Ellen McKenna facts for kids

Ellen McKenna, also known as Sister Mary Augustine, was an amazing Irish woman who lived from 1819 to 1883. She was a kind nun from the Sisters of Mercy. She also worked as a brave nurse during the American Civil War and was a dedicated teacher. Sister Mary Augustine spent her life helping others, especially children and those in need.

Her Early Life and Education

Ellen McKenna was born in a place called Traugh, in County Monaghan, Ireland, on December 24, 1819. She was the oldest of five children in her family. Ellen was taught at home first, and then she went to private schools in Dublin and near her home.

Even when she was young, Ellen loved to help. From 1834, she taught poor children in her village how to read and write. She also helped them get ready for important religious ceremonies.

In 1849, Ellen moved to New York in the United States. She arrived on April 2, 1849. At first, she taught at a small private school in Schenectady.

Becoming a Sister of Mercy

Ellen decided to dedicate her life to helping others through faith. On September 25, 1855, she joined the Convent of Mercy in New York. This is where the Sisters of Mercy live and work. On May 15, 1856, she officially became a Sister of Mercy and took the name Sister Mary Augustine. She made her final promises as a nun on May 17, 1858.

Helping Others in New York

Sister Mary Augustine was a very busy and caring person. She taught in the convent school, helping both children and adults. On Saturdays, she would go to Randall's Island to teach more people.

She also visited hospitals to comfort the sick. She even went to prisons like The Tombs and Sing Sing Prison to offer support to those held there.

Sister Mary Augustine was put in charge of a special home for young women who had recently moved to the country. This home was called the House of Mercy. On November 21, 1860, she opened another home for young children who didn't have families to care for them. If these children didn't find a new home by age 16, they would move to the House of Mercy until a good place was found for them. Many of the people she helped were Irish immigrants who had left Ireland because of the Irish Famine.

A Nurse During the Civil War

When the American Civil War began, there was a great need for nurses. Sister Mary Augustine and other nuns from New York bravely volunteered to help. On July 19, 1862, she started her work as a military nurse in Beaufort, North Carolina.

At first, she managed the kitchen, making sure the soldiers had food. But soon, she took on nursing duties, caring for the wounded. She also wrote letters for the soldiers who couldn't write themselves. On September 19, 1862, she was made the leader and superintendent of the nurses there.

After the war, Sister Mary Augustine returned to New York. She kept promises she had made to dying soldiers. She spent the next 20 years helping their widows and orphan children.

Later Life and Legacy

On September 29, 1863, Sister Mary Augustine became the leader of a new convent in Greenbush, near Albany. In November of that year, she opened schools for babies, boys, and girls.

She was called back to New York in September 1864. On October 10, 1864, she was chosen to train new nuns. From May 28, 1867, to May 12, 1877, she served as the superior, or leader, of the convent.

In 1875, she started a rest house for the New York sisters in Balmville. She also opened an industrial school for poor and orphan children. She was appointed the leader of these places in 1877. When money was tight, she would write and publish plays and poems to raise funds.

Sister Mary Augustine passed away on August 2, 1883. She was buried in the community plot at Calvary Cemetery in New York. Her life was a testament to her dedication to teaching, nursing, and helping those in need.