On September 24, 1827, the Foundress of Sisters of Mercy, Catherine McAuley, opened her first House of Mercy on Baggot Street in Ireland. Over 50 years later, Alpha’s Foundress Jessie Ripoll, continued this legacy of Mercy by opening the Alpha orphanage and then becoming a Sister of Mercy herself. Mercy Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate their joint legacies and focus on how we can follow in their footsteps by embracing the Mercy Core Values and practically addressing our critical concerns. In particular, this year, we promoted the critical concern of non-violence under the theme “For peace the whole world through, what am I prepared to do?”
Mercy Day celebrations began with a special Mass at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, commemorating both Mercy Day and the 45th anniversary of Jessie Ripoll Primary. Attended by students and staff from Jessie Ripoll Primary, Alpha Infant, Alpha Academy, and Alpha Primary, along with special guests, the Mass featured reflections by Principal Mr. O’Neil Stevens on discerning God’s will and the school’s history. Sr. Shirley Chung, RSM, and Marcia Detry Fogah (i.e. Jessie Ripoll Primary’s very first Principal and Vice Principal) were also honored. Two additional Masses were held at Alpha Academy under the theme “Cultivating Compassion: Nurturing Non-Violence,” aligning with the overall Mercy Week theme.
The Mercy Day Mass was followed by a lively Mercy Day March, led by the Alpha School of Music marching band. Students from all six Mercy schools in Kingston marched around the Alpha campus, celebrating Mercy and promoting peace and nonviolence. The march concluded at the Alpha Mercy Historical Centre, where Ms. Marcia Tai Chun (CEO of the Sisters of Mercy of Jamaica), shared reflections on the journeys of Catherine McAuley and Jessie Ripoll, highlighting their impact on the world. Afterwards, Mrs. Marcia Thwaites, a Mercy Associate and Alpha Academy alumna, captivated students with humorous, heartfelt stories from her time as a student. The day ended with a gathering of Mercy Associates, sharing tea and fellowship in the spirit of hospitality exemplified by Catherine McAuley.
