A woman of courage, compassion, and unrelenting pursuit for justice
Catherine McAuley
Founder of the Sisters of Mercy
1778 - 1841
"No work of charity can be more productive of good to society than the careful instruction of women."
— Catherine McAuley
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Catherine Elizabeth McAuley was born in Dublin, Ireland, on September 29, 1778, into a world of stark contrasts. While her family enjoyed middle-class comfort, the streets of Dublin teemed with desperate poverty—particularly among women and children who had no access to education, healthcare, or safe shelter. From an early age, Catherine's heart was moved by their suffering, and she would devote her entire life to serving them with dignity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
In 1831, at the age of 53, Catherine founded the Sisters of Mercy, a religious congregation dedicated to serving the poor, sick, and uneducated. But Catherine was far more than a charitable benefactor—she was a charismatic social reformer who courageously challenged the unjust structures that perpetuated poverty and homelessness. Her legacy continues today through the work of thousands of Sisters of Mercy worldwide, and through platforms like Hope Hub that carry her vision into the digital age.
The House of Mercy
On September 24, 1827—the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy—Catherine opened the doors of the House of Mercy on Baggot Street in Dublin. It was unlike anything the city had seen before.
- A school providing free education to hundreds of poor girls
- A shelter offering safe housing for homeless women and girls
- A training program teaching young women employable skills
- A visitation ministry caring for the sick in their homes and hospitals
A Life of Mercy
From her birth in 1778 to the global movement she inspired, Catherine's life was marked by courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Born in Dublin
Catherine Elizabeth McAuley born into a Catholic family in Dublin, Ireland
Father Dies
James McCauley dies, leaving the family in financial hardship
Mother Dies
Catherine left without family support at age 20
Coolock House
Becomes companion to the Callaghans, quietly serving the poor for 20 years
Inheritance
William Callaghan leaves Catherine his entire fortune
House of Mercy Begins
Leases property on Baggot Street to build a house for poor women and children
House Opens
House of Mercy opens on September 24, Feast of Our Lady of Mercy
Sisters of Mercy Founded
Catherine and two companions profess vows, founding a new religious congregation
Cholera Epidemic
Sisters work in cholera hospital, caring for the dying with courage
Rapid Expansion
Founds 14 convents across Ireland and England
First International Foundation
Opens convent in Bermondsey, London—first foundation outside Ireland
Death
Catherine dies peacefully at Baggot Street, November 11
Sisters of Mercy North Sydney
Mother Ignatius McQuoin establishes the Congregation in Australia
Mercy Foundation
Sisters establish Mercy Foundation to continue their commitment to ending poverty
Hope Hub
Digital continuation of Catherine's vision of mercy and justice
Her Words
Catherine's wisdom continues to inspire and guide us today
On the importance of education"No work of charity can be more productive of good to society than the careful instruction of women."
On living mercy"We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us."
On immediate action"The poor need help today, not next week."
On welcoming the poor with dignity"Be sure you have a comfortable cup of tea for them when they come."
A Legacy That Lives On
Today, the Sisters of Mercy serve in over 40 countries on six continents. They run schools, hospitals, social service agencies, and advocacy organizations—all continuing Catherine's mission of mercy and justice. Hope Hub is one small lamp in a constellation of mercy that stretches back 150 years to a woman who dared to believe that compassion could change the world.