Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy (Ireland): Analysis of the governance structures.

Abstract

This dissertation analyses the evolution of the governance structures of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy (Ireland), since its foundation by Catherine McAuley in Dublin, Ireland, in 1831. The topic is subdivided into four questions: (1) What form of governance did the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy inherit from its historical roots? (2) What factors prompted the change of governance that had begun to take place in some Irish dioceses as early as 1860? (3) What considerations motivated the eventual move towards a centralised form of government in 1994? (4) What are the implications of this development? We have attempted to answer these questions in four organically related chapters by, first of all, tracing the growth and expansion of the Congregation in its historical and social context, and then examining the various changes that were implemented in its governance structures between 1841 and 1994, in response to ecclesiastical legislation. Chapter I situates the foundation of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy in nineteenth century Ireland as we look at the political, economic, and ecclesiastical contexts. Chapter II examines the ecclesiastical legislation that pertained especially to apostolic religious congregations of women in the twentieth century. In Chapter III we trace the restructuring of the governance structures of the Congregation in response to the Second Vatican Council's mandate for adaptation and renewal. Chapter IV examines the structure of the new congregational government that came into being in July 1994. Finally, a number of conclusions to be drawn from unification are proposed. These concern structures, internationality, inculturation, collaboration in ministry, and new forms of membership.