Welcome to the website of the Institute of Our Lady of Mercy
We are very happy to launch our new website for the Institute of Our Lady of Mercy. On 12th December 1831 Catherine McAuley and her two companions made their vows as the first Sisters of Mercy and the Congregation was launched. 188 years later we are able to reach out to people through the use of modern technology and social media.
It seems appropriate that we are launching our website in the ‘Year of the Word’ initiated by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales. This is a year when we are encouraged to listen to the God who speaks. May we all hear our God who uses so many ways to speak to us.
Sr Colette Cronin, Institute Leader
Recent news
Carols by Candlelight
Just as we begin to move away from the Christmas season, we’d like to share with you an effort made by the Sisters of Mercy in…
Christmas Cheer for The Dellow Centre
Every year the Sisters of Mercy in Eltham give a food hamper to each of the fifty eight residents of The Dellow Centre which provides hostel…
Foundation Day 12 December 1831
On 12 December 1831 Catherine McAuley, Anna Maria Doyle and Elizabeth Harley returned to the House of Mercy on Baggot Street, Dublin as the first Professed…
What we do
The first Chapter of our original rule written in Catherine’s own handwriting states the original purpose for our existence as Sisters of Mercy.
The Sisters admitted to this Religious Congregation besides attending to their own perfection which is the principal end of all Religious Institutes should also have in view what is the peculiar characteristic of this
Follow the Sisters of Mercy on Twitter
‘Catherine’s compassionate response was immediately practical, enabling the poor to help themselves and to find new dignity.’ Carmel Bourke #MercyQuote
‘Catherine’s spirituality was centred on the mercy of God … prayer in action …action in prayer.’ Angela Bolster #MercyQuote
Monastic Experience Weekend: Pluscarden Abbey – 7-10 August 2020. The monks of Pluscarden abbey are offering a special opportunity to experience at first-hand what monastic life is about.
There will be no charge for the weekend.
‘We have ever relied on divine providence and shall continue to do so.’ Catherine McAuley #MercyQuote
Advocacy
Sisters of Mercy respond to the various needs in our world today. Several of our Sisters are Prison Chaplains or Hospital Chaplains, others visit the sick and the needy in their own homes.