1. Catherine
McAuley

2. Catherine McAuley Catherine McAuley was born in Dublin in 1778.
Her father died when she was quite young, and her mother died in 1798.

3. Catherine McAuley
She met and went to live with a retired couple (the Callaghan’s) at their home called Coolock.
It was at this time that Catherine began actively working with the poor.

4. Catherine McAuley
In 1822 the Callaghan’s died leaving Catherine their fortune. She sold Coolock and had a house built in Baggot St., Dublin, where she lived with a growing group of helpers.
The ‘House of Mercy’ was opened on the 24th of September, 1827, the feast of Our Lady of Mercy.

5. Catherine McAuley
Catherine McAuley’s work for the poor knew no bounds. Many eager helpers gathered around her to teach, to train girls in practical skills of caring for a home.

6. Catherine McAuley
And to prepare them for a variety of employments.

7. Catherine McAuley
Instruction in the Catholic faith and the visiting of the sick and poor in their homes, were works near to her heart.

8. Catherine McAuley
In 1830 Catherine and two companions began the strict novitiate training of nuns.
They were ‘professed’ on the 12th of December The Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy was born.
Catherine was 53 years old.

9. Catherine McAuley
The Congregation worked tirelessly, opening schools and convents.
Catherine McAuley died peacefully on the 11th of November 1841.

10. Catherine McAuley
The Sisters of Mercy extend loving compassion to all in need
they care for the sick,
take charge of hospitals
work in schools and parishes
give shelter to the poor
and are always ready to assist anyone in distress.