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The text talks putting your faith in God and seeking God's help in life. It highlights the need of faith, patience, and devotion, especially in difficult times. It covers praying, being grateful, and living by God's commands. It acts like a reminder to recognize and remember those who have given their lives for us. In overall, it inspires us to maintain our confidence, faith, and trust in God's love.

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Sister M. Teresa White was the sister placed in charge of the Galway convent, who received a letter in 1841 from Catherine stating her bittersweet sadness of the separation between her and fellow sisters. The idea of a hospital situated in Wexford came to mind for Mother Catherine with the support of Sister M. Vincent Whitty. The arrival of the Sisters was expected in Wexford in a weeks time and Catherine was hoping to attend as well, but due to her busy schedule in which she had to compromise with remote supervision made by Sister M.Francis Warde of Carlow. Catherine was unable to visit the convent on 8 December 1840 due to the forthcoming foundation at Birr on the 27th. There was a state of conflict at Birr, the supporters of Rev. M. Crotty was not in support of most pastors who would take charge of the parish,so the Sisters of Mercy needed to be brought in order to resolve this conflict. On 27 December, The Mercy Convent of Birr was officially opened even though prospects were bad and Mother Catherine lacked many resources, she set out on the sea of Divine Providence and praised the Lord as he is a faithful Provider. In her letters, Catherine detailed the distasteful manner in which the parish priest established the Sisters of Mercy.

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In particular, Sister M. Clare Agnew, who was gifted but liked independence more than discipline, caused Mother Catherine trouble in 1839. Despite finally giving in, she even composed pieces of artwork with commentary in foreign tongues. Sister M. Augustine Taylor, another friend, was similarly flighty.

Following their calling, Mother Catherine took a tour of a number of convents with her English Sisters before leaving for London in November. It was a vibrant group; even quieter Sisters were more forthcoming on the trip, and some of them perked up. They enjoyed the trip despite hitches as they traveled by train and boat.

Bermondsey monastery was a letdown; it was small, damp, and poorly constructed. While she later tempered her praise and even complimented Augustus Welby Pugin's work, Mother Catherine recognized the shortcomings of his architectural design.

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Catherine McAuley and her companions traveled to Dublin, where they met Bishop John Murphy of Cork. He wanted a community of Sisters for his diocese, but Catherine first went to Carlow at the request of Bishop Edward Nolan, who promised to support them financially. Nolan had recently received a £7,000 legacy, which allowed him to invite the Sisters of Mercy to his diocese in April 1837. Carlow was challenging for Mother Catherine, especially because of family responsibilities, but she trusted Dr. Andrew Fitzgerald and Rev. James Maher for guidance. She appointed Sister M. Francis Warde as superior in Carlow and arranged temporary housing until a convent could be built. Before leaving, she secured financial promises from both the bishop and Dr. Fitzgerald. Even though they faced poor conditions, she emphasized charity: £100 was to be spent on the poor. Her blessing to Sister Francis in 1838 encouraged trust in God.

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In 1835, Catherine McAuley was now the ambassador of mercy. Around this time, Irish bishops were begging her for spare nuns to help in their churches. Since Catherine was a true believer in Christ, she granted this motion. Catherine didn’t really care who the person was, but as long as they were willing to spread God’s word, she is willing to help. Around 1840-1841, Catherine was working in Nova Scotia since most of the priests weren’t willing to provide any services. Catherine took matters into her own hands and taught the religious practice to all those who had missed the chance. There was a lot of local support for Catherine’s crusade, but sometimes, she lacked nuns who could help out.

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In the same year(1835) Catherine McAuley opened her first branch at Sussex, Kingston. This was used as a place for sisters recovering from illnesses and as a place of education. This was all provided by Rev. Bartholomew Sheridan, whose Parish church is drowning in debt. Although he gave Catherine some stables for the branch, he wasn’t helping out financially. Catherine was the one who had to cover the costs and paid 50 pounds to the builder. Catherine was entirely responsible for paying off the debt. Once it was all done, the business became one of the religious stamps within Kingston. It represents the hardships that Catherine and the Sisters of Mercy had to go through.

