Weavers of the Tapestry

Each religious institute over the years of its life weaves a story that is uniquely its own. The story of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland was begun before the first Sisters of Mercy ever set foot on the island of Newfoundland. The circumstances of the founding; the character, example, and teachings of the foundress; the sufferings, hardships, joys, and triumphs of the members; the accounts of new missions undertaken; and the tales of saintly and not-so-saintly individuals are all elements in a congregational history that has been passed down through the years and is still unfolding. While the tapestry is indeed woven from all the individual strands of the congregation's members, there are some who, through their wisdom, initiative, and courage, were the artists who gave the principal outline and shape to the tapestry. This book presents in truth and simplicity the story of a group of ordinary women who did ordinary things but who did them extraordinarily well. It is an attempt to capture the spirit that called young women to give up home, with all that this implies, in an attempt to bring a little more equality and justice to the world. They did this by educating the young, caring for the poor and the sick, and empowering people to take control of their own lives and destinies so that all people might live in dignity and peace.