Faith & Mission
Cambodia - 3 Mercy Colleges, 1 Shared Purpose
The past two weeks, 16 students representing three of our Mercy partner colleges embarked on a profound immersion journey to Cambodia. Bound by our core Mercy values of compassion, justice and hospitality, this experience was never meant to be passive sightseeing, it was designed as an intentional pilgrimage of deep listening, radical solidarity and active service.
To truly understand modern Cambodia, our students first had to honor its history by visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre. Confronting the horrific legacy of the Khmer Rouge regime allowed our young leaders to bear witness to historical trauma and reflect on systemic failures, reinforcing a vital lesson: social justice demands constant vigilance, active remembrance and the courage to advocate for human dignity everywhere.
Throughout our travels, a central thread of guidance came from Sr Denise Coghlan (RSM), who reminded us of our ultimate calling to plant the Cross wherever people are suffering and in need of help. She shared a powerful metaphor that stayed with us all: the bucket we lower into the well of the world’s resources should always have holes in it. No single person or nation should hoard wealth or grace for themselves; what we draw up must continuously spill over so all can access it. Sr Denise also reflected on how our chapel must remain a sanctuary for all spiritualities, a unified space where people of any background can come together, feel the presence of God and be moved to make a difference in the world.
Moving from reflection to tangible action, our students partnered with two extraordinary organisations driving community-led change. Working in Kampong Cham alongside Buddhism for Social Development Action (BSDA), an organisation founded by Buddhist monks, provided a inspiring model of interfaith collaboration as our students helped construct a family home from the ground up. Through Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Cambodia, the group assisted in building wheelchairs for individuals with mobility challenges and landmine injuries. A deeply moving highlight at JRS was meeting Tun Channareth, a landmine survivor who accepted the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, leaving an indelible mark on our students through his message of turning personal tragedy into global advocacy.
To process these uncomfortable realities and gruelling days of physical labour, our students gathered each evening to practice the Ignatian Examen. This spiritual practice allowed them to reflect deeply on their hard truths, moving through five intentional steps: pausing to give thanks for the day's blessings, asking for light to review their actions honestly, replaying the last 24 hours to notice moments of grace or discomfort, facing hard truths and emotional struggles without judgement, and finally looking ahead to ask for strength and hope for tomorrow.
Our 16 students returned home with expanded worldviews, quiet humility, and a renewed commitment to living out Mercy values in our school community. The spiritual seeds planted during their hard work in Cambodia are already beginning to bud, and we look forward to watching these young leaders bear fruit in the months ahead. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the families, staff, Sr Denise and our international partners who made this life-changing journey possible.
Celebrating World Day of Migrants and Refugees
Our school community is invited to join in celebrating the upcoming World Day of Migrants and Refugees, following a recent media statement from the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry. This special day reminds us of our call to open our hearts, welcome the stranger and walk alongside refugees and migrants who enrich our local and global communities. Throughout the week, students will explore stories of hope and resilience, learning how we can actively practice compassion, dignity and inclusion in our daily lives.
Ms Hannah Hale
Director of Faith & Mission