Mary Aquin O'Neill, RSM, Ph.D.
The Ecclesial Experience of the Sisters of Mercy as Reflected in the Constitutions
Sister Mary Aquin traces the evolution of the Sisters of Mercy by analyzing how their Constitutions have changed over the past century. She explains the initial principles held dear by the sisters and their founder, Catherine McAuley, in outlining the original Constitutions. She then compares this document to the 1955 and 1992 versions, and detects a worrisome shift in priorities from those traditionally associated with the Sisters of Mercy, (such as extensive community service and charity) toward an emphasis on Church law and community rules.