The Call to Mercy—From Ennis to Middletown, 1872 to 2022

The Call to Mercy

From Ennis to Middletown 1872 to 2022

On Friday, May 6, 2022, the Mercy community gathered in the school auditorium to remember the 150th Anniversary of the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy in Middletown.

The first seven women, who responded faithfully to the call to be missionaries among the people of Connecticut, especially the Town of Middletown, were celebrated and remembered. These seven women brought the spirit of Mother Catherine McAuley and Mother Frances Warde with them and were filled with the vision of their foundresses. They were tenacious, strong-willed women with irrepressible spirits. The Sisters who followed them were of the same character, resolve and dedication.

The Mercy community observance was highlighted by a touching play recalling the Sisters’ journey, written by Campus Minister Ann Derbacher and directed by teachers Michele Miano Dastoli ’03, Lorra Webb and Sara Brugger. Mercy’s registrar, Sr. Peggy O’Neill, RSM observed, “From the opening song ‘Women of Mercy’ to ‘Circle of Mercy’ at the conclusion of the performance, the Mercy High School singers, readers, and actors beautifully told the remarkable story of the first Sisters of Mercy. It was a glorious day to celebrate, honor and thank the seven Sisters of Mercy who answered the call to leave Ennis, Ireland in 1872 and come to Middletown, Connecticut. And this was a special day to remember and to celebrate all the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, especially those who have served the Middletown community during the past 150 years,” she added. “The play touched my heart!” exclaimed Sr. Georgeann Vumbaco, RSM ’67. “I was very impressed with the students and faculty that were involved with the play. It was very moving. The songs and acting brought us back to what the first Sisters of Mercy experienced in Middletown.” After the reenactment, a reading of the mayoral proclamation declaring Saturday, May 7 as Sisters of Mercy Day was offered.

The Call to

From Ennis to Middletown 1872 to 2022

Deeply rooted in a rich heritage sustained by a 150-year tradition, grounded by a community of friends diverse in culture and united in faith, we remember the Sisters of Mercy and celebrate the God of Mercy who has blessed us over these 150 years of mission in Middletown. In gratitude and confidence we anticipate the promises of the future.

On Saturday, April 23, a moving memorial service organized by Theology instructor Margaret Malafronte P ’07, ’12 was held at the gravesite of the original Sisters of Mercy. Members of the Mercy High School community, led by a bagpiper, processed with floral bouquets to place on each of the headstones. A student-produced video of the prayer service was included in the May 6th presentation. After the reenactment and proclamation speech on May 6th, many visitors enjoyed viewing the timeline on display in the school’s Library and joining the Mercy community for a cup of tea.

To watch the video of the play and to read the entire inspirational story of the Sisters of Mercy arrival in the United States, and the specific group who arrived in Middletown in 1872, please visit this page on our website, https://www.mercyhigh.com/page/the-call-to-mercy or search The Call To Mercy on our website. Read about the legacy and charism of the Sisters of Mercy that will never be forgotten, because of the good people of Middletown and neighboring communities whose lives were forever touched by these Sisters. Their stories and enduring example will always be with us, in our minds and hearts.