Category: History

Arrival of first Sisters of Mercy in Newfoundland, 3rd June

Posted on by Diane Smyth

On the feast of The Sacred Heart, 3rd January 1842, Sisters M. Francis Creedon, Ursula Frayne and Rose Lynch arrived in St. John’s to begin the first Mercy mission outside the British Isles. The first three Sisters of Mercy to set foot on Newfoundland soil were the vanguard of a long line of Irish women who crossed the Atlantic between 1842 and 1907 for  Newfoundland shores.

Prayer

Today, 3rd June 2026, we give thanks for the courageous and hope-filled witness of our Mercy pioneers in Newfoundland.
They shed Mercy’s light on this land and brought comfort and hope to your people.
Call us in our turn to be the bearers of good news to all in need of your Mercy.
Inspire us today, not to do what they did, but to find ways to be Mercy in our time and place.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Way, our Truth and our Life.
Amen.

  • Read the Reflection here
  • Post your prayer in our sacred space here

El día de la festividad del Sagrado Corazón, el 3 de enero de 1842, las hermanas M. Francis Creedon, Ursula Frayne y Rose Lynch llegaron a St. John’s para iniciar la primera misión de la Congregación de la Misericordia fuera de las Islas Británicas. Las tres primeras Hermanas de la Misericordia que pisaron suelo de Terranova fueron la vanguardia de una larga lista de mujeres irlandesas que cruzaron el Atlántico entre 1842 y 1907 para llegar a las costas de Terranova.

Oración

Hoy, 3 de junio de 2026, damos gracias por el testimonio valiente y lleno de esperanza de nuestras pioneras de la Misericordia en Terranova. Ellas derramaron la luz de la Misericordia sobre esta tierra y trajeron consuelo y esperanza a tu pueblo. Llámanos a nuestro turno a ser portadores de la buena nueva para todos los que necesitan tu misericordia. Inspíranos hoy, no a hacer lo que ellos hicieron, sino a encontrar formas de ser misericordia en nuestro tiempo y lugar. Te lo pedimos en el nombre de Jesús, nuestro Camino, nuestra Verdad y nuestra Vida. Amén.

  • Lee la reflexión aquí
  • Publica tu oración en nuestro espacio sagrado aquí

Mercying

Posted on by Diane Smyth

This presentation portrays ceramic works (Raku) of Newfoundland artist Gerald Squires that were commissioned by the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy (NL) for recognition and for inspiration of those associated with us.

Esta presentación retrata las obras de cerámica (Raku) del artista de Terranova Gerald Squires que fueron encargadas por la Congregación de las Hermanas de la Misericordia (NL) para su reconocimiento y para la inspiración de los asociados.

The water pitcher, now part of Mercy heritage at Baggot Street, brought water from Newfoundland in 1994 to join the waters from the countries where other members of the newly founded Mercy International Association are located.

La jarra de agua, que ahora forma parte del patrimonio de la Misericordia en la calle Baggot, trajo agua de Terranova en 1994 para unirse a las aguas de los países donde se encuentran otros miembros de la recién fundada Asociación Internacional de la Misericordia.

Images on the jug depict the fishing history of the island and the Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, built by Bishop Michael Fleming who negotiated with Catherine McAuley to establish a foundation of Mercy in “the new world”.

Las imágenes de la jarra representan la historia pesquera de la isla y la catedral basílica de San Juan Bautista, construida por el obispo Michael Fleming, que negoció con Catherine McAuley el establecimiento de una fundación de la Misericordia en “el nuevo mundo”.

The other panels acknowledge the spirit and mission of the Sisters of Mercy and the engagement of the many men and women who worked side by side with the sisters and supported them or received the care and ministry of the sisters.
These are located at St.Clare’s Mercy Hospital and at The Gathering Place in St. John’s, NL.

Los otros paneles reconocen el espíritu y la misión de las Hermanas de la Misericordia y el compromiso de los muchos hombres y mujeres que trabajaron junto a las hermanas y la apoyaron o recibieron los cuidados y el ministerio de las hermanas.
Se encuentran en el Hospital de la Misericordia de Santa Clara y en The Gathering Place en St.John’s, NL

National Day of Mourning for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girl

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Monday, May 5th is the National Day of Mourning for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, (MMIWG) often called Red Dress Day.

In Canada indigenous women and girls are targeted for violence more than any other group. More than 4000 indigenous women and girls have gone missing or been
murdered in the last 30 years – an appalling statistic!

