A Pilgrimage of Mercy: Walking in Catherine's Boots

In August 2024, the Mercy Education Board of Directors gathered in Dublin at the House of Mercy for their annual meeting. Through visits to Mercy International Centre, moments of prayer in the chapel, reflection in the garden, time in Catherine’s room and the Heritage Room, as well as visits to Coolock House and a walking tour of Dublin, the board encountered Mercy in a profound and transformative way. Sister Lisa Griffith, RSM, Executive Director for Mercy Education writes for us this month.

The Intrepid Frances Warde

Sister Julia Upton, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, writes about the intrepid Frances Warde who was just 17 years old when she met Catherine McAuley. Sister Julie shares: "Although she originally moved to Dublin for its social life, Frances soon became disenchanted with its superficiality and longed for something deeper and more meaningful. She confided this restlessness in her confessor, Father Edward Armstrong, a close advisor of Catherine McAuley, who suggested that Frances teach a few hours each day at the recently opened school for poor children on Baggot Street. This is how Frances came to know Catherine, whom she deeply admired."

New website for AMSSA

The Australasian Mercy Secondary School Association (AMSSA) has recently launched a new website. AMSSA is a collaborative network of Mercy secondary schools across Australia, New Zealand and the wider Oceania region, united in the spirit and vision of Catherine McAuley. Continuing the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy, the Association enables member schools to work together to shape young people who are informed, compassionate, and committed to making a difference in their communities and beyond.

Our Letter to Catherine McAuley - a new resource from Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea

Over the past few months the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea have reflected on a simple and profound invitation: ‘Mercy is…’. The responses have been collated in a resource entitled Our Letter to Catherine McAuley both in a video and  book. It is hoped that these reflections will enable a deeper focus on what Mercy means in our lives and in the world today, which is particularly timely in this Season of Creation.  

Living water belongs to all of us – not to data centers

Sister Marlene Perrotte, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, shares an article on living water and how it belongs to all of us - not to data centres. In her article, which is published during the Season of Creation, she says: “Water is under siege. It’s increasingly being called the “new gold” or “blue gold” because clean, drinkable water is becoming scarce worldwide.”

In God Alone - a key resource for the bi-centenary

One of the key resources that we will be using as part of our resources for the 200th anniversary of the opening of the first House of Mercy is the film In God Alone. This 23 minute docudrama, features re-enactments of actual events in the life of Catherine McAuley, from her childhood to her last days. Filmed mainly on location in Ireland with Irish actors, the film makes for compelling viewing.

Championing Safety: Celebrating MECPATHS’ Human Rights Recognition

In the ongoing global challenge against human trafficking, front-line industries often serve as the crucial first line of defense. At the forefront of this effort in Ireland MECPATHS on behalf of The Congregation continues to lead the charge under the leadership of JP O’ Sullivan. In recognition of their transformative advocacy and training programs, MECPATHS has been honoured with the Lux Life Global Hospitality Human Rights Champion of the Year Award 2026.

Humanity’s future depends on collaboration in building a more humane world - Pope Leo

Continuing his catechesis on “Gaudium et spes", Pope Leo highlights how recognizing the interconnectedness of people challenges us to “evaluate today’s social and political projects based on the criteria of the dignity of the human person” with the goal of building a better world.