Catherine McAuley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids VenerableCatherine McAuley RSM |
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Sister Mary Catherine McAuley
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| Born | 29 September 1778 Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 11 November 1841 (aged 63) Dublin, Ireland |
Catherine McAuley (born September 29, 1778 – died November 11, 1841) was an Irish Catholic woman. She became a religious sister, which is like a nun. In 1831, she started a group called the Sisters of Mercy.
This group of women has always focused on teaching. Especially in Ireland, they taught Catholic children. Sometimes, they even taught Protestant children. This was important because, at that time, education was mostly for members of the main church.
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Catherine's Early Life
Catherine Elizabeth McAuley was born in Dublin, Ireland. Her parents were James and Elinor McAuley. Sadly, her father died when she was only five years old in 1783. Her mother passed away later in 1798.
After her parents died, Catherine lived with her uncle. Later, she moved in with her brother and sister. They stayed at the home of William Armstrong, a relative from her mother's side.
Becoming a Companion
In 1803, Catherine started working for William and Catherine Callaghan. They were an older, wealthy couple who lived near Dublin. Catherine became their household manager and companion. She lived with them for 20 years.
During this time, Catherine taught the servants and poor village children. She taught them about their faith. When William Callaghan died in 1822, Catherine inherited a lot of money from their estate.
Building the House of Mercy
Catherine used her inheritance to help others. She decided to build a special house. This house would be a safe place for homeless women and children. It would offer them care and education.
She chose a spot in Dublin for the house. The building work started in June 1824. While the house was being built, Catherine studied different ways to teach. She wanted to be ready for her new project.
Opening the House
On September 24, 1827, the new house opened. It was called the House of Mercy. It helped women who had nowhere to go. It also took in orphans and had schools for poor children. Catherine and two friends managed the new place.
Starting the Sisters of Mercy
For three years, Catherine and her friends worked at the House of Mercy. They were not nuns yet; they were laywomen. Catherine didn't plan to start a group of religious sisters at first. She wanted to create a team of Catholic social workers.
In 1828, the archbishop allowed them to wear a special uniform. They could also visit sick people in public. Their uniform was a black dress and cape. It also included a white collar and a lace cap with a veil.
Choosing a Name
The archbishop asked Catherine to choose a name for her group. She chose "Sisters of Mercy." She wanted their main goal to be showing mercy to others. She hoped her group would combine quiet prayer with active work.
However, the church leaders at the time preferred women's groups to be more organized. They worried about what would happen if the women left. The poor and orphans they cared for would be left without help.
Becoming Nuns
Catherine's church mentor encouraged her to form a religious group. So, in September 1830, Catherine and two other women, Anna Maria Doyle and Elizabeth Harley, began training. They joined the Presentation Sisters to learn how to be religious sisters.
On December 12, 1831, they made their official promises. They then returned to the House of Mercy. This date, December 12, 1831, is considered the founding day of the Sisters of Mercy. Archbishop Daniel Murray helped Catherine. He also named Catherine as the Mother Superior.
Helping During a Cholera Outbreak
In 1832, a serious illness called cholera spread in Dublin. Catherine agreed to help. She and her sisters worked at a cholera hospital.
Between 1831 and 1841, Catherine started many new convents. These were in places like Cork, Galway, and Birmingham. The rules for the Sisters of Mercy were officially approved by Pope Gregory XVI in 1841. Catherine lived for only ten years as a Sister of Mercy. Her religious name was Sister Mary Catherine.
Catherine's Death
Catherine McAuley died on November 11, 1841. She was sixty-three years old. She passed away from tuberculosis at Baggot Street.
When she died, there were 100 Sisters of Mercy. They were working in ten different locations. Soon after, small groups of sisters traveled to other countries. They started new groups in the United States, Newfoundland, Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina.
Today, there are about 5,500 Sisters of Mercy worldwide. Many other people also work with them. The Mercy International Centre in Dublin, Ireland, is their international home. You can also visit their website at mercyworld.org.
In 1978, the process to declare Catherine McAuley a saint began. This is called beatification. In 1990, Pope John Paul II recognized her great goodness. He declared her Venerable. This means she is considered a very holy person.
See also
- List of people on stamps of Ireland
