Charism and “Careful Instruction”

By Mary Kate Becker, Associate Director, Mercy Education

“Nothing is more productive of good to society than the careful instruction of women.” – Catherine McAuley 

My spiritual director once told me, “We all stand on the shoulders of someone who gave us a shot.” Isn’t that a core aspect of our charism? I can almost hear Catherine McAuley saying something like this to the young women she mentored. Catherine herself knew what this meant, as she had careful instruction from her beloved Callaghans. The young women she took in at the first House of Mercy likely didn’t have anyone else give them a chance. When she looked into their eyes, did she see herself? Did she see the face of Jesus?

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” (Matthew 25:35)

The women Catherine and her companions took in were likely hungry for connection, hungry to be seen, hungry to be loved.

Who is Christ calling us to show mercy to?

I see the face of Catherine in the young women I previously served in Mercy High School, Farmington Hills, Michigan. They are the next generation of young women who are living into our charism—young women, who like Catherine, see a need in society and think, “What can I do?”

I see the face of Catherine in the heads of school I have met, mission leaders who have reflected that when they are looking for inspiration and strength for the journey, they “think of Catherine.”

I see the face of Catherine in the prophets among us: global climate activists who speak with urgency and hope, urging us to care for creation and protect the future of our planet; local leaders working for peace and nonviolence in our homes and in our schools; faith leaders who continue to point us towards Christ and mercy.

Charism is a gift given to us by the Holy Spirit. Our Mercy charism is focused on this sense of inclusion, hospitality, and accompaniment. What Catherine did in her ministry was often misunderstood and at the time considered foolish and countercultural, and it likely infuriated many people. She was a woman of faith situated in the political climate and culture of her time. She opened a house for impoverished women in the heart of Ireland’s most elite. Some may have viewed her choice to use her inheritance to serve women as imprudent. Yet, she was inspired by the Spirit. She was living into her calling.

I am struck by the word “careful” in the above quote. This isn’t just any kind of teaching. She uses the phrase “careful instruction.” There is an implied intentionality in this charge. We must take good care of the task we are called to do— this sacred calling we each have heard as Mercy educators, in that still-small voice that has brought us to our various schools, with the students we have served and will serve in the future. We must remain open-hearted. Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Go with God.