THE SISTERS OF MERCY

WHO FOUNDED THE ORGANIZATION AND WHEN/WHERE WAS IT FOUNDED?

• Catherine McAuley, an Irish Catholic laywoman.
• Ireland in the 19th century.

Why?

Catherine recognized the needs of the poor, she was determined she and other women could help make a difference. She used her inheritance to open the first house of mercy.

Who Brought it to America?

Mother Frances Warde established the first Mercy foundation in Mother Frances Warde established the first Mercy foundation in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania two years after Catherine McAuley's death in 1843. Catholic Churches were thriving in America and after Catherine's death the sisters spread to help the poor everywhere.

What specific role did this Order/Organization play in the development of the Catholic Church in America?
The Sisters of Mercy played a huge role in the Catholic Church in America. They not only housed the poor and sick, they also set up schooling in parishes. Not only for boys but for girls as well. They also visited the sick in their homes and hospital beds, spreading the works of Jesus.

Does the work of this Order/Organization continue today in America?

The Merion Regional Community of the Sisters of Mercy serves in many other places in the diocese of Philadelphia, in other dioceses in the United States, and also in countries as far away as Peru and Namibia. There is a string of hospitals still in work today that the Sisters of Mercy help found, Mercy Hospital of West Philadelphia it is an essential part of the expanding Mercy Health System. Joined by Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, Mercy Community Hospital, Mercy Suburban Hospital, Mercy Diversified Services, Keystone-Mercy. Mostly located in the Philadelphia area.

The most interesting thing that I have learned about the Sisters of Mercy is that their founded Catherine McAuley used her own inheritance money to found the first Mercy home. She was not selfish in keeping the money to herself but instead used it to benefit the economically poor and sick. It is also interesting that after her death members of the Mercy spread out to a place as far as America. Where the organization thrived and aided in the hope, education, and stability to the poor people there as well. They did not just help the poor but they also provided girls with education! The Sisters of Mercy is one of the most influential Catholic organization in America.

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