In the Name of Mercy

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Community, Faith, Mercy, spirituality

August 22, 2023
Foundation Day: Sisters of Mercy Philadelphia/Merion

On August 22, 1861, a small group of hopeful women arrived at the railroad station in North Philadelphia. On that hot afternoon, the first Philadelphia Sisters of Mercy, led by a 27-year-old Irish immigrant Patricia Waldron, disembarked from the train and caught their first amazed glimpse of the busy city.  They carried few worldly possessions. They came with only a dream for Mercy.  It was a dream so alive in them that it still inspires us today, over 160 years later.

Can you see them standing on the cramped platform, the hissing steam trains encircling them in mist?  They must have felt “be-misted” themselves, these mostly Irish country girls engulfed in a noisy teeming city.

Union troops heading south crowded the platform.  Busy Broad Street crackled with news of the burgeoning national strife.  Lincoln himself would visit the city in the coming weeks.

Visiting Old Moyamensing Prison

Where would they begin? And how? Hidden within the seams of this bustling city’s garment lay the poor – the ones for whom they had come.  How to reach them?  How to help them change their lives?

Ranging from sixteen to twenty-seven years old, these brave young women had been charged with establishing a kind of “new nation” themselves – not of politics, but of mercy.  They, like the young stout-hearted soldiers around them, were also a little weak-kneed. They too had their battles to face. They too would see starvation, illness, attack, and death – but they would endure for the sake of the Mercy dream, God’s dream for all those in need.

In 2011, the Philadelphia/Merion Sisters of Mercy celebrated our Sesquicentennial. One of our celebratory events was a thrilling performance at the Kimmel Center commemorating these founding sisters and the decades of ministry built on their commitment.

The performance opened with these imagined comments from Patricia Waldron.

Mother Patricia Waldron
(played by our dear late Sister Mimi Connor, RSM)

Have you ever noticed how our dreams unfold?
They never happen in the way we first imagined.
Instead, they weave – your dreams and mine ---
Among each other in a latticework of grace.
By the way, my name is Anne Waldron.
known in my life as Mother Patricia –
“Reverend Mother” really.
A rather weighty title, don’t you think?
But my own dream of mercy was not weighty.
I was born in Tuam (pronounced “Choom”), County Galway, Ireland.
‘Tis a precious place, a mere 20 miles from the glorious bay to the south,
Where the soft air carries a hint of the sea
And the sweet land holds both a deep promise and a deep scar of famine.
I must seem a long way from you now, after these 150 years 
– almost like a shadow on your memories.
And you must think me a particularly courageous part of your history.
After all, you have named buildings after me, I see!
But tonight, I want you to know me in a new way.

I was only 27 when I came here to this strange city.
I walked these same streets as you, fraught as they are with their dangers and beauties.
Do you know that a century and a half ago
we sisters lived just two miles north of this very spot -
you call it “The Kimmel” I think!
Ah, but the Philadelphia of the 1860s was a far different sight 
from what I saw outside tonight.
I see that a million and a half souls live here now!
Oh my! Just a third that number in the city then.
We thought it an amazing number having come mostly from our small villages.

I was young then – like all of you are or were once –
Young and full of dreams.
We all were – I and these my dear companions.

We were not different because of our courage, 
our spirit of adventure, our dedication, or our generosity—
although these marked our lives
as we grew deeper into God.

No – what made us who we were was this:
We clearly knew and trusted that the dream in us
was God’s dream for a wounded world.
In our deepest hearts,
we were Sisters of Mercy!

As you listen to our stories tonight,
Hold this question in your own hearts:
What dream lived in you when you were young?
What dream lives in you now?

Enduring dreams begin with small first steps.  So, hailing a horse-drawn carriage, Mother Patricia Waldron led her young band to their new lives.  Thus she began the grace-filled saga many of us know so well and of which we are a part today.  Their dream lives in us who love Mercy:

  • in our continued effort to find those who are poor and sick in a world that ignores their suffering
  • in our choice to be compassionate in a world that often chooses violence
  • in our commitment to care in a world of treacherous indifference
cemetery
Today we honor our beloved foremothers
who led the way in faith and commitment.

