Mother M. Ignatius (Elizabeth) McQuoin, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy North Sydney, travelled from Liverpool, England, to Sydney, New South Wales, in November 1865. Initially, the intention was for this group from Liverpool to go to Bathurst in NSW.

While they were at sea, Bathurst was made a separate diocese. Its new bishop had already arranged for the Sisters of Mercy from Charleville to come to Bathurst. However, Bishop Polding extended an invitation to the group to travel to Sydney.

In a short period of time, Mother M. Ignatius McQuoin established a Mercy presence throughout Sydney, setting the groundwork for numerous educational and social service initiatives. The administrative function of the Congregation moved from Church Hill to North Sydney in 1875 and then to its current location in North Sydney in 1879. Although the Sisters of Mercy initially arrived in Australia when they founded Perth, Western Australia, in 1846, Ignatius brought the first group to Sydney.

Elizabeth McQuoin was born in London in 1819. She was one of nine children. Elizabeth entered the Sisters of Mercy, Liverpool, in 1848. Two of her brothers became Jesuits. In addition, one of her sisters joined the Sisters of Mercy in Liverpool and ministered on the Isle of Man.

The Sisters of Mercy established the first foundation in the Diocese of Sydney at Church Hill, Sydney. The urgent need for education was quickly addressed by the sisters.

Along with establishing numerous social and community projects in the spirit and tradition of Catherine McAuley, they also visited the sick and socially marginalised in their homes. Mother M. Ignatius McQuoin was a pivotal figure in furthering Catherine McAuley’s vision in Sydney. The significance of founding a House of Mercy in Sydney, a cause dear to Catherine's heart, cannot be understated.

It is important to note that Mother M. Ignatius McQuoin had to overcome significant opposition from certain senior members of the clergy in her endeavours to establish these works, just like Catherine had encountered in her lifetime.

Throughout her life, Mother M. Ignatius McQuoin overcame great obstacles by exhibiting remarkable adaptability.

Upon arriving in Australia, she faced the immediate challenge of the newly installed Bishop of Bathurst declining the foundation for his diocese. This resulted in Elizabeth having to adapt her plans and establish the group in Sydney city centre instead of following their original plan to go to New South Wales.

Moreover, she faced the challenge of being left alone in Sydney when her companion moved to Brisbane.

Living and working in Parramatta, her sisters faced difficult conditions for fifteen years. When her first convent at Church Hill was taken from her to make room for the French Marists, her sisters were forced to live in poor housing conditions in Sydney. Eventually, concern for the health of her sisters forced Elizabeth to withdraw from Parramatta.

It is important to note that Mother M. Ignatius McQuoin demonstrated tremendous foresight and a strong commitment to meeting broader strategic needs. Her decision to purchase land on the north side of Sydney Harbour and establish Mercy schools in the area had a significant social impact.

Mother M. Ignatius McQuoin’s leadership was crucial in acquiring "Masalou" in North Sydney, where she established a day and boarding school for girls. This evolved into the renowned Monte Sant' Angelo Mercy College. The Mother House and Novitiate for the Congregation developed on the same site, and it became a central hub for the Sisters' educational and charitable activities. Even after her passing, the places and institutions she helped establish continue to operate under the Mercy charism, reflecting her significant impact on the mission of the Sisters of Mercy in Sydney and beyond. The congregation's current priorities are ending homelessness and giving those who have been abused in our society access to affordable homes.

Through the Mercy Foundation, which they established, the Sisters focus on ending human trafficking, providing grants to end homelessness, offering practical assistance to the homeless, and addressing a range of social justice issues.

“Elizabeth McQuoin”, Sisters of Mercy North Sydney, https://www.nsmercy.org.au/our-story/the-north-sydney-mercy-story/ accessed 2 May 2024. 

“Mother Ignatius McQuoin Set Sail On the Champion of the Seas From Liverpool, England, for Australia”  Mercy International Association, accessed 2 May 2024.  https://www.mercyworld.org/facts/mother-ignatius-mcquoin-set-sail-on-the-champion-of-the-seas-from-liverpool-england-for-australia-/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgyBzxNN48c