Ireland ; Dublin: statue of Catherine McAuley and sister in front of Mercy International Centre. Mercy International Centre in Dublin s the heritage; hospitality and spiritual center for the worldwide Mercy Community; also called Mercy International Community (MIA). This original house was established by Catherine McAuley and is a memorial also to her; a place of pilgrimage for sisters; associates; and friends of Sisters of Mercy. The Dublin born Venerable Mother Catherine Elizabeth McAuley (29 September 1778 - 11 November 1841) was an Irish religious sister who founded the Sisters of Mercy in 1831. The women's congregation is associated with teaching especially in Ireland; where the sisters taught Catholics and at times Protestants when education was limited to members of the Church of Ireland. Here; in June 1824; the cornerstone was laid for the House of Mercy. On the feast of Our Lady of Mercy; 24 September 1827; the new institution for destitute women; orphans; and schools for the poor was opened and McAuley; with two companions; undertook its management.