On that sultry August day in 1861, and on this one in 2023, people have choices to make.  They have vows to keep. Some choices live forever.  In the name of Mercy, what will you choose today?

I think many of you might enjoy a photo review of the Kimmel Celebration. I have only a few photos of the original sisters which I connected with the performer where possible.

Mother Gertrude Dowling
(played by Sister Kathleen Mary Long)

Sister Marie Madeleine Mathey
(played by Sister Suzanne Neisser)

Sister Mary Philomena Hughes

(played by Sister Mary Hentz)

Sister Mary Angela Curtin
(played by Sister Connie Haughton)

Sister Mary Ann Coveney

(played by Sister Diane Guerin)

Sister Francis de Sales Geraghty
(played by Sister Mary Klock)

Sister Mary Rose Davies
(played by Sister Marie Carolyn Levand)

Sister Mary Veronica O’Reilley
(played by Sister Eileen Sizer)

Virtuoso Sister Marie Ann Ellmer plays the magnifcent
Kimmel organ

Maestro Sister Jeanette Goglia
leads a resounding rendition
of her composition “The Circle of Mercy”
sung by 2500 attendees

(Click the white arrowhead to enjoy “The Circle of Mercy” as you peruse these photos.
Happy Foundation Day to all who love and live Mercy!)

47 thoughts on “In the Name of Mercy”

      1. Roxann's avatar Roxann

        Sr. Renee, as you know I am away but Sr Maryanne sent me this. So, although I am not there I am so grateful to share in these memories. I was in Fatima today which was so fitting. I have been blessed to share my journey with the women of Mercy. Each Sister who has crossed my path has taught me valuable life lessons and have brought joy to my life in these last 12 years. So thank you so much!

        Liked by 2 people

      3. graciously4's avatar graciously4

        Thank you for being Mercy, Renee! I saw the performance. I cried tears of Joy. I am so grateful for you and all the Sisters of Mercy.
        Mercy is the best place to “be”.

        Liked by 1 person

  3. John Butts's avatar John Butts

    I am immediately brought back to that amazing evening with every seat filled with those that are, were and touched by Mercy in the so many ways only God’s Mercy can. I was new to the Mercy experience, and I knew I wanted and needed to be a part of it. I am forever grateful to the two loving women who introduced me to Mercy, my loving friends, S. Renee Yann and S. Mary Kathleen Long. A friendship like no others and a family I needed then, now and forever. Thank you, Bless you.
    I am so happy to join with you on this journey of bringing God’s Mercy to a world much in need.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  4. Cathe's avatar Cathe

    Of course, I wasn’t there in 1861, but I was in 2011, at the Kimmel Center! This was truly a highlight of my Mercy journey! I am forever grateful that our gracious God invited me to Mercy! And ever grateful for each Sister of Mercy who graced my life at St. Helena School and Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School! I do believe these Sisters are dancing and celebrating with Catherine in Heaven!
    Happy Foundation Day!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  6. Brigid Frawley RSM's avatar Brigid Frawley RSM

    Thank you, Renee, congratulations to you and the Sisters on this wonderful occasion as you celebrate 160 years of the Mercy story.
    It brought back memories of our 160 year celebration here in Brisbane, Queensland.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
      1. Desma Ckarke.'s avatar Desma Ckarke.

        Thank you and congratulations Renee to you and all the Sisters of Mercy. We have recently celebrated 150 years for the Sisters of Mercy in Rockhampton, 🌴Qld. Like Philadelphia the Sisters were very young and arrived by boat! How brave!

