Catherine McAuley: Difference between revisions
→Sisters of Mercy: removing non-free image that does not add to the reader's understanding of the topic of the article |
Manannan67 (talk | contribs) added ref |
||
| Line 49: | Line 49: | ||
== Life == |
== Life == |
||
Catherine Elizabeth McAuley was born in Dublin to James and Elinor McAuley.<ref>Mary C. Sullivan ''The Path of Mercy: The Life of Catherine McAuley'' Washington D.C. [[The Catholic University of America Press]], 2012</ref> Her father died in 1783 when she was five and her mother died in 1798. Catherine and her brother James moved to live with Protestant relatives. In 1803, McAuley became the household manager and companion of distant relatives of her mother, the Callghans, an elderly, childless, and wealthy Quaker couple, at their home in Dublin and then at their estate in [[Coolock]]. For 20 years she gave catechetical instruction to the household servants and the poor village children.<ref name=olmc>[http://www.olmc.nsw.edu.au/school/about/catherine-mcauley-founder-of-the-sisters-of-mercy "Catherine McAuley, Founder of the Sisters of Mercy", Our Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta]</ref> Catherine Callaghan died in 1819. When Mr. Callaghan died in 1822, McAuley became the sole residuary legatee of their estate.<ref name=cath/> |
Catherine Elizabeth McAuley was born at Stormestown House in Dublin to James and Elinor McAuley.<ref>Mary C. Sullivan ''The Path of Mercy: The Life of Catherine McAuley'' Washington D.C. [[The Catholic University of America Press]], 2012</ref> Her father died in 1783 when she was five and her mother died in 1798. Catherine and her brother James moved to live with Protestant relatives. In 1803, McAuley became the household manager and companion of distant relatives of her mother, the Callghans, an elderly, childless, and wealthy Quaker couple, at their home in Dublin and then at their estate in [[Coolock]]. For 20 years she gave catechetical instruction to the household servants and the poor village children.<ref name=olmc>[http://www.olmc.nsw.edu.au/school/about/catherine-mcauley-founder-of-the-sisters-of-mercy "Catherine McAuley, Founder of the Sisters of Mercy", Our Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta]</ref> Catherine Callaghan died in 1819. When Mr. Callaghan died in 1822, McAuley became the sole residuary legatee of their estate.<ref name=cath/> |
||
==The House of Mercy== |
==The House of Mercy== |
||
McAuley inherited a considerable fortune and chose to use it to build a house where she and other compassionate women could take in homeless women and children to provide care and an education for them. A location was selected at the junction of lower Baggot and Herbert Streets, Dublin, and in June 1824, the cornerstone was laid by the Rev. Dr. Blake.<ref name=soma/> As it was being refurbished, she studied current educational methods in preparation for her new endeavor. On the feast of Our Lady of Mercy, 24 September 1827, the new institution for destitute women, orphans, and schools for the poor was opened and McAuley, with two companions, undertook its management.<ref name=cath/> |
McAuley inherited a considerable fortune and chose to use it to build a house where she and other compassionate women could take in homeless women and children to provide care and an education for them. A location was selected at the junction of lower Baggot and Herbert Streets, Dublin, and in June 1824, the cornerstone was laid by the Rev. Dr. Blake.<ref name=soma/> As it was being refurbished, she studied current educational methods in preparation for her new endeavor. On the feast of Our Lady of Mercy, 24 September 1827, the new institution for destitute women, orphans, and schools for the poor was opened and McAuley, with two companions, undertook its management.<ref name=cath/> |
||
==Sisters of Mercy== |
==Sisters of Mercy== |
||
For three years, Catherine and her companions continued their work without official recognition as a religious order. |
|||
Catherine McAuley never intended to found a community of religious women. Her initial intention was to assemble a lay corps of Catholic social workers.<ref name=soma>[http://www.sistersofmercy.org/about-us/our-history/ "Our History"], Sisters of Mercy of the Americas</ref> In 1828 the archbishop permitted the staff of the institute to assume a distinctive dress and to publicly visit the sick. The uniform adopted was a black dress and cape of the same material reaching to the belt, a white collar and a lace cap and veil – such a costume as is now worn by the postulants of the congregation. In the same year the archbishop desired Miss McAuley to choose some name by which the little community might be known, and she chose that of "Sisters of Mercy", having the design of making the works of mercy the distinctive feature of the institute. |
Catherine McAuley never intended to found a community of religious women. Her initial intention was to assemble a lay corps of Catholic social workers.<ref name=soma>[http://www.sistersofmercy.org/about-us/our-history/ "Our History"], Sisters of Mercy of the Americas</ref> In 1828 the archbishop permitted the staff of the institute to assume a distinctive dress and to publicly visit the sick. The uniform adopted was a black dress and cape of the same material reaching to the belt, a white collar and a lace cap and veil – such a costume as is now worn by the postulants of the congregation. In the same year the archbishop desired Miss McAuley to choose some name by which the little community might be known, and she chose that of "Sisters of Mercy", having the design of making the works of mercy the distinctive feature of the institute. |
