Lauralton observes annual Mercy Day celebration

Posted on Oct 05, 2009

Mercy Day is an observance that Lauralton Hall shares with all other Mercy institutions and ministries throughout the world. Celebrating this special day in a time-honored tradition, the Lauralton community attended mass and gathered for lunch on the campus grounds.

Historically, Mercy Day recognizes the opening of the House of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland on September 24, 1827. This establishment realized Catherine McAuley’s dream of creating a place where the poor, especially women and young girls, would find safe lodging and instruction in their faith and in skills that would lead to honorable employment. This work at the House of Mercy eventually led Catherine McAuley to establish the Sisters of Mercy in 1831.

Liturgically, Mercy Day marks the feast of Mary, Our Lady of Mercy. Because her “settlement house” opened on this feast, Catherine McAuley favored the name “House of Mercy.” It was a fortuitous circumstance that subsequently led to the name of the religious congregation she founded there - the Sisters of Mercy.

In celebrating Mercy Day on September 24, 2009, Lauralton Hall highlighted values central to her Mercy heritage. Hospitality extended to and by Sisters associated with the school was a part of Mercy Day celebration this year as it is every year.