Breanne Beard '17
On Monday February 8, Kerry Weber presented at Siena College as part of the annual St. Clare Leadership Series: Ours to Do Women Leading the Way Lecture. Weber is a Mercy Associate, Managing Editor of America magazine and a 2015 Christopher Award winner.
Her most recent book, “Mercy in the City: How to Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty, Visit the Imprisoned and Keep Your Day Job” focuses on Weber’s journey towards practicing the Corporal Works of Mercy while balancing the pressures of “real life.” Weber’s lecture and its focus on the importance of making the time in your life for merciful acts resonated with the many Siena students and community members in attendance.
Tessa Biskup ’16, was fortunate to attend a service trip to the Dominican Republic where she saw the importance of Siena’s participation in works of mercy first-hand.
“Our service trip to the Dominican Republic truly encompassed all aspects of the Franciscan education which we strive to attain through our education at Siena...The service which we did brought out the best in ourselves but more than that, it truly enabled us to see the best in others. We all learned the true meaning of servant leadership and were able to use this to create sustainable change rather than to solely address short term issues within the community.”
Weber believes that anyone is capable of doing merciful acts and that they are often done when they are least expected, “Mercy is done right beside us each and every day and being able to recognize that and live that up and make that sacred is so powerful and it enables us to get into that mindset of mercy.”
Judy Dougherty, director of the Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy, believes that the St. Clare Leadership Series honors St. Clare’s living legacy at the College, “St. Clare advances Siena’s mission to lead the life of service and leadership.” The Franciscan Center connects students who are committed to mercy with the opportunity to live out their passion through local and global volunteer work.
Weber’s passionate lecture was inspirational to many in attendance. Members of the Circles of Mercy, located in Rensselaer, NY, commented to Weber, “What a great example to have a young Catholic woman talk to us about mercy. I think you give me great hope. It’s just great to hear that there are young people who are this committed.”
Ours to Do was created in 2011 by members of Siena College’s Division of Student Affairs in collaboration with partners across the campus community. This initiative works to provide opportunities which encourage, empower and equip women students at Siena to become servant leaders during their tenure at Siena and after graduation and to provide an outlet for all members of the Siena community to come together to develop partnerships that promote women’s leadership and wellness at Siena and in the local community.
To view more photos from the event, please visit the Siena Flickr page.