Canada’s National Inquiry into this tragic history called upon all governments – national, provincial, territorial and indigenous – to work together to build an effective and accountable National Action Plan to address this crisis. Indeed, there is an urgent need for all Canadians to make efforts to raise awareness of this Canada-wide tragedy and to do whatever we can to make Canada a country for all Canadians.

Today let us remember in prayer all the victims of gender-based violence, as well as all their families and communities whose lives have been forever altered by the loss of loved ones.

El lunes 5 de mayo es el Día Nacional de Luto por las Mujeres y Niñas Indígenas Desaparecidas y Asesinadas (MMIWG), conocido a menudo como el «Día del Vestido Rojo».

En Canadá, las mujeres y niñas indígenas son el grupo más afectado por la violencia. Más de 4000 mujeres y niñas indígenas han desaparecido o han sido
asesinadas en los últimos 30 años: ¡una estadística espantosa!

La Investigación Nacional de Canadá sobre esta trágica historia hizo un llamamiento a todos los gobiernos —nacional, provinciales, territoriales e indígenas— para que trabajen juntos en la elaboración de un Plan de Acción Nacional eficaz y responsable que aborde esta crisis. De hecho, existe una necesidad urgente de que todos los canadienses se esfuercen por crear conciencia sobre esta tragedia que afecta a todo el país y hagamos todo lo posible para que Canadá sea un país para todos los canadienses.

Hoy recordemos en nuestras oraciones a todas las víctimas de la violencia de género, así como a todas sus familias y comunidades, cuyas vidas han quedado marcadas para siempre por la pérdida de sus seres queridos.

 

St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital Timeline

Posted on by Diane Smyth

St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital has a rich history dating back to May 21, 1922 when the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland opened a hospital in a small dwelling, the “White House” to care for 23 patients. From these small beginnings has grown a Tertiary, adult acute care hospital serving the people of Newfoundland and Labrador for over 100 years.

1913: “White House” purchased from the Honorable E. M. Jackman to be operated by the Sisters of Mercy as a home for working girls


                                                       St Clare’s 1916

 

1921: The “White House” was renovated to serve as a hospital. Archbishop E.P. Roche laid plans for the improvement whish included sending a Sister of Mercy to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg to train as a nurse

1922: May 21 St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital was officially opened to care for 23 patients Sister Mary Bernard Gladney, graduate nurse, was appointed Superintendent.  The following year Sister Mary Aloysius Rawlins took on the position of superintendant

1939: New modern 100 bed building opened west of the “White House” on LeMarchant Road
St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital School of Nursing was opened with accommodations for the students in a duplex house next to the hospital

1941: First Graduation of St. Clare’s Nursing School- five graduates

1950: Opening of a large chapel and additional facilities for pediatric, obstetric and dietary services
–   Our Lady of Lourdes window installed on chapel corridor in memory of Sister Mary Aloysius Rawlins who had been administrator of St. Clare’s for over twenty years.

1956: Board of Governors and Medical Advisory Committee established

1958: Our Lady of Lourdes Hall opened to accommodate 100 nursing students

1959: St. Clare’s granted its first full accreditation by Canadian Council on Hospital Accreditation

1960:  St. Clare’s was incorporated

1962: Opening of New wing on St. Clare Avenue to provide accommodation for 100 additional patients

1967: St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital Auxiliary set up.  Mrs. Joan Parker Crosbie was first President

1963: Planning begun for another extension of hospital. 1968 Recognition as teaching hospital affiliated with Memorial University

1972: Golden Anniversary of the opening of St. Clare’s. New wing officially opened. Hospital population now increased to 300 patients

1975: Department of Pastoral Care established. Sister M. Carmelita Power appointed as Director

1978: Talbot House, a Residential Detoxification Center was opened on Deanery Avenue

“For Mercy has a Human Heart” – sculpture by Gerald Squires

1979: First Palliative Care Unit east of Montreal opened. The unit was transferred to the Leonard A. Miller Centre in 2002

1984: St. Clare’s was selected as one of ten test sites for a national computerized information management project

1985: Establishment of St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital Foundation
–   Computers were introduced- Meditech system for patient information

1994: St. Clare’s sold to provincial government and incorporated into Health Care Corporation of St. John’s, 1995
–    Opening of LeMarchant House, a mental health day program/centre

1995: St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital Advisory Council was established to foster Mission, Values and Ethics

2004: Sisters of Mercy donated a ceramic mural “For Mercy Has a Human Heart” placed in the front entrance. Artist – Gerald Squires

2005: Eastern Health, Regional Authority established for administration of all health care services in Avalon, Burin and Bonavista Peninsulas, including St. Clare’s

Celebration of 100 Years of Compassionate Care: St Clare’s Mercy Hospital

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Care of the sick is integral to the charism and tradition of all Sisters of Mercy as well noted in the founding history of the congregation. Visitation of the sick in their homes and in institutions has been adapted to circumstances of time and place, yet remains a strong witness of the Mercy ministry.

