Profiles in Courage
Within this section of the Vocations Ireland website you will find information on thelife, mission and courage of the founders of the Catholic Church's Religious Orders. We hope this information will be of assistance in research regarding your call and vocation you may be doing at this present time.
St Eugene de Mazenod
Founder of the Missionay Oblates of Mary Immaculate
Eugene de Mazenod was described by his contemporaries as a man who had "a heart as big as the world". The impact of the French Revolution coupled with a profound experience of the love of God, led him to dedicate his life to the service of Jesus Christ and the Church. By founding the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate...
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The Venerable Catherine McAuley
Founder of the Sisters of Mercy
Catherine McAuley's father was prosperous, which was unusual at that time for Catholics were not allowed to own property or hold good jobs. When she inherited a considerable fortune at the age of 48, she chose to use it to build a house where she and other compassionate women could take in homeless women and children to provide care and an education for them.
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Mary Ward
Founder of the Loreto Sisters
Born in 1585 into a devout Catholic family in Yorkshire, from childhood Mary Ward knew religious persecution, not unlike trouble spots in today’s world: raids, imprisonment, execution. Frequently separated from her family for her own protection, Mary was inspired by their steadfast heroism. At age 15 Mary felt called to become a religious.
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