Story

The Life and Work of Catherine McAuley, 1778-1841
by Mary C. Sullivan rsm

Page 4

Despite the full approbation of Daniel Murray, archbishop of Dublin, Catherine and the House of Mercy suffered the public misunderstanding, criticism, suspicion, and even jealousy that sometimes afflict new ventures in the mission of the Church. Catherine was called an upstart; her work among the poor was judged unfit for proper women to perform, or worse, a meddling of the "unlearned sex" in the work of the clergy. She was accused of indirectly deflecting support from the work of established religious orders and of imitating them without abiding by their rules. Neighbors of the House were chagrined at the begging letters left at their doors, seeking blankets and clothing for the women sheltered in the House. All this created uncertainty among present and prospective co-workers.

In 1829-1830, Catherine faced a hard decision, one that seemed at first to override her previous inclinations and hopes for her intended work. The long-term future of the works of mercy she had begun and her continued attraction of co-workers seemed to depend on her willingness to found a new religious congregation whose nature and purposes would be unambiguous. However, some clergy did not favor the creation of another religious order for women in Dublin, presumably out of loyalty to the existing orders. Catherine now sought the advice of Michael Blake, a dear friend who supported her the rest of her life. As parish priest of Saints Michael's and John's, he was known throughout Dublin for his vigorous, personal service of the poor. Later, as bishop of Dromore, he would serve porridge every morning to the poor children of the neighborhood. Blake assured Catherine that a new religious congregation could be founded and approved which would be faithful to her purposes. It did not have to be like existing congregations; it could be unenclosed and uninhibited in its work on the streets of Dublin.