Catherine McAuley opened the House of Mercy on Baggot St here on the 24^th of September, 1827 as a place where she and a number of companions could undertake charitable works. In choosing to locate in the heart of fashionable Dublin, Catherine’s aim was to alert the wealthy to the plight of those less well off.

The House of Mercy was soon to become home to a school, hostel, orphanage, sheltered workshop, employment agency, Adult Education centre, as well as a base for various social services. On the 12^th of December, 1831, the house was designated as the first Convent of Mercy with Catherine McAuley as Mother Superior.

Catherine McAuley
(29^th September 1778 - 11^th November 1841)

Catherine McAuley was born at Stormanstown House, Co. Dublin to James and Elinor McAuley. Her life was motivated by her Catholic faith and spent in charitable works in Dublin and beyond. She sought to address the needs of the sick, the poor, women in distress and young girls in need of education. Catherine was able to establish the House of Mercy on Baggot Street for this purpose when she became an heiress.

In order to give security to the continuation of her ministry, Catherine chose to establish a religious order, founding the Sisters of Mercy at this Baggot St house on the 12^th of December, 1831. She was 53 years old at that time. The Order grew rapidly with Catherine establishing 11 convents during her lifetime in Ireland and England. Catherine’s vision has been carried forth by thousands of Sisters of Mercy in at least 44 nations since her death on the 11^th of November, 1841.

Catherine’s burial site is located in the Sacred Garden of Mercy International Centre. On the 9^th of April, 1990, Pope John Paul II declared Catherine McAuley “Venerable”, the first step in her cause for canonisation. She was the first Irish woman to receive this honour.

Mercy International Centre

The Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of Ireland generously handed over Catherine’s house to the Sisters of Mercy worldwide. It was opened as Mercy International Centre in 1994 as a place of hospitality, renewal, and heritage for Mercy Sisters, associates, colleagues and the general public. Its international staff provide programmes related to Catherine McAuley, guided tours of the house, and conference space. Contact us for more information.