Message for Mercy Day 2025 from Mary O'Donovan, CEO of Mercy International Association

It is with great joy and gratitude that I extend greetings across the Mercy World for Mercy Day 2025 from Catherine's House in Baggot Street, Dublin.

As we gather in-person and online as a Mercy Family, to celebrate Mercy Day, I am reminded of the threads that connect us across continents and cultures, across ministries and generations. Though we come from many different places and experiences, we are all embraced by God’s infinite love and we are all woven into the one Mercy story, inspired by the vision of Catherine McAuley.

On this day, we give thanks for Catherine’s courage and her unwavering trust in God’s providence. Her “yes” to God’s call became a cloak of compassion for the poor, the sick, the marginalized, and those in need of education and dignity. Today, we continue to carry that cloak into our world - responding to the cries of the earth and the cries of the poor, standing with those displaced and forgotten, and offering mercy wherever we are.

I especially want to acknowledge Mercy Sisters, Mercy associates, partners in ministry, colleagues, and friends who are celebrating today. Each of you embodies mercy in action, and together you make visible the compassionate face of God in today’s world.

Our celebration of Mercy Day this year is tinged with a little sadness as we will temporarily close the doors of Catherine's house this coming Friday.  After almost 200 years, we must close this First House of Mercy for a few months so that we can carry out vital renovation work. By doing this extensive work on the House now, we aim to secure its future, so that this special place can continue to be the wellspring - offering renewal, formation, connection and inspiration for the coming generations who will live, work and walk in Mercy.

Be assured that while the hands-on work of building, and plumbing and plastering goes on within these walls, Catherine’s founding mission and vision of practical justice for women will continue at Mercy International Association.

Our roots are strong. Our reach is wide.  We will be present,  alive and active, reaching out, inviting in, weaving threads of connection and oneness with you - our global and local Mercy Family.  We ask for your prayers as we step forward with courage to steward Catherine’s House and nourish her legacy into the future.

As we gather across the Mercy World this week for celebrations, we also pause for prayer. At our Mass in Catherine's House we include prayers for peace, for healing, for justice, and for a future wrapped in mercy.

May our celebration of Mercy Day renew our spirits, deepen our commitment, and strengthen our bonds as one global Mercy family.

Happy Mercy Day!

May Catherine McAuley's vision continue to inspire and guide us all.

Mary O'Donovan, CEO

Mercy International Association