What We Do

The first Chapter of our original rule written in Catherine’s own handwriting states the original purpose for our existence as Sisters of Mercy.

The Sisters admitted to this Religious Congregation besides attending to their own perfection which is the principal end of all Religious Institutes should also have in view what is the peculiar characteristic of this Congregation i.e.
“the most assiduous application to the Education of poor Girls, the Visitation of the Sick and the Protection of poor Women of good character.

In Catherine’s time the word ‘Justice’ was not an in vogue word but the understanding that mercy enabled justice was fundamental to her life and to the works of mercy as they rapidly spread and diversified to include all vulnerable and marginalised peoples, and in our own times, planet earth.