CATHERINE'S LEGACY

Catherine began her own religious order, Sisters of Mercy, when she was 53 years of age

Other women were attracted by Catherine's dream. They soon began to join her. Knowing that this work could not progress without God's help, they began to live and pray together. Catherine therefore began her own religious order, Sisters of Mercy, when she was 53 years of age.

More women came to join Catherine and they became known as "the walking nuns". They went out to visit people in their homes and walked the streets of Dublin where the poor were to be found, often bringing them back to the House of Mercy. They educated poor women and gave them skills for gaining employment, as well as shelter when this was needed. They visited and nursed the sick and dying everywhere - in their homes, in the local Dublin Hospitals. Throughout the fatal cholera epidemic and in the Crimean war, some worked alongside Florence Nightingale. A number of sisters died as they nursed the sick and dying. Soon the Sisters of Mercy were asked to set up houses elsewhere in Ireland, England, Newfoundland and Australia.

Catherine died on 11 November, 1841, having established 14 houses in the ten years of her life as a Sister of Mercy. Within fifty years of her death the circle of Sisters of Mercy encompassed the world and quickly became one of the largest congregations of women in the Church. Catherine made a difference in her time and her influence continues to be felt today. Many who want to change the world through compassion are attracted to her life and work.

Catherine made a difference in her time and her influence continues to be felt today