Promoting the retention of the culture and tradition of Mercy in Jamaica

THE SISTERS and Associates of Mercy in Jamaica are planning a gala awards function to conclude a year of celebrating the 240th anniversary of the birth of their foundress, Catherine McAuley. It will also be an occasion to celebrate the 138th anniversary of the foundation of Mercy works in Jamaica.

The gala, scheduled to take place at the Spanish Court Hotel on September 29, will be a fundraising event to provide some necessary resources for the establishment of the Alpha Mercy Historical Centre, to be located at Alpha, 26 South Camp Road, Kingston, on property owned

and administered by the Sisters of Mercy. The centre will be used for the collection, preservation and display of artefacts, documents and other materials depicting the history of the Sisters of Mercy in Jamaica, and illustrating their significant and continuing impact on the cultural, social and educational development of the country for 138 years.

The objective of the Alpha Mercy Centre is to promote the retention of the culture and tradition of Mercy in Jamaica, and to provide a source of inspiration and motivation that will help to strengthen the commitment to service to the less fortunate, as a driving force in the development of the country.

Its strategic location in downtown Kingston will position it to make a significant contribution to the revitalisation of the entire area which is now being undertaken. The special contribution of this project will be its focus on the promotion and fostering of values and attitudes such as are necessary for the full development and transformation of persons and society. A significant feature will be the establishment of a garden, where visitors can experience peace and quiet and a space for spiritual refreshment and nurturing of their inner spirit.