St Clare’s Mercy Hospital, Lemarchant Road

On May 21, 1922, the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland opened a hospital in a small dwelling, the “White House” to care for 23 patients. From these small beginnings has grown a Tertiary, adult acute care hospital serving the people of Newfoundland and Labrador for over 100 years.

Having celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022, St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital’s standard of excellence is recognized by all. It was sold to government in 1995 yet the influence of the Sisters of Mercy is obvious with its Advisory Council continuing to play a key role. The presence of the Sisters in Pastoral Care and its Mercy symbols in strategic locations continue to give the hospital its unique atmosphere. Indeed, “God’s mercy is from generation to generation’ (Luke 1:50)

Established by the Sisters of Mercy, today Eastern Health continues our legacy of providing compassionate and caring healthcare services to the people of the province, delivered and supported by almost 500 dedicated staff and health-care professionals at St Clare’s.

“It is a privilege for me to give thanks on behalf of all Sisters of Mercy and our associates as we mark the 100th anniversary of St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital,” said Congregational Leader, Sister Diane Smyth. “I speak with gratitude for all those who shared their gifts, talents, time, expertise and love to ensure that every aspect of human life was cared for – body, mind and spirit. For 100 years St. Clare’s has stood proud of its history and heritage and its standards of excellence.”

Read the press release from Eastern Health to mark the occasion.

During the 100th anniversary celebrations greetings were expressed by Dr. Andrew Furey – Premier of Newfoundland, Doctor John Haggie- Minister of Health, Archbishop Peter Hundt – Archbishop of St. John’s, Mr. David Diamond – CEO of Eastern Health and Sister Diane Smyth – Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Mercy. All echoed the great contribution of St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital to the field of health care and the influence of the Sisters of Mercy.

A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of symbols brought forward by key members of the St. Clare’s community. The Symbols included:

  • A photo of St. Clare’s showing the growth of the hospital over the years
  • A Values Poster highlighting the heart of their mission and ministry
  •  Oil of Anointing as a symbol of healing and comfort
  • Crest of St. Clare’s with its motto “Mercy Above All”, representing healing and hope centered in Mercy
  • Nightingale Lamp representing Florence Nightingale, the mother of the nursing profession
  • Clare’s Community – a collage representing the different departments and services which provide ministry at St. Clare’s
  • Photo of a ceramic Sculpture by Newfoundland artist Gerry Squires which depicts the history of St. Clare’s. This sculpture adorns the lobby of the hospital.

To mark the centenary, Eastern Health produced this video of the ritual of gratitude and thanksgiving held 22 May, 2022 (54.23).

Explore the timeline of key events in the history of St Clare’s

St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital Auxiliary Celebrates 50 Years

Posted on by Diane Smyth

On 23 October 2017 more than one hundred guests gathered at Government House in St. John’s, NL to mark the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital Auxiliary.

Their Honours Mr. Frank and Patricia Fagan were hosts in the beautiful and historic residence of the Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.  Former Presidents of the Auxiliary, past and currents members as well as a number of Sisters of Mercy and other friends were in attendance.  Refreshments were graciously served by Government House staff.   Guests and Governor Fagan and his wife mingled about the grand reception rooms.

Lt. Governor Frank and Mrs. Patricia Fagan

The Governor spoke for a few minutes to commend the group on reaching this milestone and to thank them for the wonderful work that the Auxiliary  members have done and continue to do on behalf of those who seek health and healing at St. Clare’s.  With grace and hospitality he welcomed everyone to Government House and invited them to explore the rooms and enjoy the beauty and history of the building.

Sister Elizabeth Davis, Leader of the Sisters of Mercy, spoke a few words of greeting to the auxiliary and thanked them for their dedicated and generous service to St. Clare’s and to the patients and families who come there.

