From Dublin to Winona: The History and Mission of the Religious Sisters of Mercy

The Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Michigan have become a valued and familiar part of the Winona community since their arrival in 2012. What you might not realize is that this order of sisters has a rich history that began in Dublin, Ireland in 1831. In the spirit of Saint Patrick’s Day in March, let’s take a deep dive into the Religious Sisters of Mercy and their Irish roots.

Their story begins with Catherine McAuley. Orphaned at a young age, Catherine went to live with relatives who were strongly anti-Catholic. Despite this difficult trial of faith, she remained steadfast in her Catholic beliefs, finding “peace in the Cross, joy in suffering, prayer in action and action in prayer” (Bolster, “Catherine McAuley”).

In her mid-twenties, Catherine began caring for a retired Quaker couple. Before their deaths, the couple converted to Catholicism and left their entire estate to her. With these resources, Catherine built the Home of Mercy, a home for impoverished women in Dublin. The Home was formally opened on the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy in 1827. Later, in 1831, she professed her vows to devote her life fully to God and started the Institute of the Religious Sisters of Mercy.

The sisters quickly became known as the “walking nuns” for their active ministry among the sick and poor on the streets. From there, the order grew rapidly, and by 1841, there were ten foundations across Ireland and England, and 100 Sisters of Mercy (almamercy.org/our-history).

The Religious Sisters of Mercy provided many services to their communities, including free schools and “houses of mercy,” places where youth and women could find shelter, safety, and comfort. They also nursed those with cholera during several major epidemics. As their mission expanded, the sisters established foundations abroad, including Newfoundland, Australia, and, in 1851, the first house in United States in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The  Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Michigan have continued this spiritual and apostolic tradition since their re-foundation in 1973.

The love and dedication that guided Catherine McAuley nearly two centuries ago continue to shape the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma today. Rooted in deep devotion to Christ and a commitment to mercy, the sisters focus on education, healthcare, evangelization, and service to the poor, both materially and spiritually. The sisters emphasize fidelity to the teachings of the Catholic Church and a joyful witness to religious life. Whether teaching, assisting in parish life, offering spiritual guidance, or simply being a prayerful witness in the community, the sisters in Winona embody the same “prayer in action” that defined their foundress. Many community members know the sisters by their distinctive habits and warm demeanor, often encountering them at school programs, retreats, or parish gatherings.

The Irish roots of the Sisters of Mercy remain an important part of their identity. Catherine McAuley’s courage, trust in Divine Providence, and compassion for the vulnerable continue to inspire the sisters. As March invites reflection on Irish heritage and faith, the story of the Religious Sisters of Mercy serves as a reminder that the fruits of one woman’s faith in 19th-century Dublin still bless communities like Winona generations later.

From the streets of Ireland to the heart of southeastern Minnesota, the mission of mercy lives on faithfully and with enduring impact.

If you would like to help support their mission, please consider donating to the Heart of Mary Convent Campaign. This expansion project will provide additional bedrooms for current, visiting, and hopefully future Sisters and create a space for gatherings and community events while also enlarging Seminary workspace.

Donors who contribute $1,000 or more by April 30, 2026, will be recognized on a plaque within the convent as a lasting sign of gratitude. Upon completion of the project later this spring, all are invited to attend an open house and blessing of the new space.

To donate or request mailing materials, visit catholicfsmn.org/convent-expansion-project or call 507-858-1275.