In 1831, Catherine McAuley founded the Sisters of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland. A wealthy heiress, Catherine wanted to spend her money and her talent helping those who were poor. Finding women with similar aims, she instructed the members of the Community to go out among the people assisting those in need.

From our beginning in Ireland in the early 1800's, we have grown and flourished. We now have communities on five continents and have ministered to thousands of people during the almost two centuries the Mercys have been in existence.

In the United States, our Community of Providence is one of the 25 Sisters of Mercy Regions across the country. Founded by Mother Frances Warde, we have been serving our neighbors in the States and Central America for over 150 years.

 
 From our  beginning in  Ireland... we
 have grown
 and flourished
 ... with  communities
 on five  continents...