Then an address was given by Mrs. Joan Parker Crosbie, First President of the Auxiliary:

Your Honours, Mr. and Mrs. Fagan, Sisters of St. Clare’s, President of the St. Clare’s Auxiliary, Auxiliary Past Presidents of the Auxiliary and friends:

Mrs. Joan Parker Crosbie

It is hard to believe that it was fifty years since the beginning of the auxiliary.  It was a very humble beginning but the enthusiasm of all the members was great.  I would be amiss if I didn’t mention all the encouragement we received from Sister Mary Aidan, Sister Fabian and all the Sisters. The auxiliary reminds me of the proud oak tree that grows from a tiny acorn.

We had a great time starting the auxiliary and many new friendships were formed.  We had a shower and members brought things to sell in the gift shop.  We had a Ball at the Old Colony Club and an auction during the Ball.  I only remember one item (to be auctioned) and that was Ray Guy’s salt and pepper cap.  The paper from inside the rim was missing as he got short-taken out in the woods.  Then there was the Sale of Work.  We took our knitting needles, sewing machine and all Sisters joined in.  They also made the wonderful fudge, which was the first thing to sell out.

Auxiliary Presidents

I am now at an age that memories are important.  I must say that my memories of St. Clare’s Auxiliary are very happy and proud ones.  I never could imagine that it would grow to the size that it is today.

Congratulations to all the members over the 50 years that have made the auxiliary what it is today.

Appreciation to Governor Fagan was expressed by Leslie Darraugh, current President of the Auxiliary.  Some photos were taken of many of the previous presidents who were in attendance.  It was the end of a lovely and memorable event.

 

Foundation Day – December 12

Posted on by Diane Smyth

On 12 December, Sisters of Mercy, Associates, Colleagues and friends celebrate the Foundation Day of the Order of the Sisters of Mercy in 1831 when Catherine McAuley, Anna Maria Doyle, and Elizabeth Harley made their profession in the new Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy.

Join us in celebrating 194 years of committed service to the poor, the sick and the uneducated using our reflection, exploring our story, or visiting our Mercy ministries online.

El 12 de diciembre, las Hermanas de la Misericordia, los asociados, los colegas y los amigos celebran el día de la fundación de la Orden de las Hermanas de la Misericordia en 1831, cuando Catherine McAuley, Anna Maria Doyle y Elizabeth Harley hicieron su profesión en la nueva Congregación de las Hermanas de la Misericordia.

Únase a nosotros para celebrar 194 años de servicio comprometido con los pobres, los enfermos y los que no tienen acceso a la educación, reflexionando, explorando nuestra historia o visitando nuestros ministerios de la Misericordia en línea.

Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Posted on by Diane Smyth

It is 80 years since the world’s first atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima (6 August) and Nagasaki (9 August).

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Atomic Bomb Dome) beautifully framed by lush green trees and manicured hedges, with cloudy skies adding depth to the serene yet reflective scene. This iconic symbol of peace is surrounded by nature, signifying hope and renewal amidst remembrance.

In a message on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing, Pope Leo XIV urges the international community to renew its commitment to pursue lasting peace for our whole human family.

“Nuclear arms offend our shared humanity and betray the dignity of creation, whose harmony we are called to safeguard” Pope Leo XIV said in a message addressed to Bishop Alexis Shirama of Hiroshima, and read by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Francisco Escalante Molina during the celebration of Mass for Peace in Hiroshima…

He expressed his respect for the survivors – the hibakusha – whose stories he said, “are a timely summons to all of us to build a safer world and foster a climate of peace.”…

  • Read the complete article here
  • Read the complete message here
  • Post your prayer for peace here

 

Han pasado 80 años desde que se lanzaron las primeras bombas atómicas del mundo sobre Hiroshima (6 de agosto) y Nagasaki (9 de agosto).

El Monumento a la Paz de Hiroshima (Cúpula de la Bomba Atómica) está bellamente enmarcado por frondosos árboles y setos bien cuidados, con un cielo nublado que añade profundidad a la escena serena y reflexiva. Este icónico símbolo de la paz está rodeado por la naturaleza, lo que significa esperanza y renovación en medio del recuerdo.

En un mensaje con motivo del 80.º aniversario del bombardeo de Hiroshima, el papa León XIV insta a la comunidad internacional a renovar su compromiso de buscar una paz duradera para toda la familia humana.

