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Explain how the writings of Catherine McAuley, reflect her spirituality and inspiration of the mercy spirit in her fellow sisters, and the ways in which Catherine’s spirituality is actively expressed at OLMC today?
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Catherine McAuley was undoubtedly an amazing woman whose works of mercy and compassion were prominent in 19th century Ireland. However Catherine’s works were the result of an imminent spirituality that she not only expressed in her practical efforts of mercy but also in her private writings, a record of her principles, ideas and philosophy’s that continue to inspire today’s mercy generations. Spirituality is defined by the Sisters of Mercy, Parramatta Congregation as: “A basic human capacity- calling us to go beyond the self and to reach out in love.” Catherine McAuley wrote many prayers and letters throughout her life in which “there is evident a strong vein of spirituality” During her years as a foundress she wrote with good news, in request and in dispute with letters addressed to God, the cardinals of Propaganda fide in Rome, bishops, vicars, general clergymen, businessmen and contractors, to her brother, her solicitors and her sisters in a growing network of convents. Catherine’s letters show her, above all as a woman of the church, an evangelizer whose spiritual teachings revolved around three main themes. Trust in the father’s providence, Identification with Jesus in his Mission and Heart felt gratitude for the mercy of God. What shines through in all of her letters as she encourages, persuades, reproves and consoles her sisters is her faith that whatever God permits is a blessing. Catherine’s unending trust in God’s will was an essential part of her spirituality that continually emerged in her writing especially those of advice to her sisters in the various convents around Ireland. In a letter to Sister M. Theresa on the 1st of November 1838 Catherine writes: “If it must come let us receive it as the Holy will of God in our regard.” In this letter Catherine writes to give comfort and advice to her sisters, which she often did in times of hardship. She emphasizes using the analogy of carrying the burden of Christ’s cross, that although they may suffer at times they must remain strong and accept it as God’s will.
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