Check out annual Mercy Week’s schedule of events, including McAuley Day
Salve Regina’s annual Mercy Week — which runs Sunday, Sept. 24, through Friday, Sept. 29 — celebrates the legacy of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy with events and programming that invite the University community to explore how to be agents of change in the world.
A newly envisioned McAuley Day will also be celebrated this week on Sept. 29, which is Catherine McAuley’s birthday.
Celebrating Catherine McAuley’s legacy
Salve Regina’s story reaches back almost 200 years to an Irish Catholic woman named Catherine McAuley. Deeply aware of the pressing challenges facing Catholic women in the 19th century, she built a House of Mercy where those in need could find shelter, an education and community.
In 1831, Catherine founded the Sisters of Mercy to continue this work with the “walking nuns” taking a fourth vow of service to the poor, sick and uneducated. This vow of service continues to form the mission of Salve, which encourages students to work for a world that is harmonious, just and merciful.
Photo is of the Mercy International Centre in Dublin, Ireland, which was founded by Catherine McAuley.
Students and Sisters of Mercy during summer session, 1949.
For the full schedule, to register for events, and other details, visit the Mercy Week website here.
Mercy Week schedule of events
Sunday, Sept 24 (Mercy Day)
Mercy Day Mass
5 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Chapel
Join the Salve Regina community as it comes together to welcome Bishop Richard Henning, D.D., S.T.D. of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence. All are invited to bring their family and friends to this special Mass.
Open House at The Mercy Center
6 to 7 p.m. in the Mercy Center for Spiritual Life
Following Salve’s Mercy Day Mass, the University community is invited to the Mercy Center to see the space, meet the staff and enjoy refreshments. The Mercy Center is located in the garden level of Our Lady of Mercy Chapel. All are welcome.
Monday, Sept. 25
Faith & Food with Dr. Tara Brooke Watkins
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Mercy Center for Spiritual Life
Dr. Tara Booke Watkins, program coordinator of theatre at Salve and the creator of The Bible Women’s Project, will share her journey of faith over a home cooked meal.
Tuesday, Sept. 26
Mercy Tea: Living Mercy
1 to 2 p.m.
State Dining Room, Ochre Court
Join Mission Integration and the authors of “Living Mercy: Reflecting on the Vocation and Values of Salve Regina University” in Ochre Court for this this special Mercy Week treat. Inspired by Catherine McAuley’s comfortable cup of tea, observe Sabbath Time a little early by sharing a cup of tea, treats, and conversation around Salve’s vocation and values.
Tea, coffee, and pastries will be served. For those who would like to join the conversation, please register ahead of time for this event.
To register, click here.
Wednesday, Sept 27
Film Screening of “Exposure”
7 p.m.
Little Bazarsky (Room 260) in the O’Hare Academic Center
Join Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies for a film screening of Holly Morris’ “Exposure.” In this documentary, an international group of women test their limits to complete one of the last attempted expeditions to the North Pole with themes of female empowerment, multiculturalism, and climate change.
Thursday, Sept 28
Hackathon for Change
Noon to 3 p.m.
Ochre Court
Learn about Innovation and Entrepreneurship through the lens of the mercy mission. Special guests are from the Women’s Resource Center. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Registration is required.
To register, click here.
Mercy Week Sabbath Time
1:45 to 2:15 p.m.
Meet at the European Beech Grove at the Misto Gatehouse
Hosted by Rev. Dr. Linda Forsberg and the Mercy Center for Spiritual Life, take a moment to pause and be fed through music, sacred texts and a brief message of encouragement. Music provided by MixTapes. The European Beech Grove is located on the lawn of the Misto Gatehouse in the McAuley Circle. This beautiful grove of trees offers a perfect place for prayer and peace.
Friday, Sept 29 (Catherine McAuley’s Birthday)
McAuley Day
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at McAuley Circle
McAuley Day is an annual Salve tradition that celebrates the mercy community on Catherine McAuley’s birthday. Come to McAuley Hall on the front lawn for food trucks, games, and music with Rhode to Dublin at 2 p.m. And, of course, there will be a birthday cake for Catherine.
Day of Service: Confetti Foundation
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ochre Court
Volunteers are needed to help with creating birthday banners for hospitalized children through the Confetti Foundation. All supplies will be provided. Volunteers can sign up in shifts using the link below and shift times are 10-11:00 a.m., 11 a.m.-Noon, Noon-1 p.m., and 1-2 p.m.
Volunteers can sign up for shifts here.
Rhode Island Bloodmobile
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Rhode Island Bloodmobile will be on campus from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations are by appointment, and please use sponsor code 0199.
To make an appointment, click here.
For the full schedule, to register for events, and other details, visit the Mercy Week website here.
