Bookshelf by Amber Leiva

pg 69

amberleiva2022 — 2025-09-24 23:10:48 UTC

Mother Catherine visited Limerick, a journey she had initially delayed out of a sense of unease. The day she went, she was pleasantly surprised to see the well-established new convent. Its atmosphere was like a beautiful old world . She saw that the community was very focused on its core mission of alleviating poverty and helping the poor . Their pragmatic approach to avoiding local disputes also earned her respect. The Sisters of Mercy got a stable financial future by placing their schools under the Board of Education, a move that guaranteed them a yearly income.

pg 70

amberleiva2022 — 2025-09-24 23:12:05 UTC

Mother Catherine faced a lot of challenges and obstacles while in Limerick. She showed adaptability by shortening the term of postulancy to better suit the community . Catherine was very disappointed with her sister, M.Elizabeth Moore. She was described as a faint-hearted soldier because she was hesitant and lacked the courage that she expected. Before she left, Mother Catherine offered the sister a powerful parting gift of guidance; this gift was advice. The advice included a set of rules for herself, such as focusing on one task at a time and staying calm.

pg 71

amberleiva2022 — 2025-09-24 23:58:31 UTC

Mother Catherine recounts that in 1827, the first house was opened with only 2 members. With the support of influential figures like doctor blake and Rev.Mr Armstrong , a rapid and widespread growth. The congregation had grown to over one hundred members by 1839. This event seemed like a matter of general wonder. Mother Catherine attributed the order's remarkable success to providential guidance. She saw this rapid growth as clear proof of a divine plan unfolding.

pg 72

amberleiva2022 — 2025-09-25 00:16:55 UTC

The congregation survived the death of sisters and losses of property, which was only one of the many challenges they faced. Charity never faltered among the community despite these challenges. In the year 1839, a new branch house from Carlow was established in Nass. A new convent in Bermondsey, London, was established on November 21, 1893, in response to a request from a group of lay volunteers. The church and convent were under construction at the time the Bermondsey community was established. The first official profession of Elizabeth Agnew and Mariah Taylor was accepted, and they commenced their novation in Ruthland Street Convent, Cork. This marked a crucial step in formalizing the growing structure of the Sisters of Mercy.

Page 61

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Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy, was asked by bishops in Ireland to send Sisters to help their chruch. Even though many Sisters became sick or died, Catherine never gave up. She believed no one person was too important for God’s work and sent Sisters on difficult missions, even as far as Nova Scotia. She trusted prayer and God’s help more than money or human support.

2025-09-25 01:20:06 UTC

Page 77

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Catherine McAuley often reflected on the sorrow of separation from her Sisters, though she consoled herself with the hope of reunion in Heaven. As early as 1838, she envisioned both a Mercy hospital in Cork and a foundation in Wexford; however, while the hospital didn't open until 1857 and she never personally visited Wexford, she ensured its establishment through Sister M. Francis Warde. Later, her focus shifted to Birr, where parish conflict created a difficult setting. Yet, with encouragement from Father Theobald Mathew, the Sisters of Mercy were invited to instruct the children, bringing hope for peace. Even though things seemed in a bad state and Catherine’s resources were limited, she continued to rely on Divine Providence, convinced that God would provide enough with blessing. Because of that, the Birr convent opened on 27 December 1840, and Catherine later described how, on New Year’s Day, the Sisters were introduced to the parish as a symbolic “gift,” highlighting both the challenges and the joy of their mission.

Page 78

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Although Catherine McAuley faced many inconveniences at Birr, such as freezing weather, snow, and even the need to improvise her clothing for warmth, she remained cheerful and creative in her letters, often delighting her readers with vivid descriptions. For instance, she humorously recounted using her cloak as a petticoat and her sleeves as pockets while she and her Sisters danced to stay warm. Despite these challenges, by January 1841 she saw encouraging signs of success when some former opponents began preparing for conversion. On the other hand, her stay left her with lasting health issues, as rheumatism made travel increasingly difficult. Even so, she pressed forward, and in August 1841 Birmingham became a turning point in her mission. Having arranged with Dr. Thomas Walsh to establish a convent, she carefully prepared four Sisters in Baggot Street and appointed Sister M. Cecilia Marmion as temporary superior. As a result, the Birmingham foundation, her first after confirmation of the Rule, brought Catherine deep joy. Upon their arrival, the Sisters were warmly welcomed with a solemn Te Deum and fervent prayers, while the new convent’s beauty and religious atmosphere filled Catherine with gratitude and renewed strength for the work of Mercy.

