“Catherine McAuley" © Jen Norton www.JenNortonArtStudio.com Used with permission.
Sisters of Mercy to celebrate 180 years in Australia
On 8 January 2026, the Sisters of Mercy will mark a remarkable milestone — 180 years since their arrival in Australia.
Since their foundation, the Sisters have made a profound and lasting impact across the nation in education, healthcare, social justice, and pastoral care, always guided by the core values of hospitality, compassion, and justice.
The journey began in 1846 on the ship Elizabeth, when Ursula Frayne, a close companion of foundress Catherine McAuley, led the first group of Sisters to Fremantle, Western Australia. There, they established a school and began their ministry of service to the community.
Following this pioneering foundation, other groups of Sisters from Ireland, England, and Argentina expanded the mission, establishing communities in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, and beyond.
Mercy Partners gratefully acknowledges the dedication, courage, and enduring commitment of the Sisters of Mercy, whose legacy continues to shape and enrich communities across Australia. We are deeply thankful to the Sisters for entrusting the ongoing sponsorship of their aged care, community and disability services, education, healthcare, social enterprise and social justice ministries to Mercy Partners, allowing us to carry forward the mission with integrity and compassion.