||
She was desirous that the members should combine with the silence and prayer of the [[Carmelites]], with the active labours of a [[Religious Sisters of Charity|Sister of Charity]]. The position of the institute was anomalous, its members were not bound by vows nor were they restrained by rules. The church (clergy and people) of the time, however, were not supportive of groups of lay women working independently of church structures. The main concern was for the stability and continuity of the works of mercy which the women had taken on. Should any of them get married or lose interest, the poor and the orphans whom they were caring for would then be at a loss. |
She was desirous that the members should combine with the silence and prayer of the [[Carmelites]], with the active labours of a [[Religious Sisters of Charity|Sister of Charity]]. The position of the institute was anomalous, its members were not bound by vows nor were they restrained by rules. The church (clergy and people) of the time, however, were not supportive of groups of lay women working independently of church structures. The main concern was for the stability and continuity of the works of mercy which the women had taken on. Should any of them get married or lose interest, the poor and the orphans whom they were caring for would then be at a loss. |
||
Catherine's clerical mentor urged her to form a [[religious institute (Catholic)|religious institute]]. Catherine and two other women entered the formation program of the [[Presentation Sisters]] to formally prepare for life as women religious.<ref>[http://mercyworld.org/foundress/index.cfm?loadref=52 "Foundation"], Mercy International Association</ref> At the end of one year they professed vows and returned to the House of Mercy. The [[Sisters of Mercy]] consider 12 December 1831 as the day of their founding as a religious community.<ref name=olmc/> |
Catherine's clerical mentor urged her to form a [[religious institute (Catholic)|religious institute]]. Catherine and two other women entered the formation program of the [[Presentation Sisters]] to formally prepare for life as women religious.<ref>[http://mercyworld.org/foundress/index.cfm?loadref=52 "Foundation"], Mercy International Association</ref> At the end of one year they professed vows and returned to the House of Mercy. The [[Sisters of Mercy]] consider 12 December 1831 as the day of their founding as a religious community.<ref name=olmc/> Archbishop [[Daniel Murray (bishop)|Daniel Murray]] assisted [[Catherine McAuley]] in founding the [[Sisters of Mercy]], and professed the first three members.<ref name=Meagher>[https://books.google.com/books?id=sEFOAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA139&dq=Daniel+Murray+(bishop)&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiW_sebnYvZAhXLo1kKHV0QBnYQ6AEIOjAD#v=onepage&q=Daniel%20Murray%20(bishop)&f=false Meagher, William. ''The Life of Rev. Daniel Murray'', Dublin, Gerald Bellew, 1856]{{PD-notice}}</ref> He then appointed Catherine Mother Superior.<ref>[https://www.libraryireland.com/biography/MaryCatherineMcAuley.php Webb, Alfred. "Mary Catherine McAuley", ''A Compendium of Irish Biography'', Dublin. M.H. Gill & Son, 1878]{{PD-notice}}</ref> |
||
A cholera epidemic hit Dublin in 1832, and Catherine agreed to staff a cholera hospital on Townsend Street.<ref>[http://mercyworld.org/foundress/index.cfm?loadref=53 "Early years"], Mercy International Association</ref> |
A cholera epidemic hit Dublin in 1832, and Catherine agreed to staff a cholera hospital on Townsend Street.<ref>[http://mercyworld.org/foundress/index.cfm?loadref=53 "Early years"], Mercy International Association</ref> |
||
| Line 67: | Line 68: | ||
==Death== |
==Death== |
||
Catherine McAuley died of tuberculosis on 11 November 1841 at Baggot Street |
Catherine McAuley died of tuberculosis on 11 November 1841 at Baggot Street,<ref name=world/> at the age of sixty-three. |
||
At the time of her death there were 100 Sisters of Mercy in ten foundations.<ref>[http://www.rsmofalma.org/history/history.html "A History of Venerable Catherine McAuley", Religious Sisters of Mercy, Alma, Michigan]</ref> Shortly thereafter, small groups of sisters left Ireland to establish new foundations on the east and west coasts of the United States, in [[Newfoundland and Labrador|Newfoundland]], Australia, New Zealand, and [[Argentina]]. |
At the time of her death there were 100 Sisters of Mercy in ten foundations.<ref>[http://www.rsmofalma.org/history/history.html "A History of Venerable Catherine McAuley", Religious Sisters of Mercy, Alma, Michigan]</ref> Shortly thereafter, small groups of sisters left Ireland to establish new foundations on the east and west coasts of the United States, in [[Newfoundland and Labrador|Newfoundland]], Australia, New Zealand, and [[Argentina]]. |
||
Revision as of 22:08, 26 July 2019
Venerable Catherine McAuley | |
|---|---|
 Sister Mary Catherine McAuley | |
| Born | 29 September 1778 Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 11 November 1841 (aged 63) Dublin, Ireland |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
Catherine McAuley (29 September 1778 – 11 November 1841) was an Irish religious sister who founded the Sisters of Mercy in 1831.[1] The women's congregation has always been associated with teaching, especially in Ireland, where the sisters taught Catholics (and at times Protestants) at a time when education was mainly reserved for members of the established Church of Ireland.
