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Ellen Whitty, daughter of William Whitty and Johanna, née Murphy, was born in Poldharrigge, Co. Wexford on 1 March 1819 and baptised in Oylegate church, near Enniscorthy on the same day.1 She entered the community of the Sisters of Mercy in Baggot Street, Dublin on 15 January 1839. Six months later, Ellen Whitty received the habit and the name, Sister Mary Vincent, on 23 July 1839. She made her profession of vows on 19 August 1841, along with Mary Justina Fleming and four English sisters for the Birmingham foundation. These sisters were the last group of novices to have the benefit of direct contact with and learning from the foundress...