ALTHOUGH they’ve had their “ups and downs”, the Sisters of Mercy’s passion for faith, education and helping others remains steadfast, as they prepare to celebrate 170 years in Enniskillen.
The Roman Catholic order was formed by Sr Catherine McAuley in Dublin in 1831.
They set up home in Enniskillen in May 1856, with a National School opening almost immediately. Mount Lourdes Grammar School later opened in 1909, with St Fanchea’s opening in 1960.
In the 169 years that have followed, the number of Sisters living in the Convent has decreased significantly, but for the nine current residents, they’re committed to a life dedicated to their faith.
Sr Mary Patricia Lynn, who is originally from Ballyshannon, recently celebrated her 100th birthday.
As a boarder at Mount Lourdes Grammar School, Sr Mary Patricia was “influenced” to pursue a career as a teacher and as a nun – a decision that she stands by a century later.
“I was very influenced by the way they lived their lives,” she told the ‘Herald.
“The Sisters were very keen we were educated properly. After leaving Mount Lourdes, I did my Novitiate for three years, before joining UCD to do a degree in Commerce, and later in Irish.”
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