Generosity across Generations: Celebrating Mercy Day at SAC
Generosity across Generations: Celebrating Mercy Day at SAC
Mercy Light: Connecting
Every September, the St Aloysius College community pauses to honour its Mercy heritage, remembering the courage and vision of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy who founded our College. Mercy Day is always a time of joy, gratitude, and togetherness. This year, with the 2025 liturgical theme, ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, the celebrations have felt especially alive with meaning, reminding us that hope is nurtured not only through prayer, but also through acts of service and generosity that ripple far beyond our community.
The Mercy Day Mass, held on Wednesday 24 September – the date on which Catherine McAuley opened her House of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland, in the year 1827 – brought students, staff and families together in a prayerful celebration of faith and heritage. Voices filled St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral in song and reflection, drawing reference to the heart of Catherine McAuley’s mission: to walk alongside others with compassion, dignity, and hope. Ellie Stephenson (Class of 2020), shared some of her own pilgrimage with the community, as this year’s Mercy Day Mass invited speaker, explaining the ways in which the Mercy values of Courage, Compassion, Service, Justice, Hospitality and Respect have enriched her life and work as a Music Therapist. Ellie shared that, “each of these values has been a pivotal part of my journey, sometimes individually, sometimes all at once, through my school years and now into my career and life. One thing I can say for certain is that they’re not just “school values.” They’re life values. And in today’s world, where change is constant and not always for the better, they feel more important than ever.” Ellie reminded everyone that Mercy may be seen every day, if and when it is sought and that all are called to notice the needs of others and respond with Mercy in action. Year 12 College Co-Captain, Revathi S, shares how, “Mass helped me feel connected to the spirit of Mercy through hearing Old Scholar, Ellie, discuss the impact of her Mercy journey after graduation. I felt incredibly grateful to have shared my schooling with so many others who value the Mercy beliefs just as much as I do, and who have made so many amazing impacts outside of SAC”.
When reflecting on her favourite moments of Mercy this year, Revathi explained, “we have been lucky enough to maintain a close relationship with Angel from The School of St Jude in Tanzania. Our Year 12 cohort has sponsored her scholarship, and we feel blessed that we get to make an impact outside of the classroom. The Mercy values shown by the entire graduation class of 2025 is something I am so proud of, and I know these values are what shapes us as a group.”
One of the most touching examples of Mercy in action this year has come from an SAC student just one year younger than Angel in Tanzania, Maria P, and her grandmother. Inspired by the spirit of Mercy, Maria’s yiayia (grandmother in Greek) and two of her friends lovingly crocheted blankets and dolls to be donated to Catherine House, an Adelaide service supporting women experiencing homelessness. These gifts, stitched with care and compassion, reflect how the Mercy story extends beyond the College gates. They remind us that the pilgrimage of hope is not bound by age or circumstance – every person can contribute something of value to brighten the path for others. These women, who wish to remain anonymous, reflect the same spirit of Mercy demonstrated by Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy, who served humbly, without need for recognition or praise.
Young Maria delivered these generous gifts with quiet pride, knowing that her grandmother’s hands had created something that would bring warmth and comfort to women in need. Maria’s mother, Angelik, said the women wanted to help and bring joy to people in need, and explained how her daughter, Maria, “has always been kind-hearted, and, along with her brothers, has always looked at ways in giving back to the community to those less fortunate.” This donation was a beautiful moment of intergenerational generosity, showing how the Mercy spirit continues to inspire and connect families in our community.
On Friday September 26, the Mercy Day carnival transformed the College into a lively festival of colour, laughter, and activity. Students from all year levels ran stalls, sold delicious treats, and organised games and activities – all with one purpose: to raise funds and awareness for Mercy works, and organisations that support people in vulnerable situations.
The carnival is always a highlight of the school year, not only because of its joyful energy, but because it channels youthful creativity into meaningful action. Every cupcake baked, every sausage sizzled, every raffle ticket sold contributes to the larger mission of Mercy: to walk with those in need and to embody the hope we profess in our theme.
Students learn, through Mercy, that hope is not abstract – it is lived and shared in practical, concrete ways. During Mercy Day festivities, they see that generosity can be fun, communal, and hugely rewarding. Year 12 JAM Leader, Clodeta T, reflected, “For me, Mercy Day is a day filled with joy and love as I spent it with my peers. I was so excited for the chance to see what other classes created for the whole school, as well as the lively atmosphere of excitement and laughter.”
Mercy Day is more than a calendar event; it is a reminder of the path we are all walking together as a community of faith and service. The Mass, the handmade donations, and the carnival may seem like separate elements, but together they form a tapestry of hope—woven from prayer, generosity, and joy.
As Pilgrims of Hope, the St Aloysius College community recognises that each act of kindness, no matter how small, is a step along the journey towards a more compassionate world. Whether it is the hands of a grandmother crocheting blankets, the voices of students raised in prayer, or the laughter of friends sharing a moment at a fundraising stall, each moment adds up to something much greater. Year 12 College Co-Captain, Darcy J, summarised it poignantly: “The true heart of SAC lies in its spirit of Mercy. It is a spirit that encourages us to act with passion, to serve others without expectation, and support one another through both challenges and celebrations. It is not always easy to explain, but it is something that is deeply felt. It is a spirit that defines SAC, reminding us all that we are part of a community and where every act of kindness ripples far beyond what we can see.”
This Mercy Day, we give thanks for the heritage that grounds us, the community that surrounds us, and the hope that guides us forward. Catherine McAuley’s pilgrimage has paved the way for many to follow in her footsteps, walking with Mercy and hope in our hearts.
Ms Maddie Kelly
JAM Coordinator