Page 79

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By the time Catherine McAuley reached Birmingham, her earlier criticism of Augustus Welby Pugin had faded, and she seemed content with her surroundings, even cherishing the room she occupied at St. Ethelreda’s, now St. Mary’s. But, within days of her arrival, she realized her strength was failing and wrote to Bishop Browne of Galway to withdraw from a promised visit. Soon after, she asked Sister Teresa Carton to prepare the convent infirmary at Baggot Street for her return. Regardless, before leaving, she still planned for a future convent in Liverpool, showing her enduring dedication despite her illness. Once settled in the infirmary, she truthfully described her worsening tuberculosis to Sister M. Aloysius Scott, noting her severe cough and inability to continue her duties. Even in suffering, Catherine’s final letters were filled with thoughtfulness, offering sympathy, encouragement, and spiritual requests to various communities. In the end, her last note, written to Sister M. Joseph Joyce of Galway, expressed heartfelt joy and congratulations, revealing her deep affection and faith even as she prepared for death.

81

abnerflorianjr2008 — 2025-09-25 02:17:26 UTC

Catherine's agony lasted from eleven in the morning to eight in the afternoon, during that time she spoke to family member with visiting priest. She even spoke to Doctor Meyler she saved from embarrassment. At 5 she asked for a blessed candle to join the rest in prayer Sister M. Elizabeth Moore requested for them to pray louder but catherine said there wasn't an occasion. Catherine Died on Thursday10 minutes to 8 on November 11, 1841, on the feast of St Martin Tours nineteen years from the death of William Callaghan. On Monday she was placed to rest in the new cemetery in Baggot street where she requested to be laid as the poor. Sister M. Elizabeth Moore was tasked to inform everyone about her Death, and she mentioned how Catherine while being sick and near death, she still did work and told the sisters to about the great achievements. She wasn't like the other who worried about their selves at dead her concern was everyone despite the state she was.

82

abnerflorianjr2008 — 2025-09-25 02:19:13 UTC

During Catherines life she always made sure people who she helped had everything and when she helped, she helped giving her all. When she was close to death she was worrying and making sure what she uses to do to help the people still was happening. Despite her obstacles she always succeeded. Catherine was 64 years old when she died and at that age she still worried about the rest. Her life was known to help others and put the poor's need first. She took the sister of mercy as a charity, and her biggest help was being there for the sister to accomplish their goals in Christ.

Reflection

amberleiva2022 — 2025-09-25 02:23:29 UTC

Page 65

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Mother Catherine and Sister Clare Moore arrived at noon and went to find a church before eating breakfast at 1 o’clock. Later Sister Clare would share that Catherine had a strong love for the Blessed Sacrament. Bishop John Murphy of Cork asked Catherine for Sisters for his Diocese while in Dublin, and while they were in Carlow having been invited by Bishop Edward Nolan they had £7,000 from a shopkeeper’s will to support the Sisters. They came to Carlow on the 11th of April, 1837, and resided in a small house next to the college. Before leaving, Catherine arranged for the Sisters to have free rent and provided an annuity and gave a £100 to the poor. Catherine put Sister M. Francis Warde as superior there, and told her Sisters to lead with love and devotion, and to give their hearts fully to God.

Page 66

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Catherine McAuley started a school in Carlow for girls from better-off working families who couldn’t afford private (expensive) schools. McAuley intended to provide them with secondary education and cultivate a sense of responsibility towards the poor. She also wished that some of the girls would join the Sister of Mercy, as it turned out to be the case. Three months later, on July 6, 1837, she opened a convent on Rutland Street, Cork. She was received warmly by Murphy, and priests and citizens, felt that a convent organized and governed by females was a blessing for the poor of Cork. This foundation was especially important because it would open the way for the first overseas convent to be founded the following year in Bermondsey, England. During her time in Cork, Catherine was introduced to Father Theobald Mathew, faced some tragedies, including the death of her niece, and remained hopeful for the success of the work.

