We take a look back at how our pioneering Mercy Sisters started a foundation in the Philippines.  This article was first published in Mercy Live, June 2004 issue

Mercy Mission to The Philippines

Fifty years ago, when six of us left Cork to found a mission in the Philippines, we could not have foreseen how the seed of Mercy would spread beyond our wildest dreams there. In August 1954, we set out from St. Marie’s of the Isle for the Philippines, visiting Baggot Street, the cradle of Mercy, on the way. We went at the request of Bishop Lino Conzaga.

We set sail from Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead. There were lonely moments as the gangway was raised. Slowly the coastline receded and the shores of Ireland were covered as the rain fell. We prayed together and rested until we reached Holyhead. Next day we boarded our ship at Southampton, for the Philippines.

“A Vincentian priest met us and prior to boarding he kissed us goodbye. A culture shock for us, not being as liberated as he!“

Back Row Left to Right:  Srs. Joseph Mary Corcoran, Emmanuel Browne, Canisius Murphy
Front Row Left to Right:  Srs. Assumpta Hayes and Annunciata Desmond

On our way we saw many historical landmarks. We finally reached our destination and were ready to set foot on Filipino soil. Manila was covered in drizzle, but before we disembarked, we went on deck to see this new country, our new home and the field of our labours for years to come. A local judge took care of our immigration papers. We rested there for a while.

On September 22nd 1954, we boarded a vessel for Tacloban, Leyte, our final stop. What a relief it was to inhale from the wide open sea! Crowds awaited us on the wharf. They cheered, and students from Holy Infant Academy adorned us with bouquets. Church and state dignitaries were present to welcome us. One woman said, “When we saw the boat coming with six sisters on board, we had the same joy in our hearts as when General McArthur landed in Leyte with the American troops.” We were escorted to St. Nino Church by motorcades. There we were led to six prie-dieux in the sanctuary. The ‘Te Deum’ was then sung. A welcome concert was put on for us in the Holy Infant Academy. The highlight of this was an Irish American’s rendering of ‘Mother Machree’. All wept!

Foundation Day in the Philippines was September 24th 1954. The Filipino Mercy Sisters now number fifty. They follow in the footsteps of Catherine McAuley, carrying out the various works of Mercy. Some young women came to Cork to do their novitiate. The strong bond between us will always be there.

The Sisters pictured all returned to Ireland and continued in their ministries but unfortunately have now passed.  RIP

Joseph Mary Corcoran                                                   died 29th March 1976
Emmanuel Browne                                                          died 25th April 2013
Canisius Murphy                                                              died 25th May 2011
Assumpta Hayes                                                              died 30th May 2000
Annunciata Desmond                                                    died 12th July 2019

Canisius Murphy rsm (RIP)
Southern Province