Life
Catherine Elizabeth McAuley was born at Stormestown House in Dublin to James and Elinor McAuley.[2] Her father died in 1783 when she was five and her mother died in 1798. Catherine and her brother James moved to live with Protestant relatives. In 1803, McAuley became the household manager and companion of distant relatives of her mother, the Callghans, an elderly, childless, and wealthy Quaker couple, at their home in Dublin and then at their estate in Coolock. For 20 years she gave catechetical instruction to the household servants and the poor village children.[3] Catherine Callaghan died in 1819. When Mr. Callaghan died in 1822, McAuley became the sole residuary legatee of their estate.[1]
The House of Mercy
McAuley inherited a considerable fortune and chose to use it to build a house where she and other compassionate women could take in homeless women and children to provide care and an education for them. A location was selected at the junction of lower Baggot and Herbert Streets, Dublin, and in June 1824, the cornerstone was laid by the Rev. Dr. Blake.[4] As it was being refurbished, she studied current educational methods in preparation for her new endeavor. On the feast of Our Lady of Mercy, 24 September 1827, the new institution for destitute women, orphans, and schools for the poor was opened and McAuley, with two companions, undertook its management.[1]
Sisters of Mercy
For three years, Catherine and her companions continued their work without official recognition as a religious order. Catherine McAuley never intended to found a community of religious women. Her initial intention was to assemble a lay corps of Catholic social workers.[4] In 1828 the archbishop permitted the staff of the institute to assume a distinctive dress and to publicly visit the sick. The uniform adopted was a black dress and cape of the same material reaching to the belt, a white collar and a lace cap and veil – such a costume as is now worn by the postulants of the congregation. In the same year the archbishop desired Miss McAuley to choose some name by which the little community might be known, and she chose that of "Sisters of Mercy", having the design of making the works of mercy the distinctive feature of the institute.
She was desirous that the members should combine with the silence and prayer of the Carmelites, with the active labours of a Sister of Charity. The position of the institute was anomalous, its members were not bound by vows nor were they restrained by rules. The church (clergy and people) of the time, however, were not supportive of groups of lay women working independently of church structures. The main concern was for the stability and continuity of the works of mercy which the women had taken on. Should any of them get married or lose interest, the poor and the orphans whom they were caring for would then be at a loss.
Catherine's clerical mentor urged her to form a religious institute. Catherine and two other women entered the formation program of the Presentation Sisters to formally prepare for life as women religious.[5] At the end of one year they professed vows and returned to the House of Mercy. The Sisters of Mercy consider 12 December 1831 as the day of their founding as a religious community.[3] Archbishop Daniel Murray assisted Catherine McAuley in founding the Sisters of Mercy, and professed the first three members.[6] He then appointed Catherine Mother Superior.[7]
A cholera epidemic hit Dublin in 1832, and Catherine agreed to staff a cholera hospital on Townsend Street.[8]
The rule of the Sisters of Mercy was formally confirmed by Pope Gregory XVI on 6 June 1841.[9] Catherine lived only ten years as a Sister of Mercy, Sister Mary Catherine.
Death
Catherine McAuley died of tuberculosis on 11 November 1841 at Baggot Street,[9] at the age of sixty-three. At the time of her death there were 100 Sisters of Mercy in ten foundations.[10] Shortly thereafter, small groups of sisters left Ireland to establish new foundations on the east and west coasts of the United States, in Newfoundland, Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina.
Total worldwide vowed membership is about 10,000. The Mercy International Centre in Dublin, Ireland, is the international "home" of the Sisters of Mercy worldwide.
In 1978, the cause for the beatification of the Servant of God Catherine McAuley was opened by Pope Paul VI. In 1990, upon recognition of her heroic virtues, Pope John Paul II declared her Venerable.[11]
See also
References
- ^ a b c Austin, Mary Stanislas. "Sisters of Mercy." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 10. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1922. 3 October 2014
- ^ Mary C. Sullivan The Path of Mercy: The Life of Catherine McAuley Washington D.C. The Catholic University of America Press, 2012
- ^ a b "Catherine McAuley, Founder of the Sisters of Mercy", Our Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta
- ^ a b "Our History", Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
- ^ "Foundation", Mercy International Association
- ^ Meagher, William. The Life of Rev. Daniel Murray, Dublin, Gerald Bellew, 1856
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ Webb, Alfred. "Mary Catherine McAuley", A Compendium of Irish Biography, Dublin. M.H. Gill & Son, 1878 This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ "Early years", Mercy International Association
- ^ a b "Foundress", Mercy International Association
- ^ "A History of Venerable Catherine McAuley", Religious Sisters of Mercy, Alma, Michigan
- ^ "Catherine McAuley", RCL Benziger
Further reading
- Mary C. Sullivan. The Path of Mercy: The Life of Catherine McAuley (Catholic University of America Press; 2012) 500 pages; scholarly biography
External links
