The urn (pictured above) is the work of the prominent Newfoundland artist, Gerald Squires and his wife, Gail Squires. Depicted on the urn are two Newfoundland scenes. The first is two fishermen hauling their nets, and the second is a family drying and salting fish. The blue cross seen on the front of the urn is the Sisters of Mercy's logo. The Basilica Cathedral and other buildings of Cathedral Square are also portrayed to represent Roman Catholicism in Newfoundland.
A replica of this urn was used by the Sisters of Mercy to collect water from Newfoundland. It was then transported to the Baggot Street Mercy Convent in Dublin, Ireland for the Blessing Ritual of the Fountain which took place on July 23, 1994. The Sisters collected water from all over the world in similar urns. The purpose of having water from various places was so that each place would be represented in the ritual, and in turn would unite all the people of the world.
You can see this beautiful piece in person at the Sisters of Mercy's Museum located at Littledale on Waterford Bridge Road, St. John's. The museum is open by appointment only. If you would like to set up an appointment, you can contact the Sisters of Mercy by calling 709-726-7320.
-Katie Harvey
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