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On April 26th, 1836, Catherine McAuley went to Tullamore in order to establish a new non-dublin based convent. There were three young women (Elizabeth Locke, Mary Delmare and Catherine Barnwell) who already formed a religious community. They wanted to be apart of the Sisters of Mercy. Catherine had appointed a superior sister, M. Anne Doyle and her assistant, Sister M. Teresa Purcell. There was now a new custom, where a nun or a postulant( A nun-in-training) was to go to a newly built foundation so that a ceremony of reception or profession can take place. These events brought awareness to communities and sparked interest within their bones and  public churches helped bring this out even more. Another customs/ practice was the “Thirty Days’ prayer”, this was prayed daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. When she was sick in 1840, she prayed the “Thirty Day’s Prayer” with all her heart. Catherine always made sure be a guide and encourage her sisters with a mix of seriousness and humor.

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The foundation in Birr offered Catherine a very difficult experience with the amount of snow which made her journeys extremely difficult to provide for families in need but even with all this inconvenience, Catherine with her creativity found efficient ways to resolve her issues. One of the ways Catherine would creatively resolve her issues was dancing around the community with fellow sisters in order to keep warm. The first sign of success was on 15 January 1841 when a group of individuals were preparing for conversion. Catherine finally made her departure from Birr on 10 February with a rheumatic condition from her right hip to right ankle which developed into a chronic condition and made her future trips much more difficult. In August 1841 Catherine along with Dr Thomas Walsh came to an agreement to have a convent established in Birmingham. In order to prepare for this, Catherine trained four Sisters and selected her Novice Mistress as Sister M.Cecilia Marmion, who would be a temporary supervisor. This new foundation which was officially set on 21 August 1841 brought great joy to Mother Catherine as what she wrote in her letter, she described the ceremony and the interior design of the convent which was well suited for twenty Sisters although Catherine did not mention writing her will and settling her affairs before arriving. Catherine stated “All is admirable; so religious that no want can be felt.”

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The room in which Mother Catherine occupied was made by an architect named Augustus Welby Pugin which was on ‘Coronation Street’ and the room she previously occupied is still lived in with her belongings being treasured such as the chair she sat in. After nine days of being at Birmingham, Catherine sent a letter to Bishop Browne of Galway cancelling her attendance of a profession in that city due to her ebbing strength. On 6 August, she asked Sister Teresa to prepare the infirmary in Baggot Street for her as she was aware of her worsening condition. Even with her condition Catherine still organized for a convent at Mount Vernon, Liverpool since she had already trained Miss Fanny Gibson to supervise. On 20 September Catherine described her worsening pulmonary tuberculosis and how she had become unable to speak or give out office. Catherine McAuley’s final letters were sent out with consideration to those who needed support. For instance, she sent one to Tullamore asking for hospitality for Sister M.Justina Fleming and one to Birr sympathising with the community due to the death of Rev. Edmund. Her letters gave out encouragement for those who needed it and even in her ill condition Catherine cared for others.

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In two months in London, Catherine McAuley's health dropped very rapidly. She had constant stomach problems, and most thought the troubles at Bermondsey were the beginning of her last illness. She remained busy and endured difficulties, such as Sisters pressuring her to make changes she did not think were necessary, even when she was sick. Her illness progressed by early 1840 with painful recurring sensations; Though she acknowledged she was frail, she clung to her religious energy, saying that she was "journeying fast enough out of this world." She still wrote words of encouragement to others despite her own pain. Mother M. Clare Moore was at the center of the growing tensions in Bermondsey, stoked by Sister Agnew. Mother McAuley had returned to Bermondsey by late 1841, although her stamina was declining, when finally church officials were compelled to act. Meanwhile, Sister Agnew's bizarre habits continued to be a source of problems; She insisted on strict uniformity, which annoyed other individuals and sidetracked from the real purpose of their mission; As a demonstration, she would have all Sisters, whether tall or short, kneel in precisely the same manner or sit down in the same choir seats.

