In the spirit of Catherine McAuley, “The blessing of unity still dwells amongst us — and oh, what a blessing — it should make all things else pass into nothing… This is the Spirit of the order indeed — the true Spirit of Mercy — flowing on us”.
This was clearly evident in the celebrations that occurred over the weekend of 26-27 March, with the hosting of the College Gala on the Saturday night followed by a Memorial Mass and celebration of a book commemorating our College’s 125 years of history the next day. It was lovely to finally celebrate as a community the College's 125 years celebration events. After the last two years of lockdowns and event postponements, to be able to celebrate 125 years of Mercy education in Lilydale together in person, without a Zoom login, was truly magnificent. MLMC is well known for its community feel and this was very much present on these two occasions.
What a connection this phrase from Catherine had in our celebrations — from the Gala, the Mass and the commemorative book 125 Years, 125 Stories. The MLMC Old Collegians' Association Gala was a wonderful event which gathered many MLMC alumni. At the Gala, we celebrated the two latest members to be inducted on to our Mercy Honour Roll, Patricia Olson and Kelly-Bourke Finn. Patricia has been a member of staff in various roles for 43 years and Kelly (Class of 1989) is a critical care nurse who has done amazing work as a volunteer helping Melbourne’s homeless. Both are fitting recipients of this honour. Continuing on with the Sisters of Mercy and their service to others, both women exude the spirit of Mercy in their connections with the community and what they have done to show the Mercy values in full flight.
Having some past students also perform on the night was fantastic. Our performers included Georgia McAleer (Class of 2019), Kellie Rhodes (Class of 1995), Anthony Gerace (Class of 2013) and Bonnie Anderson (Class of 2012). We also thank Sean Robertson (Class of 1990), from Essential Catering, for the delicious food and Rosalie De Francesco (Class of 2019), from Rosie Posie Floral Designs, for the floral centrepieces.
The next day, our community members gathered for our Memorial Mass, remembering those from our community who have passed on from this world. As part of the Mass we also acknowledged and blessed some name plaques of those most recently deceased and added them to our memorial wall.
Recognising the publication of the book 125 Years, 125 Stories was such a long-awaited occasion. The wonderful stories of the College, put together in one publication to remember and continue the legacy of MLMC, truly encapsulates the journey of the College since the time the first Mercy Sisters came to Rourke’s Hill in 1896 to the present day. It was an honour that Anthony McAleer, a local historian who was responsible for collating all of the stories for the book, spoke to the audience, as did former College Principal Sister Nancy Freddi, Sister Sylvia Williams on behalf of Mercy Education Limited and former staff member Adrian Reilly.
What a truly wonderful occasion where both present and past staff and students were able to come together to celebrate all things MLMC.
Old Collegians' Association President Olivia Cox (right) with performer Georgia McAleer (Class of 2019) (centre).
Bonnie Anderson (Class of 2012).
Mercy Honour Roll inductee Patricia Olson with her husband at the Gala.
Honour Roll inductee Kelly Bourke-Finn (second from left) with her family.
Former staff member Adrian Reilly.
