Mary Agnes O'Connor facts for kids

Mother Mary Agnes O'Connor (born January 6, 1815 – died December 20, 1859) was an Irish nun. She was a member of the Sisters of Mercy. She also started new convents and helped many people as a social worker.

Early Life and Becoming a Nun

Mary O'Connor was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, on January 6, 1815. She was the youngest of ten children. Her parents were Patrick and Mary O'Connor.

In 1838, Mary joined the Convent of Mercy in Dublin. On September 4, 1838, she officially became a Sister of Mercy. She chose the name Sister Mary Agnes. Two years later, in 1840, she made her final promises as a nun.

Helping Others in Dublin

Sister Mary Agnes began her work by helping people in need. She worked at the House of Mercy. This was a safe place for women who did not have homes. She also visited sick people in their homes. She helped out at hospitals like Sir Patrick Dun's and Mercer's.

Starting a New Mission in New York

In 1844, Sister Mary Agnes went to London for a short time. She was the first leader of St Edward's Convent there. But in 1846, she was asked to do something even bigger. Bishop Dr. John Hughes wanted her to start a new Convent of Mercy in New York.

Journey to America

On April 13, 1846, Sister Mary Agnes and a group of nuns left Dublin. They sailed from Liverpool on a ship called the Montezuma. They arrived in New York on May 14, 1846.

Helping People in New York

The nuns quickly began their work in New York. They visited patients in hospitals like Bellevue and Harlem. They also visited people in prisons such as the Tombs, Sing Sing, and Blackwell's Island penitentiary. In 1848, they started a religious group called the League of the Sacred Heart in Sing Sing prison.

Education and Support Programs

The Sisters of Mercy also opened schools. They started a Sunday school for adults. In 1848, they opened a special academy. Then, in 1851, they opened a school for children from poor families. They also ran a library where many people could borrow books.

The House of Mercy: A Safe Place for Immigrants

In 1848, Mother Mary Agnes helped set up a new House of Mercy in New York. This house was a safe place for young women. Many of them were Irish immigrants who had just arrived in America.

Training and Support for Young Women

Mother Mary Agnes would go to the docks to meet new immigrant women. She would bring them to the House of Mercy. This house could hold up to 100 women. It had classrooms, dorms, and workrooms.

At the House of Mercy, young women learned important skills. They learned reading, writing, and math. They also learned practical skills like dressmaking, embroidery, and cooking. This training helped them find jobs. In its first 18 years, over 9,000 young women stayed at the House. The nuns helped more than 16,000 people find work. The House of Mercy also gave food and help to local people who were struggling.

Expanding the Mission

Mother Mary Agnes helped start more convents. In 1855, a new convent opened in Brooklyn. In 1856, another one opened in St. Louis. These new convents also had schools for children.

Mother Mary Agnes had eye problems starting in 1852. She even went to Ireland to see a doctor, but it did not help. She served as the leader of the Convent of Mercy in New York for 13 years. She passed away on December 20, 1859, at the convent. She is buried in the crypt of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral.