St Catharine’s Convent of Mercy

In July 1858, Sister Mary Juliana accompanied Mother Mary Clare McNamara to Scotland to start the Edinburgh Foundation to help with the education and instruction of the Catholic poor whose numbers had been swollen by the influx of Irish and Italian immigrants. Even then, many non-Catholics among the Scottish aristocracy identified with the small community and helped them to alleviate the social miseries of the day.

Since then, as its influence has grown, and support has been received, the Convent has become a shining symbol and example of effective work against hardship and social exclusion.

It is run by the selfless Sister Aelred and this is what she, with help from her friends, does in a year -

Serves approximately 90,000 meals; helps in finding accommodation; offers shower and toilet facilities; runs support groups for addicts; provides changes of clothing; helps in setting up house; makes visits to prison; gives guidance with job applications; offers bereavement services; provides a letter writing service; gives talks to schools, churches and other groups and proffers counselling; makes visits to hospitals; helps in seeking medical assistance and transport to hospital; is a voice for the voiceless.

Mercy, St Catharine’s believes, is as simple as sharing bread, as wide as loving people into wholeness and as challenging as working for global justice. Which is why, accepting them as they are to others, regardless of colour, race or creed, we provide them with financial support.

Web Site: http://www.mercycentre.org.uk

Email: aelred@btopenworld.com