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Marie Fitzgerald's avatar Marie Fitzgerald

    what a fantastic and enriching ceremony as the Sisters re called the start of the Mercy sisters ……….. a very young team with faith and courage!
    Sr Marie Fitzgerald rsm Perth Western Australia

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. Oh “What a Night” 2011 at the Kimmel….the sisters arriving here in Philadelphia! The “actresses” did a phenomenal job reenacting the early days of the nuns arrival. The music was spectacular thanks to Sr. Marie Ann Elmer & Sr. Jeanette Goglia! I have a picture of Sr. Marie Ann sitting at that huge organ so high in the theater. I’ll send it to you!

    Happy Foundation Day to all our Sisters of Mercy!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  10. LaVerne's avatar LaVerne

    Renee,
    Blessings be your on this foundation day and everyday. Thank you for beginning this day so beautifully for me and others. What wonderful memories! God bless you! LaVerne

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    2. Stephanie Anne Gonzalez's avatar Stephanie Anne Gonzalez

      What an amaziing contribution to the city of Philadelphia. Loved seeing the photo of Sister Kathleen Mary 🙂 So many years of teaching and good works should be celebrated with pride and joy! Warm regards, Stephanie Duncan Gonzalez Fulshear, Texas

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. Mary Anne Basile's avatar Mary Anne Basile

    What a blessed early morning gift. Taken by the phrase “They had a dream”, what is my dream for Mercy today. Blesssings and gratitude for a wonderful beginning to Foundation Day.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  12. Peggy Gorman's avatar Peggy Gorman

    So wonderful to learn and see your history and celebration!
    As a Buffalo Mercy, brings forth the amazing story of our foundation in 1858 and… the Founding Event in Buffalo in 1991!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  13. Carla Jansen's avatar Carla Jansen

    Beautiful Renee! You said 2500 sang the ‘Circle of Mercy’ , but make that 2501 as I sang along with them tonight. We are blessed to be part of the Mercy global family.
    Carla Jansen , Melbourne Australia

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  14. Kati's avatar Kati

    Thank you for this wonderful memory. It was a night I wish could be repeated and experienced for each generation of Mercy colleagues. It was and remains so impactful for those who were there.
    Happy Foundation Day and thank you for this gift each day.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  16. Sue Stewart's avatar Sue Stewart

    Thank you, Sister, for pulling the past up to meet with today – not just in this reflection, but in your journey. When you share with us, our paths are better lit.💕

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  17. S. Kathleen Mary O'Connell's avatar S. Kathleen Mary O'Connell

    thank you so much for sharing the story of your founding. It must have been a wonderful gathering when you celebrated 150 years. Mercy certainly lives in the great city of Philadelphia. Happy anniversary!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  19. Ellen Henderickson's avatar Ellen Henderickson

    Happy Foundation Day! I close my eyes and I am back at the Kimmel Center … memories that are part of me forever.
    Inspired by the Sisters of Mercy for over seventy years what a blessing. So grateful to be a part of the Circle of Mercy.

    Liked by 1 person

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  21. Mary Pat Garvin's avatar Mary Pat Garvin

    Thanks so much Renee! It was a glorious night! Was it recorded? Thanks for bringing so much of it alive again with your reflection and photos. ❤️❤️❤️

    Liked by 1 person

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  22. Marilyn Lewis's avatar Marilyn Lewis

    Happy Foundation Day Renee! Thank you for your beautiful reflection and history of the story of Mercy.

    I lovingly remember that beautiful evening at the Kimmel Center. It is a cherished memory. Thank you for sharing your gift of storytelling in that magnificent performance. The Legacy of Mercy truly came alive through your words and the acting portrayals.
    The Circle of Mercy continues to grow and flourish.

    Amen, Amen, Amen…

    Liked by 1 person

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  23. Rosemary McHugh's avatar Rosemary McHugh

    I am just seeing all of this today and my heart is full of love for the sisters gratitude for what I learned in the 12 years at Mercy and pride in being able to call them my sisters!

    Rosemary Rodgers McHugh

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