St. Therese of Lisieux
The mission of the Society of the Little Flower is to promote devotion to St. Therese of the Child Jesus, the Carmelite Nun and Doctor of the Church. Through prayers and donations, friends of St. Therese enable Carmelites worldwide to make a difference in people’s lives.
The Canonization of St. Thérèse’s Parents
On October 18, 2015, Pope Francis led a special Mass at St. Peter’s Square, during which he canonised Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin became the first married couple with children to be canonised together. They had previously been beatified on October 19, 2008.
Louis Martin: The Watchmaker
Louis Martin (1823-1894) was a successful watchmaker and managed his wife’s lace business. Born into a military family, he absorbed a sense of discipline and order. Though he initially wanted to become a monk, his struggle with Latin led him to abandon this dream. Instead, he settled in Alencon, a quiet French town, and found joy in his trade and the local trout stream.
Zelie Guerin: The Lace Maker
Zelie Guerin (1831-1877) was one of the talented lace makers in Alencon. Coming from a military family and having a difficult childhood, she initially sought to join a religious order but was not accepted. She then turned to lace making, mastering the craft and starting a successful business.
The Martins: A Devoted Couple
Louis and Zelie met in Alencon and married on July 13, 1858. Over the next 15 years, they had nine children, but four of them died young. Despite the immense sorrow, Zelie’s faith remained strong, believing they would reunite with their lost children in heaven.
Their youngest child, born on January 2, 1873, was frail at birth, but she survived and thrived. This child was Marie-Francoise-Therese Martin, later known as St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, or the “Little Flower.”
A Legacy of Faith and Love
The series of tragedies only deepened Louis and Zelie Martin’s love and faith. They devoted themselves to their five surviving daughters, creating an environment of faith and love that nurtured their vocations, including that of St. Thérèse. A century later, people would know her as St. Therese and call her the “Little Flower.” Their canonization celebrates their extraordinary dedication to family and faith.
The Early Life of St. Thérèse, the “Little Flower”
Childhood and Family Life
Marie-Francoise-Thérèse Martin, known as Thérèse, was born on January 2, 1873, and baptised two days later. Thérèse fondly remembered her childhood in Alençon, France, as filled with love and affection from her family. Her father, Louis, had special nicknames for each daughter, while her mother, Zelie, often wrote about the joy her children brought her.
The Youngest and Most Loved
As the youngest in a lively household, Thérèse was especially cherished. Due to her weak health at birth, she was cared for by a nurse for the first year and a half, which helped her grow into a lively and confident child. Despite being adored, she had a stubborn streak. Her mother noted her determination and tendency to throw tantrums, yet also praised her intelligence and affectionate nature.
Thérèse’s Bold Spirit
An incident from her childhood revealed Thérèse’s all-or-nothing attitude. When her older sister, Leonie, offered her and their sister, Celine, some doll dressmaking supplies, Thérèse boldly claimed the entire basket, saying, “I choose all.” This showed her wholehearted approach to life.
Family Outings and Early Loss
Sundays were special as the family would walk together in the countryside. Thérèse loved these outings, but often needed her father to carry her home. Sadly, when Thérèse was just four years old, her mother, Zelie, passed away from breast cancer, casting a shadow over their happy times.
A Time of Great Change
After Zelie’s death, Louis moved the family to Lisieux and rented a home called “Les Buissonnets.” This marked the start of a difficult period for Thérèse. The loss of her mother made her timid and overly sensitive. However, her family, especially her father, showered her with love and attention, helping her cope with the grief.
Growing Up in Faith
In Lisieux, Thérèse’s sisters, Marie and Pauline, took over her education. She enjoyed joining her father in his study after school, and they often visited different churches to pray together. This time spent with her father strengthened their bond and deepened her faith.
A Glimpse of Heaven
Thérèse often felt a longing for heaven, describing it as an everlasting Sunday, a time of eternal peace. This idea of heaven as her true home stayed with her throughout her life.
A Spirited Child
Despite her strong faith and deep love for her family, Thérèse was still a child who had her moments of defiance. One notable incident involved her demanding an inkstand from her nurse, Victoire. When refused, Thérèse managed to get it herself but not before calling Victoire a “brat” in retaliation for not helping her.
Thérèse’s early years, marked by love, loss, and a strong spirit, laid the foundation for her later life as a beloved saint, known for her deep faith and unwavering determination.
