The Story of Catherine McAuley

Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy was born on September 29, 1778 in Dublin. Her father's compassion for the poor set an example for Catherine though he died when she was only five. Catherine's mother was not a good manager and the family became very poor. On her mother's death Catherine, with her brother and sister, went to live with her relatives, the Armstrongs. In this non-Catholic household her brother and sister soon gave up the practice of their faith, but Catherine remained faithful to her Catholic beliefs.
In 1803 Catherine went as a companion to live with Mr and Mrs Callaghan, friends of the Armstrongs. The Callaghans were wealthy and while they were happy to provide money for Catherine's charitable works, they did not approve of her religion. Catherine spent twenty years with the Callaghans at Coolock House where she gave catechetical instruction to the household servants and the poor village children. She taught needlework to young women and ran a small shop to sell their goods. In his will William Callaghan appointed Catherine his sole legatee, knowing that she would use the money to provide 'protection and education for young servant girls'.

In 1824, she leased property in Baggot Street Dublin. The building was not approved of by Catherine's family and was christened 'Kitty's Folly' by her brother James. The house on Baggot Street was ready for use on September 24, 1827. As this date was also the feast of Our Lady of Mercy it seemed the obvious thing to place all her work under the patronage of the Mother of Mercy. A group of twelve women lived in Baggot Street in those early days.

While Catherine was encouraged to consider establishing a religious congregation the idea did not appeal to her, but once she was assured she and her companions could continue with their work she at last consented. On September 8, 1830, Catherine with two companions went to the Presentation Convent in Dublin to begin their novitiate. Catherine was 52 years of age. Fifteen months later, on December 12, 1831, the three women made their vows and the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy began.

In the ten years between the founding of the Order and her death Catherine founded nine Convents of Mercy in Ireland and England. Each new foundation was independent of the motherhouse at Baggot Street but Catherine linked them to herself and each other by frequent visits and letters.

Catherine was not a young woman and her ceaseless activity was affecting her health. She became bedridden and received the Sacrament of the Sick in September 1841. Catherine McAuley died on November 11, 1841 and as she had wished was buried in a ceremony that was customary for the poor.

Catherine McAuley responded with courage to the needs of her time. In keeping with this tradition the Mercy Sisters responded to an invitation to set up a Secondary School for girls in Rush. This school was founded in 1961. Classes were held in the convent while awaiting the school building. The school thrived and as the population increased the Sisters again were challenged to respond to a need for the education of boys. The first group were admitted in 1980 when St Josephs’ became a co-educational secondary school. To day we serve a rapidly growing area. Mercy sisters held the role of Principal until1993. In that year Mr Tom Loughnane was appointed the first lay Principal. There is still one Mercy Sister on the teaching staff.

Diminishing numbers of Mercy Sisters further challenges the Congregation to examine the area of Trusteeship in the Catholic School. This review is underway at present. A link with a small group of other Teaching Religious Orders aiming to continue Catholic Education is being explored at present.