The Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy (OLM) have been a cornerstone of charitable service in South Carolina since their establishment in 1829. Inspired by the Vincentian tradition, the Sisters have committed themselves to addressing the spiritual and corporal needs of the communities they serve.

Historical Overview

The Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy traces its origins to a remarkable moment in American Catholic history. In 1829, while attending the First Provincial Council of Bishops in Baltimore, Bishop John England of Charleston encountered four young women who expressed a desire to dedicate their lives to religious service under his guidance. Their shared vision led them to Charleston, where they arrived on November 23, 1829. Just weeks later, on December 8, Bishop England formally established the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy.

The fledgling congregation wasted no time in pursuing its mission. In 1830, the Sisters opened their first school for girls in their residence on Friend Street. This marked the beginning of their enduring commitment to education. Four years later, in 1834, the growing community moved to a larger house on Beaufain Street, which served as a convent, orphanage, and the Academy of Our Lady of Mercy. By 1835, the Sisters had secured recognition from the South Carolina Legislature, becoming an incorporated community.

The Sisters quickly became known for their compassionate response to pressing social needs. In 1838, they cared for patients in a temporary hospital established for the Brotherhood of San Marino. A year later, they opened St. Mary’s Free School for girls, a mission of education and empowerment that lasted until 1906.

In 1840, Bishop England laid the cornerstone for the Queen Street Motherhouse, a significant milestone for the growing congregation. Tragically, just two years later, Bishop England passed away, leaving a legacy of faith and service that the Sisters carried forward. Leadership passed to Sister Teresa Barry, who became the Community’s Superior in 1844.

Throughout the 19th century, the Sisters expanded their ministries despite the challenges of war and societal change. During the Civil War, they established St. Joseph’s Academy in Sumter in 1863, providing education amid the chaos. In the post-war years, they took on new responsibilities, including opening St. Francis Xavier Hospital in Charleston in 1882, a beacon of healing and care.

The turn of the century brought continued growth and adaptation. Under the leadership of Mother Loretto Quinlan, the Sisters launched a Nurses’ Training School at St. Francis Xavier Hospital in 1900. They also extended their educational mission, staffing parochial schools and taking charge of institutions like St. Angela Academy in Aiken, South Carolina.

By their centennial in 1929, the Sisters had established a wide-ranging network of schools, hospitals, and social services. They celebrated their legacy of service while continuing to evolve. In 1949, the congregation adopted a new name, becoming the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy, and embraced a revised Constitution.

The latter half of the 20th century saw the Sisters expanding their outreach beyond Charleston. They opened the Divine Savior Infirmary in York, South Carolina, and established regional centers for catechetical instruction. Their influence extended to New Jersey, where they began teaching in parochial schools.

In the 1970s and beyond, the Community turned its focus to social justice and outreach initiatives. The OLM Outreach program, established in 1989 on Johns Island, provided vital services to underserved populations. This mission expanded in 1999 with the opening of a Wellness Center and a Volunteer House.

As the Sisters celebrated their 175th anniversary in 2004, they reflected on their deep roots in humility, simplicity, and charity, while looking confidently toward the future. The Congregation joined the Sisters of Charity Federation in 1994, connecting them to a broader network of religious communities committed to serving the most vulnerable.

Today, the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy stand as a testament to nearly two centuries of unwavering dedication to faith, education, healthcare, and outreach. Their enduring legacy inspires hope and transformation, embodying a mission that continues to flourish in a changing world.

Current Ministries

Education: The Sisters have a longstanding commitment to education, having operated numerous schools and educational programs throughout their history. Their efforts have provided quality education to countless individuals, fostering both academic and spiritual growth.

Healthcare: Healthcare has been a significant focus for the Sisters, beginning with the establishment of St. Francis Xavier Hospital in 1882. Their dedication to caring for the sick and infirm continues to be a cornerstone of their ministry.

Community Outreach: The OLM Sisters sponsor several outreach programs, including the Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Services, which began in 1989. This organization provides educational, health, and outreach services to people in need on James, Johns, and Wadmalaw Islands, as well as at the Neighborhood House in Charleston. Services include emergency assistance, dental and prenatal care, life skills classes, English as a Second Language, GED instruction, after-school tutoring, and a summer enrichment camp.

Ministry of Prayer: Prayer is central to the life and mission of the OLM Sisters. They view prayer as a means to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and to discern their common mission. The Ministry of Prayer is integral to their service, providing spiritual support to their various ministries and the broader community.

Vincentian Character

The Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy embody the Vincentian virtues of humility, simplicity, and charity. Their mission statement reflects a commitment to living prayerfully in a supportive community dedicated to serving God’s people. They strive to carry out their consecration in the spirit of the Beatitudes, with the humility, simplicity, and compassion evidenced by their patroness, Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

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For nearly two centuries, the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy have been a testament to the enduring power of faith in action. Through their unwavering commitment to education, healthcare, and community service, they have profoundly impacted countless lives, embodying the merciful love of Christ in their daily endeavors.