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Bishop Griffiths rejected Sister Agnew's offer to introduce Perpetual Adoration in Bermondsey by mid-1841. Because of these problems, Catherine McAuley reaffirmed that the mission of the Sisters is to save souls by prayer and acts of charity. She emphasized that in order to grow spiritually, one must be humble, patient, and resolute even with opposition or difficulties. She insisted that prayer and contemplation never serve as a substitute for daily service, warning against a subtle inclination to attribute too much value to spiritual practices over actual acts of kindness and generosity. She instructed that prayer and service to God need to be struck in equilibrium with each other to achieve proper balance. Unfortunately, Sister M. Clare Agnew and Sister M. Augustine Taylor left the congregation before Catherine lived long enough to watch them go. And she didn't witness Bermondsey's full recovery until late 1841 when Mother M. Clare Moore took over as head. Catherine made plans for further foundations, including missions in Galway and elsewhere, during 1840, even while she was ill.

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New arrangements were made In Charleville to establish a new mercy foundation. Although dilemmas stood in her way, she always put her faith in God, and never gave up. A Benefactor, Miss Mary Clanchy, provided 500 pounds for the foundation. With this generous donation, she made this mission possible. The Charleville Mercy foundation was damp and uncomfortable, which made things harder for the sisters, but the locals were kind and because of their kindness, the Sisters were inspired to carry out this mission. It wasn’t a giant success, but people did join and this did sadden Catherine, but she realize she must continue her crusade, because one Foundation that didn’t work out doesn’t mean she should stop trying. This failure had her even more encouraged and strived to build a Mercy foundation all over the world, whether the weather is hot or the rain is pouring or the snow is freezing or the desert is creating hallucinations.

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Despite her exhaustion, Catherine McAuley contributed to the founding of the foundation at Galway in 1840 despite. She documented the difficult trip there in a cheerful rhyme, by canal, coach, and carriage. Three postulants were admitted, promising at first, but tragedy occurred when one of them, Mary Bourke, shortly died after. However, as local patronage was not available and Catherine even considered soliciting dowries, her £500 bequest proved useful financial assistance. The convent started to come to life at the end of June, but Catherine had to undergo one last test when Father Peter Daly attempted to block her from leaving Galway, advising her to stay there. It wasn't until Father O'Hanlon stepped in, likely citing her ill health, that she could go back to Dublin. She was immensely proud of the new convent and referred to it as the best thing Galway had ever seen, though ill health ("the Galway cough"). She did have personal concerns, as discovered in a letter written to Sister M. Teresa White at the start of 1841 when she wrote of concerns over the future and her dubious health.

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In Carlow, Mother Catherine established her first pension school for girls who couldn’t afford private schools. In July 1837 she opened a fifth convent at Rutland Street, Cork and was welcomed by Bishop John Murphy and local supporters. The Cork foundation was significant because it was the first to introduce the specific Mercy commitment into formal vows, and it became the training center for the first overseas mission, which is Bermondsey, London. Sister M. Clare Moore was appointed temporary superior. Despite successes, progress in Cork faced setbacks, such as illnesses among the Sisters and the death of her niece.

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In 1838, Mother Catherine experienced progress and hardship because she faced legal troubles when someone attempted to serve papers on her. This created stress and financial demands, while Bishop John Murphy’s rigid control further complicated her efforts to expand the work of the Sisters in Cork. She referred to those burdens as the “Cross of the diocese,” showing the heavy trials placed upon her. Matters grew worse with the eventual closure of the Kingstown foundation and the loss of the Blessed Sacrament from Sussex Place. This deeply sadden her. Despite everything, Catherine’s letters reveal her deep faith. She encouraged her Sisters, especially M. Teresa White, to remain courageous and not to let sorrow overwhelm them. She reminded them that God would provide for the poor and that their duty was to continue serving faithfully. All around 1839, Kingstown and its parish became a “real portion of the Cross,” symbolizing the suffering and sacrifice.

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Miss Elizabeth McGuinness created tension by demanding concessions for her financial support before eventually leaving. The Kingstown convent reopened in 1840 but closed again two years later. Booterstown convent, opened in 1838 and they faced hostility from patronesses, yet still fulfilled its mission to aid the poor despite issues. Expansion continued with the founding of the Limerick house in 1838, showing her commitment to service even in the face of constant demands and difficulties.

