Mercy nuns sponsor walk and fair
The Sisters of Mercy will be praying for fair weather on Saturday as the convent celebrates more than a century of service in Belize with a five mile walk and fair. According to organiser Sister Carolee Chanona, even though the first seven sisters arrived from New Orleans one hundred and twenty-three years ago, the message of the Mercy order remains more relevant than ever.
Sr. Carolee Chanona, Leader, Sisters of Mercy Belize
?As we reflect on our present situation in Belize, as we reflect on what Mercy is all about, we thought it would be very important to organise a walk that spoke to those values. We believe that Mercy more than ever is needed in our country today and it is not just for the Sisters of Mercy, it for all those who believe and share the same values. So Mercy today, what does Mercy mean? Mercy means understanding, tolerance, patience, compassion, loving kindness, giving others a second chance… And so it?s these values that we believe are important for us to stand up for and to walk.?
?There are actually two parts to this event, there?s the walk and there?s Mercy FARE. By that we are referring to?there will be booths that will showcase or highlight the various formal and informal works of Mercy and an opportunity to raise awareness and to invite the non-walkers to come to browse and to see if there is some way, some ministry that they might be able to volunteer in. So for example, prison ministry, hospital visitation, care of the earth, promoting a non-violent way of living, as well as the formal ministries of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mercy Centre, which addresses spiritual development; Mercy Care Centre, which is care of the elderly poor; and then our education ministries: St. Catherine?s Academy, Muffles High School, Muffles Junior college.?
The walk begins on Hutson Street at six a.m. Registration is twenty dollars for adults, ten dollars for students. That price includes a t-shirt, breakfast, and water and juice along the route. Please note that while you can register late on Saturday morning, there is an extra five dollar fee attached. The Mercy Fare starts at eight with breakfast on the lawn.
