women and other people in need of opportunity through their 17 colleges and universities around the US, including Gwynedd Mercy University.
THE ORIGINAL GIFT OF MERCY
“ We must try to be like those rivers which enter into the sea without losing any of the sweetness of the water.” ~ Catherine McAuley
In 1803, Sisters of Mercy Foundress Catherine McAuley became the house manager for the Callaghan family, an elderly and wealthy Protestant and Quaker couple. In this role, Catherine provided kindness and compassion in caring for both Catherine and William Callaghan for more than 20 years until their deaths.
Sister Acts
The legacy of the Sisters of Mercy permeates the air at GMercyU. Their stories serve as a welcome reminder of the power of laughter, perseverance and an unwavering willingness to believe in one‘ s own ability to respond to the“ next great need.” Each issue, we will dive into one of countless inspiring stories.
McAuley surprisingly became the heir to their entire estate.
On June 22, 1824, Catherine utilized her inheritance to lease property on Baggot Street in southeast Dublin to establish the House of Mercy. The House of Mercy enabled Catherine to carry out her life’ s purpose of educating women and sheltering homeless women and the sick.
Catherine’ s decision to use her inheritance to create a home for those in need is Mercy in Motion.
Catherine taught us that anyone with a vision to help others can do so and create an impact greater than ever imagined. Her actions remind us of the power of philanthropy and its role in creating a more just and compassionate society. Her legacy is carried on by the 25,000 + Distinctive Mercy Graduates around the world who serve their communities and professions in the Mercy tradition.
Catherine’ s decision to use the“ planned gift” left to her opened the door to a world-changing movement that continues to make an impact around the globe.
Today, members of our Mercy community can continue Catherine’ s vision and make their own impact through charitable gift planning. Every gift of every size can foster Mercy in Motion at Gwynedd Mercy University for generations to come.
Learn more at gmercyu. planmylegacy. org /
While caring for the Callaghans, Catherine also developed a deeper connection to service, especially for the poor and neglected, and her Catholic faith. Upon the death of William Callaghan in 1822, Catherine
The works of Mercy that began at Baggot Street would eventually lead to the establishment of the order of the Sisters of Mercy, who now serve in more than 30 countries worldwide. The Sisters of Mercy fulfill Catherine’ s vision to provide education to
GMercyU students and staff at the 2024 Young Mercy Leaders Conference in Ireland.
Credits: www. mercyworld. org / catherine / introducing-catherine /