The Institute’s Specific Issues Committee on Eco-Justice encourages you to attend the 2008 Jesuit Lenten Seminar Series in Melbourne and Sydney. This year’s lecture series looks at the established and potential effects of climate change, particularly those who will be left paying the price of our actions.

In a letter sent to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd last week, Institute President Sister Nerida Tinkler welcomed Mr Rudd’s commitment to working for a fairer and more compassionate society.

Last week’s Federal Parliament apology to the Stolen Generation generated a remarkable response from the Australian community. We are pleased to publish the reflections of some young people who have connections with the Australian Mercy network – students and staff from Mercedes College in Perth (WA), students from Monte Sant’ Angelo in North Sydney (NSW), and a young teacher from St Therese’s Community School in Wilcannia (NSW).

Sister Kathleen Pierce RSM (Gertrude) of the Adelaide Congregation, died peacefully at Tappeiner Court Nursing Home in Kensington, Adelaide on January 31, 2008. Aged 94 years, she would have celebrated 70 years of profession on February 5. Sister Bernadette Marks reports: “She was a gifted woman who taught in many of our schools, was the sister in charge of the new foundation made at Elizabeth in 1958, and gave religious instruction on weekends in Victor Harbour for over ten years. After retirement from teaching, she was involved in retreats and weekly meditation groups.” Mercy M@tters is pleased to publish the eulogy delivered by Sister Ruth Mullins.

At the Annual General Meeting of Catholics in Coalition for Justice and Peace (CCJP) on February 17, the Committee formally honoured Sister Margaret Hinchey’s commitment to working for justice. During 2007, CCJP celebrated 20 years of its justice and peace life, and for the last ten of those years, Margaret Hinchey has been an energetic and efficient convenor.

Last week the World Youth Day (WYD) Cross and Icon visited Bathurst. After a Civic Reception on Mount Panorama and a Mass of Welcome at the Cathedral, the Cross and Icon were carried to St Joseph’s Mount. Here the young people of the parish had prepared a Way of the Cross around the grounds, and the Sisters of Mercy led an all-night prayer vigil in the Chapel. Sister Patricia Powell RSM (Bathurst) reports on the event.

Sister Veronica Lawson RSM (Ballarat East) offers a reflection on the Gospel for the third Sunday of Lent, Year A (John 4:5-42).