“The tender mercy of God has given us one another.” Catherine McAuley
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Nottingham, together with, The Trinity Catholic School, St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, and Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Catholic Primary School, forms the Catherine McAuley Hub.
As part of this hub, we work closely together as a family of Catholic schools, united in our mission to nurture faith, inspire learning, and serve our communities. By sharing Catherine McAuley’s vision, we continue to grow as a strong Catholic community that supports the spiritual, moral, and academic development of all our young people.
Catherine McAuley
Who was Catherine McAuley?
Catherine McAuley (1778–1841) was the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, a congregation dedicated to education, healthcare, and care for the poor and vulnerable.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, Catherine was orphaned at a young age and grew up deeply aware of poverty and suffering. In 1827, she used her inheritance to open the House of Mercy in Dublin, where women and children could find shelter, education, and support. This mission of compassion and service grew into the foundation of the Sisters of Mercy in 1831.
Catherine was known for her deep faith, her practical love of neighbour, and her commitment to living out the Gospel through works of mercy. She believed education was a pathway to dignity and hope, and that faith must be expressed in action. Her famous saying, “The tender mercy of God has given us one another”, continues to inspire Mercy schools and communities across the world.
Catherine’s Legacy in Our Hub
As a hub of Catholic schools in Nottingham, we honour Catherine McAuley’s legacy by:
- Placing faith, love, and respect at the heart of our communities.
- Supporting one another in our mission to educate the whole child—spiritually, academically, and socially.
- Striving to be people of compassion, justice, and service, especially to those in need.
Every year, on 12 November, we celebrate Catherine McAuley’s Feast Day, remembering her life of faith and service. Through prayer, reflection, and action, we seek to carry forward her vision of a Church that lives the works of mercy with joy and hope.