The School Years of St. Thérèse, the “Little Flower”
Struggles at School
In October 1881, Louis Martin enrolled his youngest daughter, Thérèse, at the Benedictine Abbey School of Notre-Dame du Pré in Lisieux. Thérèse disliked the school, describing the five years there (1881-1886) as the saddest of her life. Although she enjoyed catechism, history, and science, she struggled with spelling and mathematics. Despite her academic strengths, her intelligence made her a target of envy among her classmates.
A Difficult Transition
Thérèse found little interest in the usual games and dances of other children and was more comfortable with her sisters. Her closest bond was with her sister Pauline, whom she considered a second mother. When Pauline left to join the Carmelite Monastery, nine-year-old Thérèse was heartbroken and felt deep sorrow.
Illness and Recovery
Following Pauline’s departure, Thérèse fell seriously ill. Her symptoms included constant headaches, insomnia, fever, trembling, and hallucinations. Doctors were unable to diagnose or treat her condition. Thérèse believed her illness was caused by the devil. On May 13, 1883, she prayed to a statue of the Virgin Mary by her bed, and miraculously, she was cured. The statue became known as “Our Lady of the Smile.”
Determination to Join the Carmelites
After her recovery, Thérèse decided to join her sister Pauline at the Carmelite Monastery. Despite being only nine years old, she approached the prioress, expressing her desire to enter for Jesus’ sake. The prioress advised her to wait until she was older. Thérèse’s determination only grew stronger during her illness, and she felt destined to do something great for God.
First Communion and Spiritual Struggles
At eleven, Thérèse received her First Communion on May 8, 1884, experiencing a profound sense of unity with Jesus. She longed for daily communion and was filled with joy during her Confirmation on June 14, 1884. However, she soon faced intense spiritual torment, experiencing scruples and constant fear of sinning. Her father eventually arranged private tutoring for her.
Loss and Growth
Thérèse’s sister Marie also joined the Carmelites, which was another emotional blow for Thérèse. Despite these challenges, she continued to grow spiritually, with her sister Marie providing support until her departure.
The Christmas Conversion
On Christmas 1886, after midnight Mass, Thérèse experienced a sudden inner transformation. A comment from her father triggered a profound change, freeing her from self-doubt and depression. She felt a renewed strength and resolve, marking the beginning of what she called the most beautiful period of her life.
A Thirst for Souls
With newfound clarity, Thérèse dedicated herself to loving Jesus and praying for sinners. In the summer of 1887, she prayed fervently for the conversion of a condemned criminal, Henri Pranzini. Just before his execution, Pranzini showed a sign of repentance by kissing a crucifix, which Thérèse took as confirmation that her prayers had been answered.
Conclusion
Thérèse’s school years were marked by struggle, illness, and profound spiritual growth. Her determination, faith, and love for Jesus guided her through hardships, shaping her into the saint known as the “Little Flower.”
The Life of St. Therese at Lisieux Carmel
The role of a Carmelite nun is to dedicate herself to the salvation of souls, offering prayers and penance on behalf of those who neglect these spiritual practices. Recognising this mission’s immense challenge and beauty, she humbly depends on God’s grace and merciful love to sustain her efforts.
Joining the Carmel
Marie, Therese’s oldest sister, joined the Lisieux Carmel in 1886, and Leonie entered the Visitation Convent in Caen the following year. Therese, eager to join her sisters, sought her father’s permission to enter the Carmelite convent. Though saddened, Louis agreed and supported her decision.
Despite being only fourteen, Therese approached the Carmelite authorities for permission to join but was refused and advised to return at twenty-one. Undeterred, she, along with her father, visited Bishop Hugonin of Bayeux. Though charmed, the bishop did not grant immediate approval, suggesting he needed time to decide.
In November 1887, Therese travelled to Italy with her father and sister, Celine, joining a pilgrimage for Pope Leo XIII’s Golden Jubilee. During an audience with the Pope, despite being advised not to speak, Therese boldly asked for permission to enter Carmel at fifteen. Though the Pope did not grant her request directly, he encouraged her persistence.
Entering Carmel
On January 1, 1888, Therese was informed she would be accepted into the Carmel. On April 9, 1888, at fifteen, she joined the convent, leaving her home and family behind. Her father’s declining health was a concern, as he suffered from cerebral arteriosclerosis, which eventually led to his hospitalisation and death in 1894. After his passing, Celine also joined the Carmel.
