At the May meeting of the Members' Association approval was given to develop the area of the Centre known as The Winter Garden. For those who are not familiar with Mercy International, this is the ground floor cloister area under the accommodation wing known as McAuley which was for many years the Novitiate for the Dublin Sisters. It faces out onto the garden and towards Catherine's tomb and is currently not used. The far end of the area will be retained as a store room but its capacity will be increased by the addition of a mezzanine floor over the steps which go down under Convent Close, the back lane which leads to the car park. Richard Hurley and Associates who were the architects for the restoration of Mercy International Centre have been employed to develop the project.
Discussions are also underway about the possibility of enlarging the car park.
With the new Catherine McAuley Centre requiring parking spaces and our own needs continuing there is frequently considerable pressure on the parking spaces available. Negotiations are continuing with the Central Leadership Team of the Irish Sisters, the South Central Leadership Team and various planners and advisors. As visiting Sisters entered the foyer there was great excitement, energy and rejoicing. Following the liturgy all were invited to a delicious dinner. It was a privileged moment of time for me to be present here with Sisters from around the world all giving praise and thanks to our Creator God and serving in Mercy.