Making Mercy Connections at AMSSA
Making Mercy Connections at AMSSA
Our school is a member of a very special community, the Australasian Mercy Secondary Schools Association (AMSSA). This partnership between 66 Mercy-affiliated schools across the Australasian region enables students and staff to experience our shared charism biennially. This year, the AMSSA student conference was held in Bendigo, Victoria from June 24-27 and was attended by over 100 students and staff from participating schools. Yenuli P (Year 10) and Clodeta T (Year 11) represented SAC and had a wonderful time conversing, reflecting and exchanging ideas with their peers from around Australia. Myself, Gaby Kinsman (both Class of 2011) and Laila Laila (Class of 2022) were privileged to accompany the students and also to represent our community as keynote presenters and workshop facilitators. The theme for the 2024 AMSSA student conference was ‘Mercy Pathways of Joy and Hope’, and hope was certainly tangible after four days with Mercy leaders from so many corners of our nation. Below, Yenuli and Clodeta reflect on a week not to be forgotten:
“AMSSA allowed me to meet and forge new friendships with students from mercy schools across Australia. I was able to hear the stories of many leaders and participate in workshops. I learnt about the injustices faced by refugees and I was also educated on the difficulties women fleeing domestic violence must face. We were taken to visit the gold mines and the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo, which is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. This was such a great opportunity and I am ever so grateful that I was a part of this amazing experience.” – Yenuli P
This was an amazing conference that helped young people to explore, reflect and deepen our appreciation for the Mercy charism. With the theme being Pathways of Joy and Hope, we explored ways we can create positive change within our communities but also worldwide through the smallest actions. We listened to many Mercy stories and inspiring models such as Sister Sally Bradley (Executive Director of Mercy Works) and multiple Young Mercy Links members from South Australia and Victoria who encouraged us to go forth and find Mercy where needed. The AMSSA conference left a mark on our hearts, with the words of Catherine McAuley reminding us to, “speak as your mind directs and always act with courage.” Her words inspire us to always strive for the common good of all people, helping uplift each other to create a future filled with joy, hope and compassion.” – Clodeta T