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From eleven at night to the morning of the next day, she was in pain. She talked to Dr. Meyler, her family, and visiting priests throughout that period. According to the doctor, the scene was so depressing that it looked something from a horror movie. She prayed and asked that a blessed candle be delivered. She couldn't believe the emotions she was experiencing as she watched the scene. She was aware of the loss of her loved one. Although she realized her loved one was in a better place, she was still heartbroken. She recalled that her loved one had been a kind person who had helped many people. Despite her sadness, she was grateful for her loved one's life. Although she was aware that she would miss her, she also remembered that her loved one was a good person who had done a lot for others. She felt sad, but also thankful for her loved one’s life. She knew she would miss her, but she also believed she was in heaven now.

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In 1827 Catherine McAuley traveled through provincial convents en route to Limerick.She stopped at Charleville to encourage Sister M. Angela Dunne and witnessing the foundation stone of the new St. Joseph’s convent being laid. When she arrived in Limerick, she admired the old abbey grounds and urged the Sisters to persevere, pray to St. Teresa, and establish a strong community despite partisanship with the Presentation Sisters. That November a House of Mercy(6th one) opened and the schools were placed under the Board of Education, which meant the Sisters were paid 40 pound a year.

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Catherine McAuley was a kind and caring woman who spent her life helping others. She was known for being thoughtful, gentle, and interested in doing good. Throughout her life, she worked hard to create a peaceful and loving place for people in need. Her main goal was to serve the poor and vulnerable, showing how much she cared about others. Catherine was very humble and always put her faith into action through her charitable work. She died when she was sixty-four years old. Her life was full of kindness and dedication to helping those less fortunate. Even today, her legacy inspires many people to be compassionate and caring. Catherine McAuley’s life shows how one person can make a big difference through kindness and faith.

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Catherine McAuley responded with compassion when townspeople mocked the postulants’ caps.She chose to shorten the postulancy to ease their discomfort. She welcomed two surviving Poor Clare Sisters into the community, while also preparing three new postulants to be received in December. Although she felt let down by Sister M. Elizabeth Moore’s lack of confidence, Catherine chose to stay and suport her. Before leaving, she wrote a poetic set of instructions filled with wisdom and encouragement. Her message was heavily written with patience, gentle leadership, peaceful interactions and a deep life of prayer in mind written perfectly in a poem..

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Before leaving on 8 December, Catherine reflected on the congregation’s fast growth. Beginning with only Sister Doyle and herself in 1827, the Mercy community expanded so much that by 1839 membership exceeded 100. She credited this success to providential guidance and the fervent prayers of supporters like Dr. Blake and Rev. Armstrong, seeing in it clear evidence of God’s design.She states this was clearly God’s design and will.

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Catherine McAuley believed that despite the lost property, the death of sisters and fear among the people nothing truly stopped the Sisters of Mercy. She was proud that no one broke charity and that peace was always made before the day ended even though blackheads(profound sisters) could improve and repair the past. In September 1839 a new house opened in Naas, and although Catherine could not visit and worried about about its slow growth, it became strong. That November a Convent of Mercy was founded in Bermondsey, London after long talks with Dr. Thomas Griffiths and Father Peter Butler. Catherine saw these steps as signs that God’s plan for the Mercy community would keep moving forward no matter what came in their way.She never had a doubt in her heart.

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Excellent Summary! Share ways how you can be like foundress!

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Excellent summaries! How is it that all of those inspirations challenge you to a change of heart?

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Excellent summaries! Don't be afraid to take ownership for what you say. Reflection should state how this impact change your vision or your way of doing things.

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Very Good Summaries! Reflection was good but short!

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Summary - 28

Reflection (recorded audio per person using I statements) - 16

Video -10

Organization and creativity -10

Instructions -10

Punctuality -10

Grammar and mechanics -9 Grade 93 Excellent!!

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Excellent Summaries! A Reflection is not a summary of the main points but how aspect of the read change your way of thinking and making decisions.

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V. Good Summaries. In what way or ways did she gave you a boost in your Christian life?

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The video Mercy in Action shows us what living mercy really is. It's not words, but actions and being good to the poor, fighting for the struggling, and acting compassionately in little ways. Seeing it reminds one of Chapter 4, The Ambassador, where Catherine McAuley taught that prayer was always to be followed by works of mercy. For us, the video is a challenge. It is challenging us to be ambassadors of mercy in our daily lives. Do people see kindness, patience, and generosity in the way we live and relate? The message is clear; when we are praying and serving, even little things can make a lasting impact.