Location: Rutherford House, Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand

This three-day Symposium, hosted by Whānau Mercy Ministries in partnership with Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, is part of the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Catherine McAuley opening the first House of Mercy in Dublin in 1827. It will explore the role and impact of religion across education, healthcare, and social services, with a focus on Catherine McAuley’s foundational intention to “serve God faithfully”. The event will bring together Mercy leaders, academics, educators, healthcare professionals, and advocates from Aotearoa, the Pacific and beyond. A concurrent student programme for ages 16 and above will also be offered.

Symposium Themes

• Impact of religion in contemporary society

• What it means to be a religious organisation in a changing global environment

• The role of indigenous perspectives within religious and Mercy contexts

Presenters (Speakers)

• Dr Tricia C. Bruce

• Dr Mathew Guest

• Dr Mary Pat Garvin rsm

• Dr Geoff Troughton

• Philip Alexander-Crawford

• Anna Nicholls rsm

• Dr Philip Fountain

• Dr Amy R. Whitehead

• Dr Rocio Figueroa Alvear

• Dr Michaela Richards

• Dr Michael Belgrave

• Dr John Kleinsman