Participating in the Mercy Ministry Companions (MMC) Leadership Programme and Dublin Pilgrimage has been and continues to be a deeply formative experience—one that continues to shape my understanding of Mercy in action. Gathering with a diverse group from across the Australasian Mercy world, I was struck by the richness of perspectives and the shared commitment to Catherine McAuley’s legacy. It was excellent to be joined by Lauren Semple, Chair of Mercy Hospital Dunedin Limited. The two of us represented Aotearoa well – making sure that we were never outdone by the 20+ Aussies we were on pilgrimage with. If Aotearoa didn’t always get a mention in the presentations, we made sure to contextualise things for our unique context.
The pilgrimage, to Mercy International Centre, Baggot Street, Dublin, offered more than a journey through place with people; it was a journey through and with purpose. Standing in Catherine’s house, I felt the weight and warmth of her vision—a space that continues to gather the Global Mercy Whānau. The phrase, “you are the heirs to Catherine’s will and legacy,” resonated deeply. It is both a gift and a challenge: to carry Mercy forward in our own contexts, with courage and compassion.
Dublin today is vastly different from the city Catherine knew in the 1800s. Yet, the needs she responded to—healthcare, education, and care for the vulnerable—remain universal. What varies is how we express these works locally. This was a powerful reminder that Mercy is not static; it adapts, responds, and bridges divides.
The programme reaffirmed the strength of Tikanga Mercy—our “superpower”—which grounds and binds us in a uniquely Aotearoa way. While some aspects of the pilgrimage lacked this grounding, it highlighted how vital it is to carry our cultural identity into global spaces.
At the heart of the week was a simple truth: extraordinary things emerge from ordinary people acting with faith and perseverance. Catherine, the pioneer sisters, and Mercy congregations up to today, faced many challenges and closed doors, yet they persisted. Their legacy of continually opening the Doors of Mercy, as Catherine did nearly 200 years ago, calls us to do the same.
David Mullin
Ko te Hapai O | Executive Director