By Brenna Stefanov and Emily Angyal
Mercy Day is a significant day for Mercy schools everywhere. September 24 is the anniversary of the opening of Catherine McAuley’s House of Mercy on Baggot Street in Dublin, Ireland.
Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy and ultimately our school, devoted her life to the poor, sick and uneducated. In honor of her, we continue her legacy of caring and compassion in the name of Mercy through volunteering in our communities.
Freshmen volunteered in our school community by beautifying the grounds around the school and cleaning the gym. Sophomores started their yearly walk to Allsopp Park to volunteer in our immediate neighborhood community, but ended up making cards for senior citizens and patients at Arkansas Children’s Hospital due to rainy weather. Juniors and Seniors ventured further afield and helped in the greater community. They could be found cleaning walls at St. Edward’s, stuffing brochures at Camp Aldersgate, repairing and cleaning headstones at Calvary Cemetery, and so very much more. Over 500 students, faculty, and staff made a huge contribution to Little Rock.
Imagine that happening all around the world wherever there is a Sisters of Mercy presence. Catherine McAuley would be proud. The day culminated with the school community coming, rightly so, to the table of our Lord with the celebration of the Mass.
“Our charity is to be cordial. Now cordial signifies something that renews, invigorates and warms. Such should be the effect of our love for each other.”
Catherine McAuley
Letter to Cork Manuscript
Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion, and integrity.