Foundation Day
on December 12, 1831 Catherine McAuley and two of her companions—Mary Ann Doyle, and Elizabeth Harley professed their vows as the first Sisters of Mercy.Since that time, the anniversary has been celebrated as 'Foundation Day'
Date Posted:
11-Dec-2024
The Objects (works) of the Congregation illustrated
"As Mercy women religious, we will continue to develop healthy ways of living and working together as a community of equals, participating graciously in the evolution of religious life and contemporary expressions of mercy." (Chapter Statement)
In the early days her work was mostly among the people of Dublin, but in time the Congregation spread and became one of the largest Congregations of women in the world.
Catherine's life as a Sister of Mercy only spanned ten years. In that time she worked tirelessly to respond to the need of the poor and sick. She set up a number of foundations for this purpose both in Ireland and England and was about to make her first foundation in North America when illness overtook her. She died in 1841.
She was a woman of prayer and of deep faith. Her philosophy was
"Let us take one day only in the hands at a time, merely making a resolve for tomorrow. Thus we may hope to go on, taking short, careful steps, not great strides ... Each day is a step we take towards Eternity ... The final step will bring us into the presence of God"
The Story of the Sisters of Mercy arriving in Parramatta and the early history of the Parramatta Congregation can be read on our website here.