After 30 years of facilitating programs at Mercy by the Sea, Mauryeen O’Brien, O.P., has made her last offering this spring. Over those many years, through her bereavement programs, Sister Mauryeen tended graciously and compassionately to the hearts and spirits of some the most vulnerable seekers crossing our threshold.
Years ago when I lived in New York City, I co-facilitated a Centering Prayer group at St. Bartholomew’s Church. Walking home one evening, my facilitation partner mentioned that each morning when she prayed, her cat joined her. Jealousy stabbed my heart. I had two cats and neither joined me for my morning prayer. What was wrong with me? Was she more spiritual than I was?
We are blessed here at Mercy by the Sea with furry, feathered neighbors like Ralphie, the groundhog; a shy fox; chipmunks; an occasional skunk; and a bevy of sparrows, nuthatches, sea gulls, ospreys, crows, and Harriet, our resident hawk. This year, there’s a special event happening just outside our office windows.
Working here at Mercy by the Sea, we are blessed to encounter profound, uplifting and thought-provoking spiritual books, videos and articles. We wanted to share with you just a few of the gems that staff members have recently come across.