Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

To Walk in Their Footsteps: Honoring the 150th Anniversary of the Sisters of Mercy

Posted on August 17, 2022 in: School News, Vocations

To Walk in Their Footsteps: Honoring the 150th Anniversary of the Sisters of Mercy

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


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Watch the 2025 Chrism Mass and Homily by Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne
The 2025 Chrism Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, April 16th, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. The Most Rev. Christopher J. Coyne, Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Norwich, presided over the sacred liturgy, which marks a highlight of Holy Week. This special Mass featured the blessing of the holy oils—used throughout the year for sacraments such as Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders—and the Renewal of Priestly Promises by the clergy of the Diocese. We invite you to watch the video of the full Mass, especiall...

Read More

Photos & Video: The Most Rev. Richard F. Reidy Ordained as the Sixth Bishop of Norwich
The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy was ordained as the Sixth Bishop of Norwich, Connecticut at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick. The gathering filled the cathedral for the Mass of Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Reidy, who comes to Norwich from the Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts, where he was vicar general. Pope Francis appointed Reidy as Sixth Bishop of Norwich in February.   Click here to see a photo gallery of the Ordination   Click here for more information about Bishop Reidy   Video of the compl...

Read More

Faithful Invited to Witness a Joyous Moment in Diocesan History — Parish Tickets and Livestream Offered
The Diocese of Norwich joyfully awaits the ordination and installation of Bishop-elect Richard F. Reidy as the sixth bishop of Norwich, to be held on Tuesday, April 29, at 2:00 p.m. in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Norwich. Due to the limited capacity of the Cathedral, each parish in the diocese has received an allotment of just four tickets per church to distribute. Anyone interested in attending in person must contact their parish office directly. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate ticket requests through the diocesan office. The ordination and installati...

Read More

Celebrating Our Faithful Servants: Priestly Jubilees of 2025
With gratitude and joy, the Diocese of Norwich extends heartfelt congratulations and prayerful best wishes to the priests celebrating milestone anniversaries of their ordination to the sacred priesthood in 2025. These dedicated men have faithfully answered God’s call, each offering years of devoted service to Christ and His Church. Celebrating 65 years of priesthood are Reverend Paul F. Ramen (ordained February 2, 1960) and Reverend John E. Welch, M.S. (May 28, 1960), whose lifetime of ministry continues to inspire. Marking 60 years, Monsignor James Carini (May ...

Read More

Diocese Hosts 65th New England CYO Basketball Tournament
Nearly 500 student athletes from across nine dioceses competed in the New England CYO Basketball Tournament hosted by the Diocese of Norwich March 28-30 under the auspices of the Office of Faith Events (OFE). “Hosting this tournament was an incredible opportunity for our Diocese to shine by showing hospitality to other dioceses who have hosted this tournament for countless years when we were not able to reciprocate,” said Liza Roach, youth and young adult minister who oversaw the event for the diocese. “Experiencing the excitement and enthusiasm among t...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Latest Articles
Memorial Display About the Papacy of Pope Francis on View at McGivney Pilgrimage Center
Who Are the Cardinals Who Will Choose the Next Pope?
Prayer for the Election of a New Pope
Photos & Video: The Most Rev. Richard F. Reidy Ordained as the Sixth Bishop of Norwich
Memorial Day Cemetery Mass Schedule
We Can Help. Promise to Protect-Pledge to Heal.
Faith, Fellowship, and Fun for Homeschooling Families
The crucifix and the Pietà - Hope & Faith Series
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Richard F. Reidy
Click to view album: Students Called to Feed the Hungry
Click to view album: 40 Days for Life 2024
Click to view album: Blessing of the Fleet 2024
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294