This week (on December 10) we celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Yet, throughout the world, the violation of human rights continues. One of today’s biggest human rights crises is the international trafficking of women, girls, men and boys into slavery.

The Northern Territory Government decided recently that the first four hours of education in all Northern Territory schools will be conducted in English. What does this say about the value placed on Indigenous languages? And will more Indigenous languages be lost? All interested people are invited to consider the impact this decision will have on bilingual schools. Also, read Tom Calma’s comments about the Australian Government’s decision to increase funding to address health issues and “Close the Gap”.

This edition of Mercy M@tters brings to a close the reflections from the Specific Issues Committee, Eco-Justice on water and its place in our lives. As the title suggests, the committee is recognising our changing relationship with water – a relationship that varies in different parts of Australia.

A selection of tais – intricate hand woven cloths that are an important part of East Timorese culture - are available for sale from Mercy Works Inc. in Sydney. These tais have been made by women from Fohorem, in the remote south-west of Timor Leste.

Sister Veronica Lawson RSM (Ballarat East) offers a a reflection on the readings for the third Sunday of Advent, Year B. To access this reflection, click on "MORE" and then click on the picture of the Bible where you can read the Scripture as well as the reflection.

Sister Mary (Eileen) Marra of the Adelaide Congregation died peacefully at Tappeiner Court Nursing Home on November 24, 2008. “Mary was our oldest Adelaide Sister of Mercy ever - 101 years!” says Sister Bernadette Marks. “At the prayer vigil her relatives, Mercy Sisters, friends and residents shared many stories of Mary and captured something of her great spirit. Her funeral Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Leonard Faulkner, a regular visitor of Tappeiner Court, and well known to the residents." Sister Christine Keain's RSM reflection on Mary’s life follows.

As Sisters of Mercy throughout the Institute gathered for contemplative prayer at noon eastern standard time on November 29 while the leaders were considering the data from the fifth consultation about reconfiguring, they were supported by the sisters at the Mercy International Centre, Dublin, who also gathered in prayer in Catherine’s room. Back in Australia, the power of this experience was palpable as Sister Celestine Pooley describes from her experience in Mulgoa NSW.

The Sisters of Mercy of Papua New Guinea invite Sisters of Mercy around the world to pray for the Papua New Guinea sisters as they celebrate the first profession of Kunnie Kalango, and the renewal of vows of Emma Awehi, Catherine Hopil and Robina Einde. They say: “Our prayer is that they will be true to their commitment and gladden the heart of Catherine McAuley.”

On Friday afternoon, November 21, sisters began to gather at Yamba to remember and give thanks for 108 years of Mercy presence at 17 Clarence Street, Yamba. December 12, the anniversary of the founding of the Mercy Congregation in 1831, will see the new owners take possession of the site.