A Sister of Mercy

The Sisters of Mercy are a Catholic religious institute founded by Catherine McAuley in 1831 in Dublin, Ireland. The order was established with the mission of serving the poor, particularly women and children, and addressing the social needs of the time through education, healthcare, and social service.

Catherine McAuley, a laywoman before her religious profession, saw the hardships faced by the poor, especially women who were marginalized by society, and felt called to provide for them. She founded the Sisters of Mercy with a particular focus on caring for the sick, teaching the impoverished, and offering a place of refuge for women in need. The order’s name, “Mercy,” reflects their charism of compassion and mercy toward the most vulnerable in society.

The Sisters of Mercy are known for their active apostolate, focusing on direct service to the poor, the sick, and those in need. Over time, their mission expanded to include schools, hospitals, orphanages, and various social outreach programs. They are also involved in parish ministry, advocacy for justice, and the promotion of human dignity in a variety of settings across the world.