On Friday, September 20, 2024, Our Lady Academy held its annual Mercy Day celebration. Each year, OLA observes the founding of the House of Mercy on Baggot Street in Dublin, Ireland. Catherine McAuley opened the House of Mercy to shelter and educate women and girls. Mother McAuley founded the Sisters of Mercy in 1831. Her motto, “Let us fit young women for earth without unfitting them for heaven” remains present in the halls and spirit of OLA.
The day consists of a prayer service, formal tea, life skill activities, family picnic, and lots of music, dancing, and laughter. In a student’s first year at OLA, she is sorted into one of six sisterhoods that are made up of members from grades 7th-12th. The sisterhoods are named after works of mercy important to the Sisters of Mercy: Respect and Dignity, Hospitality, Diversity, Integrity and Compassion, Stewardship, and Justice.
At the Mercy Tea, students were served hot tea in unique tea cups donated by previous senior students. Following tradition, the seniors each had a brand new tea cup that they will donate to the school to be used at the tea each year. The Mercy Tea commemorates Mother McAuley’s final statements before her passing. She told the sisters surrounding her to make sure to have a “comfortable cup of tea” when she is gone. The tea represents the warm and caring spirit of Mother McAuley and her vision for the Sisters of Mercy.
The family picnic was located on the lawn overlooking the beach. Themed tents, set up by parents, were scattered throughout with food for each grade. Students and families sat on blankets and chairs beneath the historic oak trees as they listened to music.
The day ended in the gym with spirited sisterhood chants and the Mercy Day Dance to the iconic ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’.
Mercy Day is a favorite tradition among students, parents, and faculty. It’s a day full of fun and fellowship. It’s a day to remember the positive impact the Sisters of Mercy have had on the education of young women.
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