Life in Carmel
Therese spent nine years at the Lisieux Carmel. She worked diligently, participating in community prayer, writing plays and poems, and guiding novices. She was known for her “little way,” a path of simplicity and trust in God, where she believed small acts of love and humility were her path to holiness.
Therese faced many challenges, from physical hardships to interpersonal conflicts, but she handled them with grace and patience. Her deep spirituality, influenced by the writings of St. John of the Cross, helped her navigate the strict and sometimes harsh religious life.
Her Illness and Death
In April 1896, Therese showed signs of tuberculosis. By the following year, her condition worsened. Confined to the infirmary, she spent her time writing her autobiography, “Story of a Soul,” at the request of her prioress. She received the sacrament of Extreme Unction in July 1897 and passed away on September 30, 1897, at the age of 24, her last words being, “Oh, my God, I love you!”
Legacy and Sainthood
Shortly after her death, reports of miracles attributed to Therese began to surface, and her autobiography inspired many. She was canonised on May 17, 1925, at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. In 1997, Pope John Paul II declared her a Doctor of the Church, recognising her profound spiritual insights. Therese’s legacy inspires countless people worldwide through her “Shower of Roses,” symbolising her intercessions and favours granted to the faithful.
Important Dates in St. Therese’s Life
- January 2, 1873 – St. Therese’s Birthday
- January 4, 1873 – Baptism
- August 28, 1877 – Death of her mother, Zelie Guerin
- October 2, 1882 – Pauline, her sister, enters Carmel
- May 13, 1883 – Our Lady’s Smile; Therese Healing
- May 8, 1884 – First Communion
- June 14, 1884 – Confirmation
- December 25, 1886 – Christmas Conversion
- November 20, 1887 – Audience with Pope Leo XIII
- April 9, 1888 – Entry into Carmel
- January 10, 1889 – Therese takes the habit
- September 8, 1890 – Profession of Vows
- July 29, 1894 – Death of her Father, Louis Martin
- July 8, 1897 – Therese enters the infirmary
- September 30, 1897 – Her Death, Entry into Heaven
- September 30, 1898 – Her autobiography “Story of a Soul” is published
- June 10, 1914 – Cause of Beatification Introduced at Rome
- April 29, 1923 – Beatification
- May 17, 1925 – Canonization
- October 19, 1997 – Declared Doctor of the Church
Catherine McAuley: A Life of Mercy and Service
Early Life in Dublin
In the early 18th century, Dublin was a city of contrasts. On one hand, it boasted grand mansions and a vibrant cultural scene, such as the premiere of Handel’s Messiah in 1742. On the other hand, it was plagued by some of Europe’s worst slums, where the poor lived in dire conditions. This disparity was a result of government policies aimed at reducing the Catholic Irish to a state of poverty and lack of education. Despite the harsh effects, these policies failed to achieve their ultimate goal.
Who Was Catherine McAuley?
Catherine McAuley was born on September 29, 1778, at Stormanstown House. She was the eldest of three children of James McGauley and Elinor Conway. After her father’s death in 1783, her mother, Elinor, mismanaged the family funds and aspired to social status, but Catherine never forgot her father’s faith and love for the poor. Elinor changed their surname to McAuley after her husband’s death, which Catherine adopted.
Early Influences
Catherine’s early life was influenced by her father’s example and the counsel of priest friends who guided her spiritually. Her mother died in 1798, and five years later, Catherine moved in with the Callaghans, a wealthy, childless couple in Dublin. Despite their anti-Catholic sentiments, Catherine managed their estate, cared for Mrs. Callaghan, and showed kindness to the poor and the household staff.
A Hidden Faith
During her time at Coolock House, Catherine practiced her faith discreetly. The Callaghans, who opposed Catholicism, did not allow any religious symbols in the house. Catherine found creative ways to see the cross in everyday objects, such as windowpanes and tree branches. This period deepened her connection with the suffering Christ and strengthened her resolve.
Inheriting and Serving
After the deaths of the Callaghans both of whom converted to Catholicism inspired by Catherine’s example, she inherited their estate. Viewing the inheritance as a trust for the poor, she sold Coolock House and moved to Middle Abbey Street in Dublin, where she assisted in a parochial school.
