Sister Mary Corkery had the distinct surprise of being invited to accompany Sister Kathy Thill, West Midwest Community ministry director, to Lima, Peru, Dec. 5–12, 2009.

The purpose of the trip was to visit Mercy ministries. The first ministry stop was the McAuley Montessori Center for young children, established by Sister Brigid O’Connell, a native of Cedar Rapids. Sister Brigid trains Peruvian women in the art of teaching Montessori. In addition, Mary had the opportunity to visit two other Mercy-related ministries in the poor socio-economic areas of Peru.

The Sisters of Mercy of Sydney, Australia, have established healthcare services for women, child care and a clinic. Mary visited Irish Sister of Mercy Millie McNamara who has a clinic and a center for the disadvantaged. In each locality, the poor are received in a dignified, compassionate and caring atmosphere.

During her trip, Mary discovered that healthcare is urgently important in Peru, as there are high levels of contamination with no paved roads, running water or sewage facilities. “I feel the heart of Mercy is evident in all the places where the poor are being cared for,” said Mary.