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On 24th September 1827, Catherine Mc Auley’s lifelong vision to help those in need, particularly women and children, came to fruition when the doors of the first House of Mercy were opened on Baggot Street, Dublin. On that historic day, her fellow laywomen, Anna Maria Doyle and Catherine Byrn, immediately began the works of Mercy by assisting those who sought help.
Almost 200 years later, the Doors of Mercy are still open and thousands of vowed Sisters, Associates, and Partners in Mission have responded and continue to respond to the call of Mercy throughout the world. In many situations, the mission of Mercy is today being led by lay people, individuals, and groups who look to Catherine’s legacy for inspiration.
Mercy International Association
Mercy International Association (MIA) strives to support, stimulate and inspire all who desire to ensure a new, vital, and creative way for the Mercy charism and the spirit of Catherine McAuley to be present in the world long into the future. It has a significant role as a catalyst in creating networks and opportunities for connection and enabling the sharing of resources.
Opening Doors
Opening Doors is part of our response to the challenges facing Mercy today. It is more than just a project; it symbolises openness, welcome, hospitality, networking, collaboration, and the sharing of Catherine’s legacy of Mercy. After wide-ranging consultation and group exploration, the following five themes have emerged as significant to our Mercy companions: Action for Justice, Communications, Formation, Structures and Youth Engagement.
Opening Doors is a comprehensive initiative that aims to develop relevant and meaningful in-person formation experiences and online formation resources for the Mercy global world. These resources are designed for a wide range of audiences, including the executive leadership teams of Mercy Ministries, Mercy Associates, universities, schools, hospitals, justice, environmental, and community groups, and all our companions throughout the Mercy world. It is a collaborative effort that unites us all in our shared mission of Mercy, making each one of us an integral part of this journey.
As we journey together, we look forward to your participation and engagement.