Mercy Day 2024 Celebrates Legacy of Strong Women

The day may begin with the tying of yellow and red ribbons in each girl’s hair, but Mercy Day—celebrated on September 24—is filled with deeper meaning, tradition, and reflection. It marks the anniversary of the day when Catherine McAuley and her companions opened the first House of Mercy on Baggot Street in Dublin, Ireland. The day is imbued with the spirit of compassion, hospitality, and respect—values that are at the core of Merion Mercy Academy’s mission.

After a beautiful Mass, these values were brought to life through a heartfelt reflection given by Associate Director of Development Kristina Cawley '90, P'25, and her daughter Caroline. Kristina captured the essence of what Mercy Day represents:

"At Merion Mercy Academy, we don’t just talk about these values; we see them in action—in the warm welcome we offer a new student, in the care we take to listen to each other, and in the respect we show even when we disagree. For me, working here is about more than a job. It’s about being part of a mission that stretches beyond our walls and into our everyday lives. We are entrusted with the responsibility to embody Mercy not just here but in every space we enter."

Caroline followed with a reflection on her own journey as a student shaped by these values:

"Mercy has shaped me—not just as a student, but as a person. Compassion, hospitality, respect—these values don’t stay in the classroom. They become who we are. As I prepare to graduate, I know these lessons will continue to guide me."

Mass, a leadership pinning ceremony, this thoughtful reflection, and a picnic lunch were special parts of the celebration of Mercy Day, but perhaps one of the most profound elements was the unveiling of MMA’s new Community Commitment. Introduced as a concept on Sisterhood Day and contributed to by each class, the Community Commitment serves as a guiding promise for how students will interact and build their community. Reflecting the many dimensions of "living mercy," the pledge reads:

I pledge to create a space where all are welcomed and treated with respect.
Leading with kindness, I’ll embrace growth and learn from my missteps.
Honest words and sisterhood will guide my support for all.
I’ll celebrate diversity, ensuring every voice is heard.
Conflicts will be met with grace, seeking understanding and solutions.
With Mercy’s values, I’ll act with integrity, compassion, and unity.

This collective promise reinforced the day’s theme, reminding the community that living Mercy is not a passive endeavor but an active, daily commitment. The day culminated with a screening of the movie Cabrini, a film inspired by the life of Mother Cabrini, a saint known for her devotion to service and a fellow beacon of mercy. She encouraged us to ask ourselves, 'What kind of world do we want, and what will we do to live in it?'"

Mercy Day at Merion Mercy Academy is not just a celebration of history but a reflection on how we are called to embody mercy in our everyday lives, ensuring that compassion, hospitality, and respect remain at the heart of who we are.