Soundings

The Blog of Mercy by the Sea

We at Mercy by the Sea have so much we want to share with you:

  • Inspiring and transformational quotes, prayers, poems, videos and books we discover or rediscover
  • Conversations with upcoming presenters
  • News and events about what's happening at Mercy by the Sea
  • Resources and thoughts on contemplative prayer, spiritual direction, the second half of life, emerging leadership, creativity, our relationship with nature and much more!

You'll find seasonal photos of the grounds — vegetation, trees and winged and four-legged creatures that make their homes here.  We'll capture changes in the light and colors as the seasons change.  So bookmark this page and come back regularly. or subscribe to our weekly eNewsletter where these posts will be sent to your email inbox.

Currently Showing in the Mary C. Daly, RSM Art Gallery:"Faces of Haiti" by Dianne Coyle

Local artist Dianne Coyle from Madison will be showcases her artwork at the Mary C. Daly RSM Art Gallery at Mercy by the Sea, 167 Neck Road, Madison, CT, from August 20th to September 7th. The gallery is open for viewing from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For weekend visits, please call 203-245-0401.

Dianne's talent for portraiture emerged naturally, starting with her first portrait of her daughter. Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, she was inspired by the resilience of the Haitian people and created the "Faces of Haiti" series. This series comprises 20 portraits reflecting the aftermath of the disaster. It was first displayed at the Clare Gallery in Hartford and has since been exhibited at Hospice in Branford and the Senior Center in Madison. The next showing will be at Mercy by the Sea in Madison.

Posted 8/20/2024

A Letter From the Executive Director

 
 

Dear Friends,

The past week has been a bit of whiplash. There have been both severe storms and beautiful summer days. We have experienced high winds, lightning, thunder, pounding rain and a rainbow. Thankfully, we escaped any major damage to the trees and shore, just a power outage that was quickly resolved. All that between luscious summer days and a verdancy of the land that is atypical of this time of year. What are we to make of it all? 

Continue reading

Posted 8/15/2024

A Letter from the Executive Director

 
 

Dear Friends,

Today we share our 2024 Report on the transformative year we have just completed at Mercy by the Sea. We hope you are inspired by the wonderful gathering of blessings. Speaking of the year as “transformative” is beyond the physical changes and best depicted in the words of a recent program participant; “Every time I gather in a setting like this it’s affirming and validates, I am on the right path. I feel small gatherings like this have the ability to transform the world one human at a time.” That is the hope and focus of all our efforts, that Mercy by the Sea is a place that nurtures the Divine within and sends mercy, compassion and joy out into the world.

As we move forward, blessed, hopeful and full of possibility, know how deeply grateful we are for the many ways so many support the work of Mercy by the Sea. We are blessed by volunteers in the gardens, Book Shop and kitchen, donors, board members, program and retreat participants who continue to return over and over again, deer and fawn that entertain us, beautiful grounds and a wonderful staff that places service at the center of all. Here’s to the next leg of the journey, may it bring even greater mercy, compassion and joy!

In Mercy,

Sr. Anne Curtis, RSM
Executive Director

Posted 8/1/2024

A Letter from the Executive Director
 

Dear Friends,

Today we mark the summer solstice, a celebration of the nourishing light of the sun and the light within each of us, a time of renewal and abundance. The earth, resplendent in her beauty, invites us to connect with her vibrant energy, remembering that we stand within, not apart from nature. We are children of the sun, the daystar that makes all life possible, and we are reminded to live with understanding, reciprocity, and respect for all that is given to us. This is a time to enjoy and engage more deeply in our relationship with earth; and cultivate and strengthen our connection to the divine all around us.

Our ancestors lived in harmony with the sun and moon, and knew the sacredness of such times. The summer solstice is a time to pause and let oneself be “sun-soaked” in God’s love. 

"Holy is this fire of midsummer, and holy are you, O God.
From your burning heart you drew forth a fiery ball and flung it into space.
Your laughter shook the empty cosmos and echoed again and again
until the darkness of space resounded with your love and with fire.
You reached in again and drew forth fire and seeded it like yeast
in each atom, plant and animal, each bird, fish, man, and woman.
And you gave us a special star, our sun, aflame with a life-evoking energy
to make our planet green and fertile,
sun-soaked in your love."

— Taken from Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim by Edward Hays

In Mercy,

Sr. Anne Curtis, RSM
Executive Director

Posted 6/20/2024