Dublin Pilgrimage for Young Mercy Leaders

August 5-14, 2011

"Home of Mercy" Video now available! Click here to watch a 16-minute video created by a professor from Misericordia University who accompanied the group. You can also read their blog and see photos by clicking here.

Congratulations to our Pilgrims:

(L to R) Regina Sellman, Brigid O'Brien, Ashley Scheiber, Katherine Klinges, Kellie Delhagen, Steven Rufe, Katie Kane, Kate Taylor, Beth Harrison, Mary Ashmore, Amy Vandegrift, and Mary Jo Pierantozzi.

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The Dublin Pilgrimage was organized by Mercy International Centre www.mercyinternational.ie, in the original House of Mercy built by Catherine McAuley before she founded the Sisters of Mercy.  College students and upper-level high school students from all over the world were invited.  The heart of the pilgrimage was a three-day conference featuring presentations by Sr. Marilyn Lacey of Mercy Beyond Borders www.mercybeyondborders.org/ and Sr. Adele Howard of Fraynework Digital Storytelling http://www.fraynework.com.au/, as well as breakout groups exploring a variety of Mercy themes.  A pre-conference experience of several days’ duration in Northern Ireland immersed students in the Peace Process.  Through presentation, discussion, reflection and prayer, students engaged the history and charism of Mercy, returning to ordinary life better equipped to be Mercy leaders in our college and in our world.  Gwynedd-Mercy students were accompanied by two faculty, Mary Jo Pierantozzi and Brigid O'Brien.

Accommodations

While in Dublin, participants will stayed at the Abbey Court Hostel (www.abbey-court.com), which is located on the River Liffey in walking distance of MIC. 

Finances

Through generous donations from the President's Office, Alumni Association, and various sponsoring departments, the College was able to support a significant percentage of the cost of the pilgrimage (which totaled approximately $2,000 per student).  Participants contributed $300 each, and the remainder of the cost was covered through fund-raising efforts.  

Selection Criteria

The students who were chosen are broadly representative of GMC at its best.  We sought students of good character who are passionate about Mercy, and who can well- represent our various Schools, student organizations, athletic teams, etc.  Because the College is investing much in these students, they will be expected to “give back” in some way upon return, helping to connect other students with the mission of Mercy during the 2011-12 academic year.

Questions?

Contact Christine Eberle, x590, Sr. Kati McMahon, x787, Brigid O'Brien x163 or Mary Jo Pierantozzi, x142.