Legacy of Mercy
Catherine McAuley dedicated her life to serving the poor and sick, driven by her deep love for Christ and others. She founded the Sisters of Mercy, a religious congregation committed to acts of mercy and compassion. Catherine passed away on November 11, 1841, at the age of 63, leaving behind a legacy defined by selfless service and unwavering faith.
Catherine McAuley and the House on Baggot Street
A Vision for Mercy
In early 19th century Dublin, there was a law prohibiting Catholic buildings on the city’s main streets. Undeterred, Catherine McAuley bought land at the corner of Lower Baggot Street and Herbert Street. In 1824, Dr. Michael Blake blessed the foundation stone for what would become the House of Mercy. This building was intended to include classrooms, shelter for at-risk young women, and apartments for Catherine and her collaborators.
Learning from Abroad
While the house was under construction, Catherine travelled to France to study their educational system and observe the Daughters of Charity working in Paris slums. Back in Dublin, she continued her mission on Middle Abbey Street, teaching children, providing craft instruction, and visiting the poor. Her efforts aimed to enhance education, counteract proselytising societies, and ensure Catholic access to major hospitals and institutions.
Opening the House of Mercy
Catherine faced criticism for taking on such responsibilities, especially as a Catholic woman in that era. Nonetheless, the House of Mercy officially opened on September 24, 1827. Initially, Catherine couldn’t live there full-time due to family commitments, but she joined in 1828. The community adopted a regular schedule of prayers and a simple dress code, and they began calling each other “Sister.”
A Multifaceted Mission
The House of Mercy quickly grew. Catherine’s school expanded, and many young women sought shelter there. She also took in an abandoned orphan and an elderly non-Catholic woman whose family had deserted her. Despite being pre-Emancipation Ireland, the house became a modern hub of charity. It functioned as a sheltered workshop, an employment bureau, an orphanage, a night hostel, and an adult education centre. Additionally, Catherine’s outreach programs, such as delivering food to the housebound poor, were early examples of services like Meals on Wheels.
Catherine McAuley’s determination and compassion led to the creation of a community that addressed various social needs, embodying the spirit of mercy and service that she championed.
Catherine McAuley and God’s Intervention
Facing Opposition and Papal Approval
Catherine McAuley’s House of Mercy received papal approval as a lay institution on April 17, 1830. However, opposition continued to grow, prompting Archbishop Daniel Murray to intervene. Despite government disapproval, he had already introduced Loreto Sisters and Sisters of Charity into his archdiocese. He firmly informed Catherine that an independent “Convent” was not part of his plans. Catherine, worried that the poor would miss out on vital services, agreed to integrate her community into the larger Church.
Commitment to Helping the Poor
Catherine always emphasised that her primary goal was to help the poor, as she believed this was her divine calling. She famously said, “If the order is my work the sooner it falls to the ground the better, if it is God’s work it needs no one.” Archbishop Murray assured her that her group could continue their work outside traditional cloistered life, marking a significant step towards external apostolate for women.
Forming a Religious Congregation
On December 8, 1830, Catherine, Anna Maria Doyle, and Elizabeth Hurley began their novitiate at the Presentation Convent in George’s Hill. They professed according to a special vow formula approved by the Archbishop, which allowed Catherine’s community to maintain its independence and continue its outreach efforts.
Legacy and Expansion
In the decade following their novitiate, Catherine established fourteen foundations. She passed away and was buried in the Convent cemetery at Baggot Street. Her work set a precedent for apostolic religious congregations for women, focusing on active service rather than monastic enclosure. Catherine McAuley’s dedication and vision left a lasting impact on how religious communities could serve society.
The Life and Legacy of Catherine McAuley
Catherine’s Final Days
Catherine McAuley’s health began to decline in 1835, and by 1841, she was seriously ill with tuberculosis. Despite her suffering, she remained devoted to her faith and community. In September 1841, she moved to the Convent infirmary in Baggot Street, where her condition worsened. She experienced severe physical pain but maintained a serene and loving demeanour, offering comfort to her fellow Sisters.
In her final days, Catherine took care to hide her penitential practices, which included using a hair shirt and nail-studded boots. She requested these items be burned to keep them secret. On November 11, 1841, she asked to be placed in the centre of the room to attend Mass from her bed. She spoke tender words to her visitors, emphasizing unity and charity among her Sisters. She passed away peacefully, holding her crucifix and rosary beads.
