A Friend of Mercy Celebration

By Kristina Papa

 

On the afternoon of Sunday, June 6, friends, family, and sisters gathered at The Dolce Tarrytown House to celebrate the 2004 Friend of Mercy Awards Luncheon. This intimate gathering set the stage for former members Eileen M. McMahon and Ermelinda Cuono to each receive our cherished Friend of Mercy Award.

 

Upon arrival, guests were treated to the sound of Irish bagpipe music provided by Jared Brogan, a member of the Monaghan Pipe Band. As guests entered The Winter Palace room they found themselves amongst familiar faces, some of whom they had not seen in a very long time.

 

The room was filled with smiles, laughter, and delicious food as Sr. Suzanne Elliott welcomed everyone to the celebration with a quote from Abraham Lincoln who once said: “The better part of one’s life consists of one’s friendships.” Sr. Suzanne added, “Today we celebrate two cherished friends of Mercy.”

 

Ermelinda Cuono has been a faithful supporter and close friend to the sisters throughout her career as a teacher at St. Catherine Academy and Our Lady of Victory Academy, and continuing into her executive role in a textile company.

 

Before presenting the award to her friend, Sr. Peggy Costa painted an inspiring portrait of Ermelinda’s beautiful life saying, “God, the Artist, imagined Ermelinda…and gifted her with her life’s palette of vibrant primary colors…all the colors sufficient to mix the myriad tints and hues she would need to radiate her light to the world in time. We salute you and encourage you to continue to mix new colors from those on your palette.”

 

Ermelinda, visibly touched, accepted her award and then recalled her special connection to the Sisters of Mercy: “Since that day, very many years ago, when my mother enrolled the three of us in Saint Margaret Mary School, I have been impressed with the women the sisters were: kind, intelligent, forward thinking, positive, and strong,” said Ermelinda.

 

Dr. Ann Grow was to present the award to Eileen McMahon; however, she was recovering from hip surgery and unable to attend the luncheon. Sr. Theresa Kane was delighted to present the award to Eileen on behalf of Ann Grow and jokingly asked the guests to, “Imagine you are seeing and listening to a vivacious, reddish-blonde, lovely woman with a delightful smile…”

 

On behalf of Ann Grow Sr. Theresa said, “Eileen has exhibited in a most wonderful way the spirit of Catherine McAuley. We note especially Eileen’s kindness; her concern that everyone be well tended. It is truly an understatement to name Eileen McMahon Friend of Mercy. She is most deserving of this honor and I know she will like the plaque.”

 

 

Upon receiving her award, Eileen seized the opportunity to teach and inspire others. Through her personal reflection, which was dramatic and inspirational, Eileen reminded those gathered that they must take comfort in their memories and nurture and celebrate their unique connection to Mercy and to each other.

 

As the afternoon came to a close, Sr. Suzanne thanked some of the sponsors and donors who helped make the day extra special: Rye Printing, Salderelli Design, Smith Baer Photography, Westchester Broadway Theatre, The Dolce Tarrytown House, Allied Irish Bank, Dr. Ann E. Grow, and Terri Nieves McMahon.

 

The lucky winner of the prize raffle, one night bed and breakfast for two at The Dolce Tarrytown House plus an evening for two at the Westchester Broadway Theatre, went to a very happy Joseph Mulheran.

 

Former Friend of Mercy recipient Msgr. Daniel Peake concluded the afternoon with an Irish blessing. He then offered a personal wish to the honorees: “May all your pain be champagne!”

 

The Friend of Mercy Luncheon was another wonderful moment for all of us as we continue to build significant friendships and keep alive the spirit and tradition of the Mercy charism. The event netted more than $13,000 for the Sisters of Mercy Service Fund.