C&SI - Extending compassion in Romania: Sr Rose Carmel McNamara - 29 Jan 2023 (S03E10)

In our podcast this week, John speaks to Sr Rose Carmel McNamara, an Irish Sister of Mercy about her work and the founding of the Association of Our Lady of Mercy in Romania which works with those on the margins. We hear her story and how Sr Rose Carmel was on holiday to Romania in March 2000 and how she quickly became aware of the problems of the marginalized, and was motivated to move to Romania and dedicate herself to the fight against poverty.In addition we have our regular run through the Saints of the Week, other liturgical odds and ends and of course our weekly  reflection on the Sunday gospel which this week is Matthews account of the Beatitudes taken from the Sermon on the Mount. Association of Our Lady of Mercy in RomaniaSr Rose Carmel McNamara shares her story with us this week and how after encountering such poverty in Romania she has worked with those on the margins. Initially, she worked with children living with AIDS, teaching them English and befriending them in numerous ways. Other areas of vulnerability soon became evident, and in November 2000, a number of shoe boxes filled with food came her way. There was no problem finding people who urgently needed them. Within a short time all were distributed with the help of Mrs. Elizabeth Bohm. Gradually, volunteers emerged and the workload was shared. As time went by, the necessity for an association was evident to respond to the increasing needs. The Association of Our Lady of Mercy in Romania was founded in 2005 thanks to the efforts of a small dedicated group which continues that work right up to the present day. Visit the Associations website HERE and give donations HERE.Short video about their work HERE. Further information on the Associations Facebook page. Text us at +353 874668950 or email at [email protected]