On 24 September 1827, Catherine McAuley opened a House of Mercy on Baggot Street in Dublin where she and other lay women sheltered the homeless, reached out to the sick and dying and educated poor girls.
The house was opened under the patronage of Our Lady of Mercy because Catherine believed in a God of Mercy and wanted to live mercy.
In 1830—at the age of 52—Catherine and two of her companions went to the Presentation Sisters at George’s Hill to learn about religious life and take the vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience.
After 15 months Catherine returned to Baggot Street as the first leader and foundress of the Sisters of Mercy Congregation. In the following years, Catherine and the Sisters expanded their congregation and went on to conduct works of Mercy throughout Ireland and England, always responding to community need.
After Catherine’s death in 1841, the Sisters of Mercy Mission continued to spread throughout Ireland, England, America and Australia.
Today when we see or speak the word Mater, we are reminded of Catherine’s life—doing ordinary things exceptionally well—inspired by her commitment to Mercy. In fact, the word Mater is the shortened and affectionate term for Mater Misericordiae, which in Latin means Mother of Mercy.
In September each year, Mater celebrates the work of the Sisters of Mercy during Mercy Week. The week-long celebrations reinforce Mater’s identity, the heritage of the Sisters of Mercy and our ongoing commitment to the Mater Values.
We encourage you to celebrate our exceptional Mater community—and join in acknowledging the spirit of Mercy which continues to define Mater people this Mercy Week.