REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF THE WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF THE WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT CENTRE BAGGOT STREET, DUBLIN ON WEDNESDAY 13 MAY, 1
Today we are not only performing an official opening – we are also - in a sense - re-stating Sr. Catherine McAuley’s original aims – “to educate poor little girls, to lodge and maintain poor young ladies who are in danger, that they may be provided for in a proper manner . . . .” - and we’re doing so on the original site that Catherine purchased in the 1820’s. So it is an historic day for the Sisters of Mercy – and for Baggot St. – which has been associated with the Sisters for many generations – and which continues to keep that association to this day. It is an honour for me to have been invited to be a part of this celebration – and I am grateful indeed to Sr. Dervilla Byrne for asking me to be with you.
Since the day in December 1831 – when Sr. Catherine – with two of her colleagues – became the first members of the Order of Mercy – the Order has been pursuing its aims in Ireland - and in England, Australia, New-Zealand and the United States – becoming the largest religious congregation in the English-speaking world. In the time since its inception – the Sisters have seen many changes in society – changes that have been reflected in their services – and in the manner in which they are provided. I want to use this opportunity to pay a warm tribute to the many sisters who have devoted their lives in the service of others – who have sacrificed themselves - so that the less fortunate in whatever society they were in – could get an opportunity to live a decent life.
I know that the recent controversy surrounding some of the houses of the Order have been a stressful period – and I know that there is a process to be gone through in resolving the conflicts and difficulties that have arisen – in tending to the hurt - and in healing the wounds. Events such as these give cause to re-think – to reflect on what you do and on how you do it – and to look again at your mission statement – to see if the model of care and service suits today’s needs. That process of critique is essential in any organisation – as the environment and circumstances within which it operates changes over time. It is a natural and healthy process – a one from which only good can come.
Clearly the problem of the excluded in our society is still very much with us today. While the level and extent of poverty is not what it was in Catherine McAuley’s time – it is still a factor in our society – and one which is growing with the increasing levels of prosperity and our new found affluence. But the structure and nature of society has changed – the status of women has considerably altered – and the availability of education is far greater than it was. Ironically, the greater emphasis on the ‘individual’ – as opposed to the family member - has spawned a new phenomenon – where greater independence can mean higher exposure to the threat of economic deprivation – and isolation. In such a situation – it is very easy for people to get left behind – to be excluded from what comes to be ‘accepted’ as normal society – and to feel that they are suddenly on the outside looking in.
Meeting the needs of people in this new environment requires a new approach – a new way of dealing with the problem that takes account of today’s realities – and takes account of the capacity of people to discover how they can help themselves to solve their own problems. This centre is a new departure for the Order of Mercy – working with the Good Shepherd Sisters and the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity – in a facility to cater for this new situation. In opening the centre to those who may feel that they have been left behind in society – and in promoting an holistic approach to meeting the complex needs of people in a complex society – you are embarking on a new mission – a mission that is fully in keeping with the original aims of the order – yet in a different context – addressing both the causes and the symptoms. You are in a process of rejuvenation and renewal – and you are creating a new focus – a focus that will direct the energies and talents of those who will staff the centre – in addressing the symptoms and causes of today’s ills in society – and the needs of those who are bearing the brunt of those ills.
The facilities in this centre – and the holistic approach to meeting the spiritual, physical and developmental needs of those who will use the centre – make it a unique place in Ireland today. Through your work - you will be giving a stepping stone to many – allowing them to discover themselves – their talents – their skills – and the short-comings – and letting them develop themselves in their own way.
I wish you well with this new centre – and in your new mission. It is a facility that will give many people an opportunity to become full members of society again – and to realise their own potential.