Mercy Week

Honoring Our Heritage

On Sept. 24, 1827, in Dublin, Ireland, Catherine McAuley founded a home to shelter and educate young girls. This house would be the foundation for the Sisters of Mercy — and for 17 U.S. colleges and universities, including ours.

Each September, we celebrate this heritage during Mercy Week to coincide with the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy.

A Weeklong Celebration

Mercy Week features a variety of educational and service-related programming that brings our campus community together. We talk about current crises in our country and world, and think of ways the Mercy community can impact change. We also honor exceptional individuals at GMercyU for their commitment to service. Specific programming changes from year to year, but the Mercy message is always loud and clear.

Mercy Week 2026: September 21-26

This year's theme, "United in Mercy: Respecting the Dignity of Each Person," calls us to connect our history with the needs of today and to turn reflection into action. Join us for the activities that speak to you. Bring a friend, meet someone new, and help us carry the light of Mercy from our campus into the world.

Monday, September 21

Events TBA

Tuesday, September 22

Guided by Mercy, Bold in Justice: Sr. Cora Marie Billings' Legacy
Join us as we meet Sr. Cora Marie Billings, a Sister of Mercy whose story is one of faith in action -- breaking racial barriers, uplifting community, and reminding us that, guided by love and unwavering faith, true mercy calls us to confront injustice and answer, "What is critical to you?"
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: University Hall, Room 105
Sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and CORE Programs

Wednesday, September 23

UNV 101 Service Panel
Learn more about the UNV-101 service-learning experiences from faculty, staff, and students, and how it connects to mission and mercy.
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom

Additional events TBA

Thursday, September 24

Annual Mercy Mass
Time: TBA
Location: TBA