Posthumous Recognition
Catherine’s dedication to mercy and service was recognized long after her death. In 1909, efforts to have her declared a saint began. On April 9, 1990, Pope John Paul II declared her Venerable, acknowledging her virtuous life. Her last decade, marked by significant achievements and profound faith, highlighted her heroic virtues.
Catherine’s Mission and Humility
Catherine initially believed her mission was to serve the poor as a laywoman. However, the Archbishop of Dublin urged her to formalize her charitable work within the Church. Catherine, like Mary of Nazareth, accepted this expanded role with grace. Her life was marked by prayer, discernment, and unwavering commitment to God’s will.
Catherine focused on helping Dublin’s poor, often at great personal cost. Her humility was evident in her willingness to undergo an intensive novitiate at 52, despite the challenges. She showed remarkable trust in God, especially when her absence from Baggot Street led to mismanagement and hardship for her community.
Legacy of Mercy
Catherine McAuley’s life exemplified mercy and selfless service. She left a lasting impact through the House of Mercy, which provided education, shelter, and care for the needy. Her work laid the foundation for modern charitable and religious efforts, emphasizing active service over cloistered life.
Catherine’s humility, dedication, and love for the poor continue to inspire people of all ages, demonstrating the profound impact one person’s faith and compassion can have on the world.
The Life of Catherine McAuley and the Legacy of Mercy
Catherine’s Early Involvement in Charity
After the death of her long-time friend Catherine O’Callaghan in 1819, Catherine McAuley stayed at Coolock House to care for the ailing widower, William O’Callaghan. During this time, William asked Catherine what she would do if she had the means. She replied that she would dedicate her life and resources to educating and protecting poor women.
In early 19th century Dublin, women were starkly divided into two groups: wealthy ladies who enjoyed leisurely lives and poor, uneducated girls who often worked as maids in the big houses. These maids earned meagre wages and had no one to turn to if they were mistreated or became pregnant out of wedlock.
Understanding the plight of these poor women, Catherine felt compelled to help. William O’Callaghan supported her vision and, in his will dated January 27, 1822, left his entire estate to her. Catherine, now a wealthy woman at age 40, sought to use her inheritance to fulfill her charitable goals.
Founding the House of Mercy
In 1823, Catherine consulted Father Blake from the parish of St. Michael and John to find a suitable location for her project. They chose a site at the corner of Baggot Street and Herbert Street in Dublin. Construction began in July 1824 on what would become the first Convent of Mercy.
During the building’s three-year construction, Catherine studied educational methods in Ireland and France and continued her charitable work by visiting and assisting the poor.
When the House of Mercy opened in September 1827, it served as a school for the poor and a residence for working girls. Initially, there was no intention of forming a religious order. However, by 1828, with the Archbishop’s permission, Catherine and her companions began visiting hospitals, expanding their outreach.
Formation of the Sisters of Mercy
As Catherine’s work gained recognition, more women joined her cause. The Archbishop of Dublin suggested formalizing the group into a religious order to ensure its sustainability. Though initially resistant, Catherine decided to establish her own order rather than hand over her work to existing orders. In 1830, Catherine and two companions trained with the Presentation Sisters in Dublin. They returned to Baggot Street in December 1831 as the first Sisters of Mercy.
Expanding Mercy’s Reach
The Sisters of Mercy quickly grew, attracting many young women to their mission. They responded to various needs, such as nursing during the Cholera epidemic in Dublin. By 1835, they established foundations in other parts of Ireland, including Tullamore, Charleville, and Limerick.
The work of the Sisters of Mercy extended beyond Ireland. In 1839, they founded a convent in Bermondsey, London. Sister Clare Moore, who led this group, later worked with Florence Nightingale in the Crimea. The Sisters of Mercy continued to expand globally, with foundations in Newfoundland (1842), Pittsburgh (1843), and eventually in South America, the West Indies, the Philippines, Africa, and numerous locations across Ireland.
Catherine’s Legacy
Catherine McAuley passed away in 1841, just ten years after founding the Sisters of Mercy. Despite the hardships of travel and the demands of her mission, her work flourished. Each foundation she established was autonomous, a structure that persisted until the re-founding of the Order in 1993, which united Mercy communities worldwide.
