For 150 years, the Sisters of Mercy have helped shape life in the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. Their legacy can be seen in classrooms and hospitals, parishes and communities, all built on a foundation of Gospel faith and compassion.

Ten young women left Ireland in 1875 after accepting Bishop James Murray’s invitation to bring the Mercy mission to the Hunter Valley. They came with little more than courage, faith and a determination to serve.

These same values continue to shine through today’s Sisters.

“One of the driving forces for me has been hospitality,” Sister Liz Callen said.

“If I can open my heart to welcoming anybody at any time, it doesn’t matter what their problem is or who they are, I can open myself to them and I can receive from them as well.”

Sister Eileen Quade shared, “When Jesus said to Lazurus, come out and unbind him and set him free. This has been something that has kept me close to the Mercy charism. Many of my directions have been guided by that – how can I set this person free? That, to me, is mercy.”

Others recall the joy and inspiration of community life as the spark that first drew them.

“I grew up in the country, Catholic family, eldest, and the sisters encouraged us to think about this way of life. They were doing marvellous things and the sisters living in community were an inspiration. So, I found myself choosing that life as a young woman,” Sister Faith Jones said.

For the present-day Sisters, there is also deep admiration for the young women who first came from Ireland.

“I’m always amazed at the age of the people that came out there between 17 and 40, I think they left their homeland knowing that they never get back to Ireland. And that to me was just so generous and so amazing. That generosity continues to live on,” Sister Liz said.

In 2025, vocations to religious life are rare. Yet for Emma Llewellyn, the call is as strong as ever. She will make her final vows in November in Melbourne.

“This path and vocation provide me with joy and a sense of wholeness and fullness in my faith and relationship with God, and with my Mercy community. I find joy in living out my religious vows with like-minded and equally committed women of mercy,” Emma said.

“I experience great joy in meeting and journeying with people from diverse backgrounds, faiths and cultures, especially in the sharing of stories and points of connection with our Mercy story, charism and mission. As an educator, I hope I am able to enlighten, encourage and empower young people to be the very best they can be for the betterment of our common home,” she said.

“When I first felt God’s call, I was surprised and even opposed to the crazy notion of religious life, especially because of societal expectations and the fact that not many young people are responding in this way. Over time, I have come to know and trust in God’s love and providence, which has helped me to overcome any uncertainty or anxiety, and have the courage to follow my heart.”

Emma’s words echo the sentiments of Sisters who have gone before her.

Sister Mary O’Hearn said,

“We've had to be strong. We've had to be strong and many times over. We were able to engage at a much wider level by being true to ourselves as women and as religious and as followers of Catherine. I think, well, if Catherine can do it, I can do it. I think we are very much inspired and driven by what we know as the Catherine spirit, and we look around and see other strong women that we can join.”

From founding schools to establishing the Mater Hospital, expanding to Papua New Guinea, and continuing to serve those in need locally, there is much to celebrate on this 150-year anniversary.

As Justine McMahon, Head of Programs at Mercy Works, reflects, “Those Mercys I’ve come across are humble but strong. This resonates with me because I think it’s a good approach to life.”

And yet true to their values, the Sisters approach this milestone with humility.

“Our achievements, but our generosity and compassion, are what we celebrate. The mercy spirit doesn’t just belong to the sisters, it belongs to everybody, and we all have it. I am sure that our work will go on. Mercy will go on,” Sister Liz said.

Their voices tell the story best. Watch our video to hear directly from the Sisters about their calling and the impact of Mercy in our Diocese.