Today marks the anniversary of the birth of Mother Mary Aikenhead. On the 19th of January 1787, Mary Aikenhead was born in County Cork to Dr. David Aikenhead, a wealthy Scottish-Protestant and his wife, Mary Stackpole, an aristocratic Irish Catholic.
Following a conversion to the Catholic faith in her teenage years, Mary travelled to York’s Loreto Bar Convent, to follow her calling to be taught in the spirit and traditions of religious life. Mary established a rich prayer life, learning the practice of praying at all times, living in God’s presence, and seeking Him in all things.
Mary returned to Dublin in 1815 and established the Religious Sisters of Charity, the first Congregation of Sisters who would go on to do great works in the community.
Annually we celebrate Mary Aikenhead on this day, admiring her courage to lead in helping the less fortunate, something she committed her life to doing. Mary Aikenhead’s life story teaches us that no act of compassion or service is too little, and that every one of us can positively impact the lives of others less fortunate. May the same Spirit of ‘giving to the poor what the rich can buy for money’ continue to live long in our congregation and communities.
Join us today in prayer to mark the celebration of the birth of our foundress.