The Convent of Mercy on Baggot Street, now the headquarters of Mercy International, continues Catherine’s legacy. The Sisters of Mercy are recognized for their commitment to the poor and their high standards in education and healthcare. Catherine’s vision, supported by the generosity of William O’Callaghan, has had a lasting impact, with thousands of Sisters worldwide continuing her mission of mercy.
Catherine McAuley and the First Mercy Convent
The Dream Begins
Catherine McAuley embarked on her mission to help poor women and girls by building a large refuge and training centre on Baggot Street in Dublin. Her brother James mockingly called it “Kitty’s Folly.” The cornerstone was laid in July 1824, and the construction took about three years. During this period, Catherine faced several family challenges. Her sister Mary became seriously ill, and while Mary’s husband took her to the countryside for care, their five children stayed with Catherine at Coolock House. Catherine split her time between supervising the building at Baggot Street, caring for her nieces and nephews, and visiting her ailing sister in Dundrum. After Mary died in August 1827, Catherine continued to support her nieces and nephews in Kilmainham.
Early Challenges and Successes
Despite these personal challenges, Catherine pressed on with her project. She visited Paris to learn about managing schools and orphanages for the poor. Her friend Marianne Doyle urged her to open the Baggot Street refuge even before it was fully ready. When the building finally opened, it immediately began serving its purpose: two women sought shelter on the first day, and children flocked to the school. Many women, including the nieces of Daniel O’Connell, the Liberator, offered their help.
Forming a Congregation
The immediate success of Catherine’s project highlighted the need for a more permanent solution. Education and refuge for women were essential, but Catherine realized that relying solely on volunteers might not be sustainable. The Bishop suggested forming a religious congregation to ensure a lifetime commitment to the cause.
Establishing the Sisters of Mercy
A core group of twelve women lived at Baggot Street, living simply and calling each other “sister.” The question of their formal status became serious, and with encouragement from the Archbishop of Dublin and other advisors, Catherine, Anna Maria Doyle, and Elizabeth Harley decided to form a religious congregation. At the age of 52, Catherine began her novitiate at the Presentation Convent in Dublin. Fifteen months later, on December 12, 1831, the three women professed their vows, officially becoming the first Sisters of Mercy.
The Mission Continues
Catherine defined the mission of the Sisters of Mercy as educating poor girls, providing shelter for young women in danger, and visiting the sick and poor. This mission, supported by the generosity of William Callaghan and the guidance of the Church, became the central purpose of the new order. What began as Catherine’s dream had now become a reality, creating a lasting impact on countless lives.
Catherine McAuley and the Institute of Mercy
Founding and Early Work
On December 12, 1831, Catherine McAuley founded the Institute of Mercy. The following year, during a cholera epidemic in Dublin, the Sisters of Mercy nursed the sick tirelessly, gaining recognition for their dedication not only in Dublin but across Ireland and beyond.
Expanding Across Ireland and Beyond
Between 1835 and her death in 1841, Catherine established convents in various parts of Ireland and in England. She founded convents in Kingstown, Tullamore, Charleville, Carlow, Cork, Booterstown, Limerick, Galway, Wexford, and Birr. She also set up foundations in Bermondsey and Birmingham in England. Despite the arduous travel conditions of the time, Catherine visited each location to ensure the success of these new convents. Her relentless work and selflessness were evident, even as she faced many challenges, including illness and the deaths of several young sisters.
Global Growth and Legacy
The spirit and mission of the Sisters of Mercy continued to grow after Catherine’s death. The congregation received calls for new foundations from as far away as the Americas. Just six months after Catherine’s passing, the first group of Sisters arrived in Newfoundland, responding to Bishop Anthony Fleming’s plea for help in a region with no charitable institutions. Sister Francis Creedon and others like her continued Catherine’s work, focusing on visiting the poor and providing education.
Overcoming Challenges
The spread of the Sisters of Mercy was marked by both generosity and hardship. Despite the challenges posed by distance and climate, many young women from Ireland answered the call to serve in new “colonies” of Mercy worldwide. These efforts were driven by a combination of deep personal spirituality and a pioneering spirit, as exemplified by Frances Warde, the American founder of the Sisters of Mercy.
Continuing Catherine’s Mission
Today, the Sisters of Mercy have grown into a global organization with twelve thousand sisters. Alongside their Associates and co-workers, they continue Catherine McAuley’s mission in 46 countries, maintaining her legacy of mercy and service to those in need.