As part of their preparation for, or celebration of perpetual vows, every Sister of Mercy who has recently made her perpetual profession has the opportunity to make a pilgrimage to the Mercy International Centre on Baggot Street and spend time experiencing Catherine’s Dublin. This year, Sisters Phuong Dong, Anna Regina Gakuhi, Elizabeth Mwangi and Elizabeth Small traveled to Ireland on October 13, accompanied by Sister Mary Kay Dobrovolny, the coordinator of New Membership Ministry. In addition to the House of Mercy, the sisters visited Coolock House, where Catherine lived with and cared for William and Catherine Callaghan, spent time at George’s Hill, the site of the former Presentation Convent in Dublin, traveled to the monastic ruins at Glendalough in County Wicklow, and visited the Marian shrine in Knock, County, Mayo.
Sister Elizabeth Small recapped the experience and provided meaningful quotes from each of the participants.
“Lord Jesus, implant your love into my heart.”
-Catherine McAuley
It was a grace-filled homecoming to Mercy International Centre on Baggot Street, Dublin. Being “home” in the presence of Catherine McAuley’s spirit was a sacred blessing and an honor, as we carry forward her enduring legacy and the rich heritage of Mercy into the future.
On October 13, 2024, we arrived at Baggot Street: Sisters Elizabeth Mwangi and Phuong Dong from the United States, and Sisters Anna Regina Gakuhi and Elizabeth Small from Guyana. Sister Mary Kay Dobrovolny, New Membership coordinator, organized and accompanied us. Anne Reid, a Mercy Associate from Ireland, led and guided us through the program.
We had the opportunity to visit and pray in Catherine’s places and spaces, which drew us into a deeper relationship with her and her God. The experience and encuentro implanted Mercy deeper into our hearts and ignited our spirits.
Catherine McAuley’s places and spaces
“We visited the sacred community of the Presentation Sisters, where Catherine and her two companions once prepared their hearts and lives for their vows. Standing at that same altar, where she stood in devotion, we renewed our vows with reverence. In that moment, I felt my commitment and love for God and His people rekindled, as if His presence was breathing new life into my spirit. Later, as I slipped on Catherine’s ring, a profound peace and joy settled within me, awakening a deeper sense of truly belonging to God. This renewed bond fills me with grace and happiness, anchoring me in His love.”
-Sister Anna Regina Gakuhi
“Visiting Catherine’s room and the garden where she is buried was a deeply sacred experience. Praying in her room, I felt a profound connection to her spirit, as though she was truly present among us. In the garden beside her grave, an overwhelming sense of peace filled my heart, affirming the serenity of her everlasting presence.”
-Sister Phuong Dong
“Though the original house built by the Callaghans in the 1800s has passed through many hands and renovations, the magnificent Coolock House still stands firm. Stepping through the doorway and seeing the red-carpeted staircase felt like a dream come true. I could almost feel myself slipping back in time, sensing young Catherine ’tripping about’ as she cared for the Callaghans and managed daily chores. Here, in this very place, I felt God’s hand—forming and reforming, shaping and reshaping Catherine for His purpose.”
-Sister Elizabeth Small
“As I walked the streets of Dublin, retracing the steps of Catherine and the ’walking nuns,’ I felt a deep connection to the city’s history and spirit. It struck me how beautifully Dublin has evolved, intertwining its ancient roots with the rhythms of modern life. These roots drew Catherine into a compassionate response to the social hardships of her time.
“With each step, I could almost feel her presence, her deep faith guiding her actions as she reached out to those in need. Catherine’s unwavering empathy ignited a profound mission of love and social justice that still resonates today. In reflecting on her legacy, I am reminded of the power of faith and compassion to transform lives, inspiring me to carry her spirit forward in my own journey.”
-Sister Elizabeth Mwangi