Mercy In Action As Students Visit Cabrini Nursing Home

A small group of Year 9 students are visiting Cabrini Nursing Home every Thursday afternoon.

In a heartwarming initiative, a group of seven Year 9 students, a representative from each Homeroom class, have embarked on a meaningful service project at Cabrini Nursing Home.

Inspired by the Sisters of Mercy, who were known as the ‘walking sisters’, this new initiative allows the Year 9 students to visit the nursing home every Thursday afternoon, offering their time and companionship to the residents. The visits have been organised by Ms Nicolson and Ms O’Donoghue as part of their involvement in the Mercy Formation Program. This program sees two staff members from each of the five Mercy schools in Sydney choose a project which will deepen the understanding of the Mercy charism at their school.

Ms Nicolson says that the visits have allowed the students involved to learn mercy in action for themselves. “They are providing compassion and care to the elderly whilst building relationships that are improving the wellbeing of the residents,” Ms Nicolson said. “We have had overwhelming feedback from the home on the impact of this program, and are excited that it will continue for 2025.”

“One interesting story from the visits is that the family of one of the residents, who is soon to turn 100, have shared with us that their mother used to be a principal at an all girls high school in India. This resident adores the students and reminds them to never lose their confidence in themselves and she likes to give them tips on their schooling. I believe the benefits have therefore been reciprocal in nature.”

Year 9 student Saadhana K. says she is enjoying the visits very much. “It’s a heartwarming feeling when I’m helping the residents and making their day a bit brighter. There is one resident who gives us a funny moment every visit as he likes to joke around by changing his name every time we talk to him. It always makes us laugh and keeps things fun!”

Johanna O. says the visits are changing her perspective. “I feel I am experiencing personal growth through learning about their lives, by being patient when speaking to them, as often they may talk a little slower or get distracted, and seeing their perspective of life.”

Ms Nicolson says that in addition to giving the students an opportunity to develop true mercy leadership skills it has also provided them with experience into the reality of care in a nursing home.

The nursing home staff have been helping the students learn about the requirements of working as a carer, which some students have said they are interested in pursuing as a future career.

The Cabrini Nursing Home visits will continue until the end of the term and start again next year.