They trace their origins to Venerable Catherine McAuley who in 1831 founded the Sisters of Mercy in Dublin. From there, in 1861 the Sisters arrived in Brisbane to begin their work of the love of God.

Another community of religious women, the Sisters of St. Joseph began teaching in Townsville in 1872 but owing to difficulties about government aid, central government of the community and the practice of poverty, their leader Blessed Mary MacKillop withdrew her Sisters. Bishop Quinn asked the Sisters of Mercy in 1878 to take the place let vacant by the Sisters of St. Joseph.

By 1901 the Townsville group had reached sufficient strength to become a self governing body as a Congregation. Mother M. Begina Desmond was appointed Superior.

From the beginning, sisters became involved in education, care of the sick and poor in their homes. As numbers of sisters increased with an influx of both local and Irish postulants, so too did the works of the apostolate diversify into a ministry base much broader than education and health care. Correspondingly, the number of convents throughout the diocese increased.

The primitive living conditions and scarce financial resources, extreme heat and humidity, isolation, limited access to transport, floods and cyclones were some of the trails borne by the early sisters.

The Charism of the Congregation is to know God’s loving kindness and to share this with others.

The vows each Sister pronounces are of chastity, poverty, obedience and apostolic service.

While pages could be written about the diverse and maintained ministries in which the Sisters have been involved they view their major achievement has been to provide hands through which God’s Mercy has flowed to the people of North Queensland.

If further information is required about individual Sisters the following address is given:

The Archivist

Townsville Congregation Sisters of Mercy

P.O. Box 137

CASTLETOWN HYDE PARK QLD 4812

In writing to the Archivist, it would be appropriate that a financial contribution be made for the Archivist’s time and expertise.

Religious Orders or Congregations have released the details on their members. It is understood that the copyright of any material (including the listing of the names of the Sisters) relevant to a particular Order or Congregation in this publication remains with the relevant Order or Congregation.