Death of Sr. Mary Hanrahan rsm, former Director of MIC

We received some sad news this morning, from the Sisters of Mercy New Zealand Ngā Whaea Atawhai o Aotearoa, of the death of Sr. Mary Hanrahan rsm, on 2 February.

Mary was the Director of Mercy International Centre (MIC) from 1997 to 2001. One of many highlight's during her time at MIC was welcoming the gift to the Centre of Catherine McAuley’s ring.  

We send our condolences to the Sisters of Mercy New Zealand and to Mary's family and friends. May she rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

Below is the official notice from the Sisters of Mercy New Zealand Ngā Whaea Atawhai o Aotearoa of Mary's death:

Mary Hanrahan rsm

“To know love and serve”

Sisters of Mercy New Zealand Ngā Whaea Atawhai o Aotearoa are sad to advise the death of Sister Mary Hanrahan on the Feast of The Presentation, 2 February 2025.

Mary will be known to many sisters and Mercy people around the world from her time in Dublin as the Director of Mercy International Centre (MIC) 1997 – 2001. Mary’s welcoming personality, hospitality and administrative skills were invaluable.  One highlight for her during her time at MIC was welcoming the gift to the Centre of Catherine McAuley’s ring.  

Prior to joining the team at MIC, Mary ministered in education as a teacher and principal, and as a mentor to New Zealand school leaders. Her services were recognised by a number of civic awards.

On her return to Christchurch from Dublin, Mary served as Leader of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy Christchurch. Mary was President of the Mercy Federation Council of the then four Mercy congregations in New Zealand which led the process to form the new Congregation Ngā Whaea Atawhai o Aotearoa Sisters of Mercy New Zealand in 2005. When asked to describe the role, she wrote, “Here, there and everywhere!”

After her time in leadership, Mary was a Hospital Chaplain and became known across Christchurch as a caring listener.  With students and teachers in schools, and with patients and families at the hospital, Mary took to heart and acted on the saying, 'There are things the poor prize more highly than gold though they cost the donor nothing.  Among these are the kind word, the gentle compassionate look, the patient hearing of their sorrows.'

We send our love and sympathy and hold in prayer all those who have lived and worked with Mary.  We pray she may be rejoicing in the hospitality, love and mercy of God.  May she rest in peace.

Sisters of Mercy New Zealand Ngā Whaea Atawhai o Aotearoa