By 1856, a large group of Irish families had fled the poverty of Ireland and migrated to Argentina, but the vastly different climate and living conditions meant life wasn’t easy for the new settlers. When news reached Ireland that many Irish people were suffering from disease and a lack of nursing facilities, seven Sisters of Mercy responded by sailing to Buenos Aires, Argentina to establish a Convent . They set up schools, hospitals and orphanages to support the Irish migrants. After 24 years, a violent uprising in Buenos Aires threatened the safety of the Sisters and led to a temporary closure of the Convent. Mother Evangelista Fitzpatrick and Sister Mary Claver Kenny visited Dublin from Buenos Aires to discuss the future of the order in Argentina. Here they met Bishop Christopher Reynolds from Adelaide who was looking for teachers for Catholic schools in Adelaide, South Australia. He invited Mother Evangelista to bring her Sisters to Adelaide. They arrived on 3 May, 1880 and established the Convent of Mercy in Angas Street, Adelaide.
Mother Cecilia Cunningham
“…a woman of great peace and modesty, yet of indomitable strength.”
Mother Catherine Flanagan
“…utter unselfishness, deep humility, warm Irish nature, and sympathy to the poor and sick…”
Mother Claver Kenny
“…a kind and gentle person…a much-venerated person and highly esteemed by her Community”
Mother Antonia McKay
“Mother Antonia was the Queen who was in charge and mother of them all”
Mother Clare Murphy
“…probably the most outstanding and gifted of the Argentinian-born Sisters who came to Adelaide in 1880.”
Sister Liguori Griffin
“…admired for her magnificent soprano voice, of great range, power, and sweetness.”
Sister Lucy Le Couteur
“In her hidden way she had exercised one of the great works of the early Sisters of Mercy.”
Sister Martha Maloney
“Small in stature and always very friendly and cheerful. She had a special “soft spot” for the boarders.”
Sister Alfonsa Ronan
“..a warm, kindly personality and a delicious Irish brogue. We used to love to get her telling us stories, especially “ghost” stories.”
Sister Evangelist Vian
“a unique member of the pioneer group of Sisters…gifted and eccentric, not a conventional style of teacher, but a memorable one.”