About Us
Nga Whaea Atawhai o Aotearoa
Sisters of Mercy New Zealand
For more than a century, the Sisters of Mercy have lived and worked on this site at 104 The Drive, Epsom. Mercy’s focus and challenge today is to respond to what in an emerging future God is calling us to become.
The Centre, Hou Mana Wai Mercy Wellsprings is a sacred space, made so by the ministries of contemplative prayer and purposeful action which have sprung over generations from the hearts of those who have lived or met here. Sacred, too, is the understanding that the entire universe is an interacting community of life of which we are a part. Therefore, we show respect and care for Papatūānuku, our mother Earth which sustains all life.
Our collective dream finds its source in the trust and hope of Catherine McAuley, Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, a world-wide Congregation of Religious Women who knew that prayer is the path from which true action springs. To learn from her is to know how to walk with others, especially the poor and vulnerable, to embrace their needs with a love that is tender and open, to create a place where every life can blossom and flourish.
Hou Mana Wai Mercy Wellsprings provides a quiet space, an oasis within the busy metropolis, a listening heart and a welcoming hearth, healing and restoration for a wounded world. Hou Mana Wai Mercy Wellsprings is guided by the spirit of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in that every culture feels welcome, is protected and treated with respect. Hou Mana Wai Mercy Wellsprings gathers to listen and respond to the cries of Earth and all her communities .
Sisters of Mercy (from left) : Sheryl James, Rita Vessey, Cathryn Wiles-Pickard
We Offer
- An atmosphere of hospitality which welcomes people of all faiths, spiritual paths and walks of life.
- A contemplative journey, grounded in wisdom traditions within a spiritual, ecological and socially engaged framework.
- A diversity of spiritual practices: meditation, mindfulness, spiritual companioning and counselling.
- A respect for Earth which highlights its vulnerability and the interconnection of all life forms; a commitment to care for our common home as an essential work of mercy.
- A view that recognises God’s love present and active in the whole of creation and in the lives of all persons.
We Seek To
- Provide opportunities for people to become more aware of the presence of the Divine in their lives, with a special mindfulness for providing quiet and solitude so lacking in a culture of ongoing distractions.
- Make a connection with nature as a spiritual practice, inviting all who come to contemplate and engage with the world in an intentional way.
Relationships & Connections
Nga Whaea Atawhai o Aotearoa
Sisters of Mercy New Zealand
Sisters seek to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ by engaging in the works of Mercy, according to the charism of Catherine McAuley. Together with our companions in mission, our vision is for a world where God’s generous love and mercy are experienced by all.
E pupiri ana te atawhai i a te Atua i tona aroha.
Mercy holds us in God’s loving care. — Catherine McAuley
Mercy holds us in God’s loving care. — Catherine McAuley
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Epsom Parish
The Sisters of Mercy and the Church of “Our Lady of the Sacred Heart” share an intertwined legacy in Epsom, having both emerged around the same historical moment with the founding of the Holy Cross Convent in 1921. This symbiotic relationship was embodied in the establishment of a chapel within the convent’s premises, which quickly became a spiritual nexus for local Catholics. Together, we have weathered challenges and celebrated triumphs, representing a steadfast beacon of faith and community in Epsom.
"Hou Mana Wai Mercy Wellsprings is a welcoming and calm centre, well held and organised by Srs Cathryn and Rita. You can sense the many hours of community and spirit shared as soon as you you enter the building, and sit in the space. The comfortable buildings are surrounded by gardens, outdoor spaces, and well-planted older treed grounds out front. A lovely, simple venue with all that a group needs to refresh, replenish and learn together onsite."
Simon d'Orsogna
Internal Family Structures, Australia and NZ
"The opening ritual of Hou Mana Wai Mercy Wellsprings in 2022 was a joy to attend. The presence of God’s spirit of life, love and joy was palpable... the spirit permeates this place - an oasis of peace and restoration, a source of new life for those who breathe its air and absorb the prayerfulness that permeates the gardens and walls of the buildings … a precious gift for the people of Tamaki Makaurau and beyond."
Adrienne Dunlop rndm
Spiritual Director
“Hou Mana Wai Mercy Wellsprings is central and close to the motorway; parking on site; facilities are meticulously clean; warm and inviting large room with comfortable chairs; delightful gardens. The true value of this centre is the dedication and care by the Sisters. A welcoming calm oasis in Auckland City.”
Jan Haworth
Mindfulness Aotearoa
"The Centre is a sacred space offering contemplative practices and prayer. It is creatively curated, warmly welcoming, inclusive and built on a rich heritage of committed service, generous hospitality and an invitation to reflection, rest and renewal. It is a much appreciated gift, nourishing my soul. I highly recommend Hou Mana Wai Mercy Wellsprings."
Jenny Caston
Soulcare