Foundation to Moorfields, East End London from Convent of Mercy, Wexford 1858.
“During the summer of 1858 with the approbation of Cardinal Wiseman, an application came from the Very Rev. Patterson of Moorfields, London who had charge of the Poor Schools for a foundation to replace some Ursuline nuns who found the place unsuited for their work and who repaired to Upton. After a little correspondence between the Very Rev. Dr. Gilbert, Senior Priest of the Mission (and a native of Co. Wexford) and the Right Rev. T. Furlong, Bishop of the Diocese and the Rev. Mother M. Evangelist Walsh, the foundation was agreed to and the little band consisting of Sr. M. Joseph Kearney, Sr. M. Vincent Walsh, Sr. M. Josephine Power, Margaret Codd (Postulant), Anne Kenny ( Postulant) and Sr. Veronica lent temporarily with Rev. Mother, left St. Michael’s on the 22nd September in time to arrive and open the new convent, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, on the feast of Our Lady of Mercy. The Sisters were received very warmly by the priests of Moorfields and after some days Cardinal Wiseman visited the convent and appointed Sr. M. Joseph, Mother Superior and Sister M, Vincent, Mother Assistant.” (Wexford Annals 1858)
A new school had just been built on a site adjoining the church and a house , 12 Bond Street, was for their use. At the rear of the house were stables which were renovated and in 1860 a night’s shelter was opened for 14 women under the management of the Sisters.
Some years later the Sisters were refused permission to renew the lease of their house a new convent was built for them in Crispin Street. They took charge of the adjoining refuge extending down Crispin Street called Providence Row. Hundreds received lodgings and food nightly during the winter months, no distinction being made of class or creed. It was supported by many eminent names including the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Norfolk, the Duke of Cambridge, the Earl of Denbigh, the Lord Mayor of London and especially by Ft. Gilbert’s own family.
The first Mass in the new convent was celebrated 24 September 1868. Providence Row, was formally opened by Cardinal Manning on the 8th December 1868.
At the beginning of the 20th century the school accommodation was condemned as inadequate and at their own expense the community built a new school adjoining the Providence Row Refuge. Significant additions were made to Providence Row over the years and other hostels and refuges were opened in other places. In the early 1970s there was closer collaboration between Providence Row Charity and the Housing Association.
The Charity now works in partnership with the Sisters of Mercy and Providence Row Housing Association to provide emergency help and long-term support. Today the work remains true to its Christian values and the Mercy charism and everyone is helped regardless of their beliefs. Many of the people are homeless, some suffer from depression and loneliness, are vulnerable, many have been in care and some have served in the armed forces. Providence Row strives to improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable and impoverished in society.
In the words of Sr. Philomena, Mercy Sister from video Calming the Storm, 2021. “Generations of Sisters of Mercy have devoted their lives to the people who came to Providence Row. Some were in key positions, most were volunteers. This last group included many sisters who were teachers during the day and served meals to the homeless in the evening. We are not actively involved now, however, we continue to support financially, are represented on the Boards of Trustees and all of us, whether connected with Providence Row personally or not, hold its continuing mission in our hearts and in our prayers.”
Sources
Annals Convent of Mercy ,Wexford 1858
Trees of Mercy, Sisters of Mercy of Great Britain from 1839. Pub.1993.
Union of Sisters of Mercy, Great Britain, web site.
Calming the Storm, video 2021.
Southern Province 