PROGRESS SINCE THE FOUNDATION OF THE ASSOCIATION IN APRIL 1973

1974
The question of National Constitutions was first discussed.

A seminar on Catherine McAuley was organised and held in Carysfort.  Two sessions of three days each catered for approx. 600 Sisters of Mercy. In addition to talks, Eucharistic celebrations etc. coach tours were arranged to places connected with Catherine McAuley.

1975
Sr. M. Angela Bolster was appointed by Archbishop Ryan to work on the Cause of Catherine McAuley.

1976
The Mission to Iceland was discussed and volunteers from a few dioceses began work there in the Hospital & School.

1977
Several meetings were held in connection with Formation and a Commission was formed with Sr. M. Hilary, Limerick as the first Chairperson.  Since then this commission has flourished.

Preparations began for the Bi-Centenary of the birth of C, McAuley,

1978
The Bi-Centenary was celebrated by:

• a special Mass in Westland Row Church
• an Exhibition in the Bank of Ireland, Baggot St.
• a Mercy Pilgrimage to Knock
• the publication of a Centenary Souvenir Booklet

1979
In commemoration of the Bi-Centenary, a Mercy Mission Burse was set up to aid students in Mercy Missions in the 3rd.   All the Dioceses contributed to this Bursar and requests for aid have been met from the interest on this money.

1980
Trocaire – the first International Pan Mercy Meeting was a Planning Committee of 6 Sisters from South Africa, New Zealand, England, U.S.A., Ireland, met in Carysfort for almost 10 days. Sr. Ann Hannon acted as the Irish representative and hostess.

1981
Trocaire ’81 was held in Patrick’s College, Drumcondra. Later in the year a follow-up meeting was held in Carysfort to discuss how the message of Trocaire could be put into practice.

1982/1983
Several meetings were held in connection with the National 1983 Constitutions.

• A Working Party on the Philosophy of Education for Mercy Sisters was formed
• A Working Party on a Policy for Mercy Nursing Sisters was formed

1984
The final draft of the National Constitutions was sent to Rome for approval.

• To date, several meetings have been held to discuss the proposed revision of the Constitutions of the Association

To view the original Mercy Association Chronology in PDF, please click here.