Mercy World - Leaders of Worldwide Mercy Congregations, Institutes and Federations

Message for Foundation Day 2025 from our CEO Mary O'Donovan
"Today, on Foundation Day - 12 December 2025, we pause in gratitude and hope as we mark the anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of Mercy. On this day in 1831, Catherine McAuley and her first companions formalised what she had already begun: a vibrant, practical, and deeply human response to the suffering she witnessed all around her." - Mary O'Donovan, CEO.
Read the full message from our CEO for Foundation Day 2025

1 of 6
Advent Through the Lens of Mercy
Advent begins on Sunday 30th November. We look forward to reflecting on Advent Through the Lens of Mercy. Check in here each week of Advent for a new reflection beginning with the theme of Hope and moving on through Advent reflecting on Peace, Joy and Love.
Click here for our Advent Reflections

1 of 6
Save the Dates for our Young Mercy Leaders' Pilgrimage 2026
We invite you to save the dates for our Young Mercy Leaders' Pilgrimage to Dublin in 2026. We look forward to welcoming students from Third-Level Colleges and Universities to Dublin from Tuesday 28th to Friday 31st July 2026. YML 2026 will be the first pilgrimage group in Catherine's House when we re-open after our essential works currently taking place.
Read more

1 of 6
Catherine's House at 64a Lower Baggot Street is now closed for essential works
Catherine's House at 64a Lower Baggot Street is now closed for essential works. The Mercy International Association staff left the building on Friday 31st October following the significant task of packing up the entire house. The essential works will protect and renew this beloved building, ensuring that Catherine’s story and the spirit of Mercy continue to be shared with future generations. We look forward to welcoming everyone back once the works are complete.
Read an update from our CEO

1 of 6
Remembering Catherine McAuley on the anniversary of her death
Catherine McAuley died on 11th of November 1841. We are delighted to share a special reflection led by Mercy Associate Anne Reid to mark the anniversary of Catherine's death.
Watch the Reflection

1 of 6
Prayer: Through The Intercession of Venerable Catherine McAuley
In her retreat instructions, Catherine McAuley said: "Prayer is a plant, the seed of which is sown in the heart of every Christian, but its growth entirely depends on the care we take to nourish it." There are many ways you can submit a prayer petition through the intercession of Catherine McAuley.
Find Out More

1 of 6

Today's Mercy Quote

It is my hope and prayer that after the period of darkness and winter has accomplished its purpose, we shall see the bright promise of another spring.

M Concilia Moran

Catherine McAuley

Catherine McAuley was born in Dublin, Ireland, in September, 1778. In 1824 she used her inheritance from an Irish couple she had served for twenty years to build a large House of Mercy on Baggot Street, Dublin in response to the needs of the poor of Dublin. Today that house is known as Mercy International Centre and is home to the Mercy family from all over the world.

More About Catherine View All Quotes

Opening Doors

Opening Doors focuses on consulting with those who are actively seeking to be involved in the life of Mercy International and creating channels through which people of Mercy can participate more actively in the life of the Association.

More Information

Justice

Mercy Global Action commits annually to focusing on three priority justice issues. These issues focus on the needs of our global society today. Throughout the year, the Mercy Global Action team works to provide educational resources focused on these issues, as well as advocate at the United Nations for just policies and laws related to these areas.

Explore Mercy Global Action