Shining Lamps: Be the Light of Mercy

McAuley Westmead students in conference

A group of Years 10 and 11 students recently attended Session 3 of the Australasian Mercy Secondary Schools Association (AMSSA) Conference.

A group of Years 10 and 11 students recently attended Session 3 of the Australasian Mercy Secondary Schools Association (AMSSA) Conference. The 2026 theme, ‘Shining Lamps: Be the Light of Mercy’, encouraged students to reflect on how they can bring hope and compassion to their communities. The Session 3 theme was: ‘Hope Made Real: Justice, Advocacy and Citizenship’, and we had the privilege of hearing from Sister Sheila Curran, a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy Northern Branch.

Sister Sheila currently works as an eco-feminist liberation theologian and is a passionate advocate for social justice and civil rights. Through her presentation, she shared valuable insights into issues such as discrimination, refugees, war, and the impact these have on both people and the environment. She challenged us to think about how discrimination and racism can occur in subtle ways in everyday life, often without us realising it. One message that particularly stood out was, “It is not about us and them; we are all different but equal.” This reminded us that refugees are people deserving of dignity and respect, and that as a Mercy school, we are called to respond with justice, compassion, and hospitality.

McAuley Westmead students in conference

Sister Sheila also spoke about the environmental consequences of war, describing the Earth as a “silent victim.” Her words encouraged us to consider how conflict affects not only human lives but also the natural world. Another powerful message she shared was that “nonviolence is not passivity, but it is action.” Choosing peace and working to end violence requires courage and commitment. She reminded us that “peace is not merely the absence of war”; it also involves addressing racism, injustice, and division. Real change can happen when dedicated people persevere, even in the face of significant challenges. Creating a more peaceful world is a long-term responsibility that involves all of us.

Following Sister Sheila’s presentation, students worked within their school groups to develop a Mercy Action Plan, which we hope to implement in the next two terms. We then had the opportunity to share our ideas with students from other schools, listen to their action plans, and provide feedback to one another.

McAuley Westmead students in conference

Overall, the AMSSA Conference was a rewarding and thought-provoking experience. It helped us gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing our world and inspired us to consider how we can contribute to positive change. As members of a Mercy school community, we are called to work together to make hope real and stand in solidarity with others to create a more just and compassionate world.

Written By

Suzanna Fahd | Year 11 Assistant Social Justice Leader
Catherine McAuley Westmead

17 Jun 2026
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