Page 67

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Sr. M. Ann Agnes faced just the beginning of an extended dispute over chaplaincy at Baggot Street, and Bishop John Murphy’s caution prevented the Cork community from opening new houses - although Carlow had had more success. In 1838, Mother Catherine had problems and joys in a measuring, especially when she could joke about hiding from a man who wanted to serve her papers for a claim for £450; she was even more worried because, even after developing Booterstown, they felt they might need to sell Kingstown; and in November Kingstown was closed. Catherine grieved deeply when the Blessed Sacrament had to be removed from Sussex Place, more so than any scorn could ever inflict upon her. She poured out her heart in a letter to Sister Teresa White, begging her to be strong and trust God would provide for the poor. Catherine tried to inspire her, telling her to be not sad, but instead think of the trial an opportunity to serve God with fortitude. Catherine reiterated they had done everything they could, even more than both they thought they could at the time. However, Kingstown and its parish priest was still a burden as late as 1839 to Mother Catherine

Page 68

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Miss Elizabeth McGuinness created difficulties following her expectation of special consideration after she offered the Sisters assistance with travel expenses. However, as a result, the Sisters for £1,000 accepted Miss McGuinness's withdrawal from their community. ???The Kingstown convent reopened in 1840. Mother Catherine was able to visit in 1841, but in 1842 the convent closed again. The Booterstown Convent opened in July 1838, during the term of Baggot Street, and it replaced Kingstown as a recovery place. Initially, Rev. John Canon Ennis and a few of the more wealthy patrons caused anxiety for the Sisters in Booterstown. The convent itself had many faults—it had big doors, draughty beds, and an overgrown or wild garden—but Mother Catherine thought it was great that the poor would benefit. Mother Catherine was worried about Sister M. Ann Doyle in Tullamore, who was sick and overworked, and she was worried about her own poor health. She wrote, "I trust my sufferings come in some way from even Christ's Cross and endeavour silently to bear them." On 24 September 1838, she established a convent in Limerick, but stated that although there were many interested in foundations, too few members remained who were able to take the lead.

2025-09-25 02:44:31 UTC

Page 62

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Catherine opened her first branch house outside Dublin in Kingstown. She planned for it to be a place for sick Sisters to recover and for helping poor neighborhoods. The local priest, Father Sheridan, supported her ideas but gave no money. Catherine risked her own savings to start a school there, showing her bravery and faith. Even though it was hard, the school later grew and became successful.

This was not so! It became a cross for Catherine. Make sure you explain why when you present!

2025-09-25 02:47:51 UTC

Page 63

2025-09-25 02:48:42 UTC

Catherine opened her first convent outside Dublin at Tullamore. She chose Sisters to lead it and started a practice of sending young Sisters to new missions. The Sisters prayed a special prayer "thirty days prayer" every morning and evening in all her convents. Catherine stayed in each new place for a short time to help, then moved on to guide others. Through many letters, she encouraged her Sisters to be strong and faithful, even in hard times.

2025-09-25 02:53:12 UTC

Pg 73

novelogianluigi — 2025-09-25 02:53:18 UTC

Mother Catherine visited several convents with her companions, including Sister Agnew and Sister Taylor. Sister Agnew was talented in writing, while Sister Taylor was more reserved. The group traveled to London in November 1839, preparing songs for the journey and arriving with excitement. However, the Bermondsey convent was in poor condition, with only six rooms ready and the house dark and damp. Catherine expressed disappointment and compared it unfavorably to other convents. She also endured harsh criticism from outsiders, including strong attacks from Mr. Pugin, an architect. Despite these difficulties, Catherine maintained her resilience and faith.

Page 64

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Catherine also went to Charleville in 1836, where the promised support turned out to be much less than expected. The house was damp and uncomfortable, and some Sisters wanted to leave, but Catherine told them to stay and trust God. She believed that, though weak at first, the mission would grow strong. Later that year, she traveled to Limerick in freezing snow so she could attend Holy Communion, showing her deep love for God.