«Las armas nucleares ofenden nuestra humanidad compartida y traicionan la dignidad de la creación, cuya armonía estamos llamados a salvaguardar», dijo el papa León XIV en un mensaje dirigido al obispo Alexis Shirama de Hiroshima, y leído por el nuncio apostólico, el arzobispo Francisco Escalante Molina, durante la celebración de la misa por la paz en Hiroshima…

Expresó su respeto por los supervivientes —los hibakusha— cuyas historias, según dijo, «son una llamada oportuna a todos nosotros para construir un mundo más seguro y fomentar un clima de paz»…

  • Lea el artículo completo aquí.
  • Lea el mensaje completo aquí. (EN)
  • Publique aquí su oración por la paz.

 

Sandy Point Foundation – July 1893

Posted on by Diane Smyth

In July of 1893 four women from the Sisters of Mercy of Rhode Island – Sisters Antonio Egan, Corsini Dempsey, Veronica Payne and Sylvester Carver – along with Mrs. Henrietta Brownell, a friend and benefactor of the sisters, boarded ship in Boston to set sail for the mission territory of Western Newfoundland.

Mrs Henrietta Brownell and Sr Antonio Egan

The pioneer band arrived in the tiny fishing port of Sandy Point on July 28 to a rousing welcome from the people. The sisters spent the first month meeting the people, visiting the sick and elderly and preparing for school opening in September. Despite the harsh realities of mission life in a poor country, the Sandy Point foundation thrived, and from the very beginning, these talented and courageous women worked tirelessly to develop the educational, spiritual and social capacity of the children and of the community at large.

Opening Prayer:

God of Mercy, loving companion on our journey, we thank you for the women of Mercy who have gone before us. They were indeed your missionary disciples, pilgrims of hope in the darkness of poverty and struggle. Make us beacons of hope in our world, fractured by violence and division … bearers of love and mercy in all our interactions with our sisters and brothers, with Mother Earth and with all your creation. Amen                                                                                                                            .

Download the complete Reflection here
Post your prayer in our sacred space here

En julio de 1893, cuatro mujeres de las Hermanas de la Misericordia de Rhode Island, junto con la Sra. Henrietta Brownell, amiga y benefactora de las hermanas, embarcaron en Boston para dirigirse al territorio misionero de Terranova Occidental.

El grupo de pioneras llegó al minúsculo puerto pesquero de Sandy Point el 28 de julio, recibiendo una calurosa bienvenida por parte de la población. Las hermanas pasaron el primer mes conociendo a la gente, visitando a los enfermos y ancianos y preparando la apertura de la escuela en septiembre. A pesar de las duras realidades de la vida misionera en un país pobre, la fundación de Sandy Point prosperó y, desde el principio, estas mujeres talentosas y valientes trabajaron incansablemente para desarrollar la capacidad educativa, espiritual y social de los niños y de la comunidad en general.

Oración de apertura:

Dios de la Misericordia, amoroso compañero de viaje, te damos gracias por las mujeres de la Misericordia que nos han precedido. Ellas fueron tus discípulas misioneras, peregrinas de esperanza en la oscuridad de la pobreza y la lucha. Haznos faros de esperanza en nuestro mundo, fracturado por la violencia y la división… portadoras de amor y misericordia en todas nuestras interacciones con nuestras hermanas y hermanos, con la Madre Tierra y con toda tu creación. Amén.

Descargue aquí la reflexión complet
Publica tu oración en nuestro espacio sagrado aquí 

Happy Canada Day

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Canada Day, originally known as Dominion Day, marks the anniversary of Confederation when the British North America Act came into effect in 1867, uniting four provinces into one country. Canada Day is the fourth celebration of the Celebrate Canada  program, reminding us of the richness, bounty and diversity of our people and of our land and sea resources. 

Let us pray for our country as we celebrate her 158th birthday as a sovereign nation.

Post your prayer in our sacred space here

El Día de Canadá, originalmente conocido como Día del Dominio, conmemora el aniversario de la Confederación, cuando entró en vigor la Ley de América del Norte Británica en 1867, uniendo cuatro provincias en un solo país. El Día de Canadá es la cuarta celebración del programa Celebra Canadá, que nos recuerda la riqueza, la abundancia y la diversidad de nuestro pueblo y de nuestros recursos terrestres y marítimos.

Oremos por nuestro país mientras celebramos su 158º aniversario como nación soberana.

Publica tu oración en nuestro espacio sagrado aquí.