On Monday, September 24th, the St. Mary Academy - Bay View community came together and celebrated Mercy Day - the anniversary of the opening of the first "House of Mercy" in Dublin, Ireland. Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, devoted her life to the poor, sick and uneducated, and on this day every year we continue to celebrate her legacy of caring and compassion.

For Mercy Day this year, Bay View unveiled a brand new, life-sized bronze statue of Catherine McAuley. The statue, created by Sister Marie Henderson, RSM, was commissioned through donations from alumnae, parents, students, Sisters of Mercy, and friends of the Academy.



After a beautiful and touching dedication and blessing ceremony that involved the whole Academy, Sister Marybeth Beretta, President of St. Mary Academy - Bay View, shared her thoughts on bringing Catherine home to Bay View.

"For all who will gaze upon [Catherine] when they arrive at Bay View [...] My hope and my prayer is that you see and grow to love and admire this woman of Mercy, who dedicated her life and compassionate service to others. May she remind each of us the joy we receive when we embody, radiate, and share the gift of Mercy with others. May we be inspired to keep Catherine's vision and mission alive today."

Thank you to all of the alumnae, parents, students, Sisters of Mercy, and friends of the Academy who helped us celebrate this special day.

The statue of Catherine McAuley now proudly stands in the center of the Mercy Hall circle, welcoming all who enter St. Mary Academy - Bay View.