As the final bell sounds at the end of a long school day, a committee of faculty, staff and administration gather to pray. They are dubbed the “Mercy Circle” in collective spirit of keeping the mission of the Sisters of Mercy thriving within their community. Several months later, after much discussion and collaborative efforts, they are prepared to host a celebration honoring the arrival of the Sisters in Mercy in Middletown, Connecticut from their home of Ennis, Ireland, which occurred 150 years ago. 

Who were these remarkable women and what is their story? 

In May of 1872, a band of 11 Sisters of Mercy arrived from their Ennis convent after being summoned to staff parochial schools in Middletown and Meriden, Connecticut. Their immediate response of “we are ready” was the enthusiastic motto that carried them through their lifetime of service. In the years that followed, the original Middletown seven founded St. Elizabeth Convent and Academy, also taking charge of St. John School, while other Sisters later established Mercy High School as well as St. Vincent de Paul Place among other feats. Some did not live to witness the fruit of their labors, but the Mercy Circle is proud to acknowledge all that the “walking nuns” accomplished.

Library Assistant and Mercy Pre-Associate Christina D’Amico, ’13, fosters a sincere admiration of Catherine McCauley and the Sisters that has grown throughout her education at Mercy institutions, continuing with her travels to Mercy International Centre in Dublin, Ireland. D’Amico explains her historical research process within the first few months she began working at her alma mater: 

“In conjunction with Librarian and Media Specialist Jennifer Crutchfield who consulted Mercy archives in North Carolina and Ireland, I poured through books and records to compose a timeline of the Sisters’ early beginnings from Ennis to America. We were simultaneously gifted with numerous articles, documents and photos from Sister Ann Mack, a pastoral associate at St. John’s Church. I was immensely glad to speak with her about everything she had collected. As a result of her contribution, dots were connected and vital information filled in. From the names of the original Sisters to accounts describing the voyage, their first meal in the convent, and objects from a 1905 time capsule, I was thrilled to dig through this treasure trove of what was earmarked to be disposed of the next day, according to Sister Ann. At the first Mercy Circle meeting I attended, no one knew who these figures were. Now, I feel a personal responsibility for keeping their story alive because of how truly special they have become to me. These young women agreed to an uncertain challenge, not knowing that they would never return home.”

On Saturday, April 23, a moving memorial service organized by Theology instructor Margaret Malafronte was held at the gravesite of the original Sisters of Mercy. Members of the Mercy High School community, led by a bagpiper, processed with floral bouquets to place on each of the headstones. 

On May 6, the school-wide body, along with local Sisters of Mercy, friends and family viewed a touching reenactment play of the Sisters’ journey.

Mercy’s registrar Sr. Peggy O’Neill, RSM recalls, “It was a wonderful day to celebrate, to honor and to thank the seven Sisters of Mercy who answered the call to leave Ennis, Ireland in 1872 and come to Middletown, Connecticut.” She went on to say, “This was a special day to remember and to celebrate all the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, especially those who have served the Middletown community during the past 150 years.”

A reading of the proclamation declaring May 7 Sisters of Mercy Day was given and afterwards, many visitors enjoyed the timeline on display in the school’s library. 

We are truly grateful to all administrators, faculty, staff, students and friends of Mercy who were involved in this milestone project.

D’Amico reflects: “One year ago, I could not imagine I would be here, shedding light on the Sisterhood that has influenced my own path thus far. I can only hope that they are proud.” 

By Marie Kalita and Christina R. D’Amico