The principle of social inclusion is central to Mercy's values, ethos, and mission. The Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA) project, “Radical Hospitality in Vermont Cities and Towns,” is striving to obtain passage of the Declaration of Inclusion (DOI) in all 246 Vermont municipalities. This meaningful project is supported by the Mercy Fund. When a town adopts the DOI, it commits to condemning racism or discrimination in any form and to treat everyone fairly and equally in all actions, policies and operating procedures. The DOI was created by an ad hoc group of four caring citizens who want Vermont to be a more welcoming and inclusive state. Some small towns in Vermont think of themselves as quintessential New England villages. With populations of 1,000 or fewer, they are communities where neighbors help neighbors, doors are left unlocked and produce from gardens is shared generously. To view the entire article, click on read more.

From April 21–26, Cecilie Kern (MGA Global Research and Policy Advocate) and Isabel Salter (MGA intern) attended an immersion at the El Paso–Ciudad Juárez border. Organised by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and supported by the staff at Mission Society of St. Columban, the aim of the trip was for participants to learn more about the root causes of migration, bear witness to the conditions faced by migrants on both sides of the border, and visit some of the faith-based organisations providing accompaniment and hospitality to migrants amidst their long and dangerous journeys. Click below to read Cecilie and Izzy’s reflections on the experience and to hear how they plan to carry their learnings into advocacy at the international level.  Click on the read more button to view MGA's latest newsletter.

Panama has achieved a historic milestone in its fight against mining, thanks to the unrelenting will of Panamanian people who, every day for a month, took to the streets to protest against a controversial contract signed with First Quantum Minerals a Canadian mining company. This contract would have meant another 20 or even 40 years of exploitation of metals such as copper and gold in the Mesoamerican region, the most biodiverse area of the country.  Sisters in Panama: Nieves Jimenez, Edith Gonzalez, Tita López, Dina Altamiranda, Mercedes Gómez and Angelina Mitre, joined the voices that reject mining activity in Panama and marched alongside people in the streets, expressing their solidarity and support for the cause. As Sisters of Mercy, they expressed their commitment to the search for an integral development that respects the dignity of all people and nature’s sustainability, aligned with our Critical Concern, Earth. Click on the read more button to access an article on the situation in Panama by Sr. Angelina Mitre.

The call of Pope Francis to “go to the peripheries!” was an inspiration for Sr. Andrea Catubig. It was particularly inspiring during the COVID-19 pandemic when it was a challenge to respond to the marginalized people of Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines, where the Sisters of Mercy had ministered for years. The pandemic brought suffering to many, including the Subanen community, the Indigenous people of the area. Through the Subanen People Arise Project, the sisters empower the Indigenous people to move forward, despite their many struggles. The project fosters opportunities and the skills for them to live independently through farming and the cultivation of their artistic talents, including dance, song, and craftsmanship. With the support of sisters, members of the Subanen community have newfound confidence, becoming chapel leaders and council members in the Barangay region. To learn more about this inspirational Mercy project, please click the read more button. 

Chanmagua, Guatemala, became the site of encuentro and a venue to delve into the work of anti-racism, one of the Mercy Critical Concerns. CCASA's anti-racism committee, made up of Sisters Dina Altamiranda and Rosita Sidasmed and Associates Alexis Stephens and Pat Liverpool, organized the workshop with the aim of promoting awareness and action against this form of discrimination, as well as an appreciation for diversity. Prior to the event, committee members met in Panama to plan the details as well as to outline the program for the coming year. Guided by Sisters Julie Matthews and Sarita Vasquez, who joined virtually from Belize, they dedicated themselves to ensuring the workshop would be effective. There were 27 participants from the community in the workshop, held April 11-12. Professor Abel Villeda, of the José Trinidad Cabañas Basic Center, facilitated the sessions and provided an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of colonialism in Guatemala and how it has influenced today’s racial dynamics. Through breakout sessions, participants explored different kinds of racism and shared personal and community experiences. Click read more for the full article.