Each year, Gwynedd students are called to remember Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy. Mercy Day, a now two-day event and Gwynedd’s most beloved tradition, calls each Gwynedd student to come together in mercy and love to remember the hard work of Catherine McAuley in opening the House of Mercy on Baggot Street in Dublin, Ireland on September 24, 1827.
On September 21, 2023, GMA’s student body came together in the PAC for their Mercy Day Liturgy. The Liturgy given by Father Speziale united each student and faculty member in the spirit of Mercy. At the end of the Mass, Sr. Patricia Donlin, GMA’s beloved junior theology teacher and Sister of Mercy, along with our guest Sr. Karen Schneider renewed their vows as Sisters of Mercy. The whole Gwynedd community applauded these sisters as living reminders of the gentleness and kindness of Catherine McAuley.
After the Liturgy, students were blessed to listen to members from Mercy Focus on Haiti. Representatives, Elizabeth Hasson ‘18, Sr. Karen Schneider, and Steve Werlin spoke about the struggle in Haiti, especially for women. They brought awareness to the different initiatives the Sisters of Mercy and Mercy Focus on Haiti brought to the people in order to combat poverty, hunger, and disease. This topic of discussion reminded students, not only of the critical concern for this year of women, but also how Catherine McAuley lived every day of her life for others. The Mercy Focus on Haiti program is continuing Catherine’s work of helping all of God’s children and providing comfort to those in the most need.
The day concluded with a delicious BBQ provided by Brock. The students gathered outside to eat their meal and talk to each other, the spirit of mercy evident even in the simplest moment. This beautiful day of mercy reminds each Gwynedd girl of their calling to be like Catherine McAuley. To reach their hands out to others, to give back to their communities and to exude kindness to each person they meet. Mercy Day is a gift to the Gwynedd community reflecting the gift that Catherine McAuley gave to us all those years ago on Baggot Street.
