Behold the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy a beacon of faith and service. This congregation has a rich history rooted in Poland. It extends its mission of mercy right here to Boston.
The Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy was founded in Warsaw Poland in 1862. Mother Teresa Eva Potocka established it. She sought to provide a haven for girls in need of moral guidance.
Fast forward to 1986. Cardinal Bernard Law visited the Shrine in Kraków Poland. He asked Mother General Sr Paulina Slomka to send sisters to Boston. He wanted to establish a community of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy.
In 1988 three sisters arrived in Boston. They arrived on September 15. This date is the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. Their convent became the first international house outside of Poland. This marked a significant expansion of their mission.
Initially the sisters engaged in direct service. They worked in a soup kitchen called Our Daily Bread. They spent several years at St Ambrose Family Inn. This was a shelter for homeless women and children.
As the community grew American women joined the order. The sisters moved to St Anns Parish in Dorchester in 1993. This location became the formation house for English-speaking candidates. The Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy is a young vibrant international and multicultural community.
Over time their focus evolved. They extended their ministry to nursing homes. They pray with the elderly and the dying. The sisters reach out to prisoners. They share the message of Divine Mercy. The prisoners are very receptive to Saint Faustina.
Saint Faustina Kowalska is central to their work. She is the saint of the Divine Mercy devotion. The sisters spread her message. They explain the different forms of devotion to the Divine Mercy. True devotion means having childlike trust in God and being merciful to our neighbor.
In 2013 the sisters expanded their ministry. They began a Divine Mercy retreat ministry. It is located at Bethany House of Prayer in Lakeville MA. Some sisters are qualified spiritual directors. They accompany others on their spiritual journeys. The sisters moved to a convent in Lakeville in November 2018. This serves as a home for sisters ministering at the retreat house.
The Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy continues to serve. They embrace their calling to spread Divine Mercy. Their presence enriches the spiritual landscape. It is felt here in Boston and beyond. The Congregation stands as a testament to faith compassion and unwavering dedication to serving others.