Our parish community is fortunate to have Our Lady of Mercy as our patroness. Today, we celebrate her feast, also known as Our Lady of Ransom. This feast dates back to 1218 when the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Peter Nolasco, St. Raymond of Penafort, and King James of Aragon in Spain. In their visions, Mary expressed her desire for the establishment of a religious order dedicated to rescuing Christians who were in danger of losing their faith due to the harsh conditions they faced as captives of the Moors. During that time, captivity and slavery were widespread due to conflicts between Christians and Moors. The members of the order were willing to offer themselves as ransom to liberate the Christian captives and made a vow to exchange their own lives for the Christian captives if necessary.

Mary’s connection to the ministry of mercy goes beyond this title. She is also revered as the “Queen and Mother of Mercy.” These titles highlight Mary’s incredible kindness and mercy. As the “Queen of Mercy,” Mary resembles Queen Esther, who interceded for her people, displaying her boundless compassion and generosity. As a parish, we cannot ignore or be indifferent to the needs of the people of the City of Sunderland if we want to honour our patroness. We are the Catholic community at the heart of the city, and it is our responsibility to care for this city.

Mary’s role as the “Mother of Mercy” is equally important. This title emphasises both her role as the blessed mother who gave birth to Jesus Christ, God’s mercy made flesh, and her embodiment of grace and mercy. She continues to hold the needs of the faithful close to her heart and presents them to her Son. This was evident in her earthly life, from moments like the wedding at Cana to now where she sits enthroned in heaven. Mary, our Lady, is truly the “most merciful, compassionate, tender, and loving mother,” as described by St. Lawrence of Brindisi.

To be worthy of our parish name, we must be a place of refuge, welcome, and healing. We cannot be satisfied with preaching only to ourselves. Our Lady of Mercy Parish must be a beacon of hope in our community, constantly striving to reach those who have strayed from the faith or have never experienced Christ’s mercy.

As a parish community, we look to Mary as an example of compassion and love. She guides us in understanding and living out mercy in our lives, since she has experienced God’s loving kindness like no other. Mary’s unwavering prayer and intercession inspire us to become symbols of mercy in our community, just as she is for all of humanity. Our devotion to Mary, our Lady, Queen and Mother of Mercy, serves as a testament to God’s immeasurable mercy and grace.

In today’s gospel, Mary speaks to the servants at the wedding feast of Cana. Her words are simple yet profound and summarise the entire Christian life: “Do whatever he tells you.” This is what it means to be a Christian, a disciple, and a member of Our Lady of Mercy Parish. We strive to do what Jesus tells us to do.

However, in order to follow Jesus’ instructions, we must first learn to listen to his voice and recognise it amidst the many voices that demand our attention daily. 

While we have a duty to offer our prayers every day for our intentions and for our parish, the Mass is the special place where we hear Christ speaking to us. During Mass, we gather as the living body of Christ, listen to the word of God, and receive the body and blood of Christ. It is through our daily and weekly celebration of the Eucharist that we primarily hear the voice of Jesus. That is why Mass holds central importance for us Catholics.

Following Mary’s guidance also requires us to put into action what we have heard Christ tell us. Each Thursday morning Open House feeds the homeless and needy. Every day we give out about two-dozen packed lunches at the presbytery door to the homeless. Every week we visit our sick and housebound parishioners, brining them comfort and the sacraments. We serve as readers, welcomers, eucharistic ministers, catechists and in the choirs, as cleaners and flower arrangers, on the altar and in the sacristy, and many more roles.

Despite all that, it is still only a relatively small proportion of parishioners who offer themselves in service. 

What is God calling this parish to be and do and how, as a steward of the time, the talents and the treasures God has given you, can you respond to those needs?