Pg 74

novelogianluigi — 2025-09-25 02:55:08 UTC

The time in London worsened Catherine’s health, which had already been fragile. The Bermondsey convent left her and other Sisters constantly unwell. She often suffered from sea-sickness and stomach illness, which weakened her further. Catherine still continued her work, writing encouraging letters and maintaining strong spiritual conviction. Sister Agnew created division among the Sisters, while Catherine urged unity and fidelity to their mission. Despite struggles, Catherine reminded her Sisters that their focus should always be humility, patience, and service to others, not personal advancement. These trials reflected her deep commitment to spiritual endurance.

Pg 75

novelogianluigi — 2025-09-25 02:58:32 UTC

Catherine emphasized that the Sisters’ mission was salvation through works of mercy and faithfulness to both prayer and charity. She warned them against false piety that distracted from true service. She urged constant practice of spiritual exercises such as prayer, examen, and self-denial. Her goal was for the Sisters of Mercy to live humbly, with sincerity and perseverance, even amidst rudeness and criticism. Catherine encouraged her Sisters to balance prayer with action, keeping Jesus Christ at the center of their efforts. Despite these teachings, she did not live to see the eventual departure of Sister Agnew and Sister Taylor. Plans for new convents continued, including the London convent in December 1841.

Pg 76

novelogianluigi — 2025-09-25 02:59:58 UTC

In 1840, Catherine founded the Galway convent, despite her growing exhaustion. The journey there was long and tiring, but she remained joyful at the community’s growth. Soon after opening, tragedy struck when postulant Mary Bourke died, although her donation helped sustain the convent. Catherine also faced obstacles from priests who attempted to prevent her from leaving Galway, though she eventually returned to Dublin. Her health continued to decline, marked by what she called her “Galway cough.” Still, she remained proud of the Galway convent, which was considered one of the best institutions in the area. Though burdened by illness, she showed courage and determination until the end.

Reflection

2025-09-25 03:05:07 UTC

Reflection:

2025-09-25 03:18:00 UTC

amberleiva2022 — 2025-09-25 05:48:46 UTC

This short film depicts a boy overcoming obstacles and finding connection. It shows that one's perceived weakness can be their greatest strength .It shows how compassion and persistence can transform a situation and create a positive, powerful bond, much like Mother Catherine's work.

Page 80

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Catherine McAuley’s final days were marked by peace, faith, and a spirit of joyful surrender. In her last letters, she encouraged others to walk closely with Christ, desiring nothing but His greater glory. By October 1840, she had already embraced death with hope, viewing the world as a temporary place of sorrow and the journey to Heaven as a blessing. This serene outlook was beautifully captured in her Act of Oblation, where she entrusted herself fully to God’s Providence and sought freedom from anxiety, desiring only the joy of eternal union with Him. As her health declined, her final days were carefully recorded: she received anointing on 8 November, endured the rupture of an abscess, and gave instructions for her belongings. On her last morning, she asked that her bed be placed in the center of the room, where Mass was celebrated in her presence. Before passing, she shared words of encouragement with her Sisters, urging them to maintain the unity and peace that had always marked their community, promising that such harmony would bring them deep and lasting happiness.

Reflection

2025-09-30 09:38:47 UTC

patricia305 — 2025-09-30 16:11:35 UTC

Reflection??

criteria

amberleiva2022 — 2025-09-30 18:13:22 UTC

summary 25 pts

reflection 18 pts

video 10 pts

organization and creativity 10pts

instructions 10pts

punctuality 10pts

grammar 8pts 91 A Excellent!

2025-10-01 04:34:58 UTC

patricia305 — 2025-10-08 18:32:43 UTC

Chris, the Summary and reflection was good, but you need to be careful not to change the content.

patricia305 — 2025-10-08 18:41:04 UTC

Good Summary and reflection. I encourage you to always revise your work when you write!

patricia305 — 2025-10-08 18:52:58 UTC

Good summary! Do not be afraid to take ownership for what you say. Share how the insights in the chapter impacted your life.

patricia305 — 2025-10-08 19:04:23 UTC

Excellent Summaries and reflection.