Ricordia: Mercy Day at Merion Mercy Academy

By Delaney Gillespie '27

When someone asks me, “What is Mercy Day?”, I gasp in shock. I stare at them with confusion, wondering why they are not familiar with my favorite day of the year. Mercy Day is the celebration of the opening of the first “House of Mercy” in 1827, in Dublin, Ireland. It was founded by Catherine McAuley, who also founded the Sisters of Mercy, a group of sisters dedicated to service. As a Mercy school, we honor Catherine’s life as a leader for young women. 

On September 24, we put ribbons in our hair, eat lots of cookies, and celebrate Catherine McAuley. We start off our day with music and hugs, then enjoy a lunch full of delicious food, and end with pictures and warm goodbyes. Mercy Day allows us to show our gratitude for each other and our community. The most important part of the day is our Mercy Day Mass. This special service includes reflections, liturgical dance, and lots of singing. We, as a community, show our love and appreciation for the spot we hold dear. In the same way Catherine McAuley showed mercy to those around us, we show mercy to our school. We show our appreciation for our faculty and staff, and most importantly, the Sisters of Mercy, who make Merion Mercy Academy possible. 

Besides the hugs and ribbons, we strive to be just as Catherine McAuley was. Her dedication and compassion to those around her inspire not only our community but fellow Mercy schools in the world. Our goal as a school of Mercy is to fulfill our charism of mercy, justice, compassion, and most importantly, service. Mercy to me is striving to be a better person every day, just as Catherine did; it is our duty to keep her legacy alive.