si' and demonstrate our responsibility, personally and communally, for taking care of the world we live in and for sharing all the wonders and resources the earth gives us.