Our History

“The most acceptable return a benefactor can receive from those on whom he bestows favour is a countenance testifying the gratitude of the heart.” Catherine McAuley

Mercy Health is a Catholic community benefit organisation founded by the Sisters of Mercy.  We began caring for Victorians 126 years ago and have since then given care in our hospitals, aged care facilities, in our mental health programs, at our palliative care centres and become renowned as a leading provider of expert medical services in women’s health, aged care and early parenting.

The Catholic religious Order of the Sisters of Mercy was founded in 19th century Ireland by Catherine McAuley, who at the age of 53 decided to devote herself to the care of the Dublin poor. In 1823, using a fortune bequeathed to her as a philanthropic gift, she opened her House of Mercy which was a hostel for destitute girls.

The constitution and rule of the Mercy Order was approved by Rome in 1841 and by this time the Sisters of Mercy had 14 foundations in Ireland and England. They funded their work from donations and income earned from providing education and nursing to those who could afford such services.

Education and nursing thus formed two major strands of the Sisters of Mercy’s work and mission. They opened hospitals in London, Cork and Dublin and eventually the Sisters of Mercy established more than 250 hospitals worldwide.

The Sisters of Mercy established communities overseas.  In Australia, the first community was in the Swan River area in 1847. Under the leadership of Mother Ursula Frayne they began work in Fitzroy, Victoria in 1859.

Find out more information about the Sisters of Mercy