Casa de Misericordia Opens on Mercy Day

Would Catherine ever have imagined that 193 years after the opening of Baggot Street, another House of Mercy would open its doors half world away on the feast of Our lady of Mercy?

The opening and blessing of Casa de Misericordia followed seven months of preparation – locating a house, arranging a two year lease with the parish and diocese, emptying and refurbishing space which required a lot of attention, and most important, forming relationships with countless people with whom the community will collaborate in working with migrant persons.

Casa de Misericordia is located in Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish near the U.S. Mexico border. At the heart of Casa de Misericordia is an intentional community of diverse genders, backgrounds, ages, and faith traditions. Three Sisters of Mercy and three lay persons have come together to live out common agreements around spirituality, community and service, especially to the migrant community

Originally, an extensive invitational list to the House of Mercy opening and blessing was envisioned. Reluctantly, the Casa de Misericordia intentional community trimmed their celebration list to 14 – parish priests and staff, Irish Sisters of Mercy in San Diego, the Vicar for Religious and those residing in the community.  The celebration began with the 6pm Mass in Spanish celebrated by the Jesuit priests of the parish (There were less than 25 parishioners at the Mass because of Covid restrictions).  The community members introduced themselves in Spanish.  Sister Mary Waskowiak gave the reflection – all in Spanish.  The Mass ended with a video of the children’s choir from St. Barbara’s School in Guam singing Catherine’s Suscipe.

Fourteen participants then blessed the house and enjoyed a feast in the spacious garden on a balmy September evening.

Messages to: Judy Carle rsm