Speaking many different languages and representing different cultures, they all tell the story of the compassionate and tender love of God for all, irrespective of race, colour, creed or circumstance. This is the Mercy voice and it is being heard to-day in the HIV/ AIDS clinics of Zambia, Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya. It is being heard too along the foothills and mountain peaks of Peru.

"To be a voice for the voiceless" is always their catchcry.

That same voice rings out today in music song and prayer from the RTE studios in Donnybrook, Dublin, as the Sisters of Mercy mark the 175th Anniversary of their founding. As part of their ongoing celebrations for this event the celebration of the Eucharist can be viewed live throughout Ireland this morning and then on to the world by means of web cast.

Unfortunately, the Mercy Women who work in the outback regions of our world, among the slum dwellers and homeless peoples of the developing world can only be present in spirit. There, TV.

Internet and e-mail are but a pipe dream. Their priority this Christmas will be to get access to clean water, medicines and food as they work in hospitals with no electricity and no running water.

It all began with a Dublin woman, Catherine McAuley who saw a need and responded.

"All I wanted was to serve the poor because that was what I felt God was asking of me", she said. That asking found a 'Yes' , when 175 years ago she gathered around her a group of women who would combine contemplation and action in the service of the most destitute people of Ireland at that time. From that humble beginning the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy emerged and spread rapidly throughout the world.

Young third level students from Dublin City University who have recently returned from working in a compound in Zambia tell of an echo of that same voice being heard in that country. Spending every minute of their spare time in preparation and fund raising they worked alongside the Mercy Sisters there with children who have no toys, no books and in many cases no parents.

"All I want is to return there, " said Marie.

Yes, you can find the Sisters of Mercy anywhere . . . on halting sites, living beside you in your housing estate, in the local supermarket, in the chapel praying, in the 'big convent', going to work, in the post office. You can find them too beside a hospital bed, standing in front of a class, working in advocacy in all its forms and caring for our earth which is constantly under threat. They are counsellors, therapists, teachers, nurses, doctors, chaplains, social workers, theologians. The list is not exhaustive.

They themselves say that they are ordinary people doing ordinary things. Ordinary people doing ordinary things . . . and yet . . . there's moref If you would like to know more they can be contacted at:

01-4673737 Or at mercy@csm. ie Website:

www. sistersofmercy. ie