It was December 12th, 1831 when Catherine McAuley, Anna Maria Doyle and Elizabeth Harley professed their vows as the first Sisters of Mercy. Relying on the providence of God they gave their lives in service, for time and eternity.

For those who knew her Catherine McAuley was the epitome of those qualities of serenity, gentleness, reserve, prudence, patience, self-esteem and courtesy which constitute the virtue of temperance. She exercised and advised temperance in speech and strove “to avoid making too many laws (because) if we pull the strings too tight, they will snap”.    (Angela Bolster RSM)

In 2024 as we celebrate the gift of God’s Mercy we see more clearly:

The depth of this foundation

The power in the risk

The influence in the compassion

The outreach in the courage

The mission in the prayer

The love in the structure

The mercy in the vision

 A Prayer for Mercy

Hail Mary, Mother of Mercy

To you we cry as children of God

Joined as one with our wounded world

With hearts full of hope for a home transformed.

Mother of creation, Help us to find the hidden treasure in our common home

And lead us to the birthing place of Mercy.   Amen

from cafod.uk.org  (adapted)