GUYANA
The Sisters of Mercy celebrated the 130th anniversary of their presence in Guyana, September 29, with a Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Main Street, Georgetown. Msgr Terrence Montrose celebrated the Mass.
Catholic Standard reported Msgr Montrose spoke of the good work done and that which continues to be done by the Sisters of Mercy in Guyana. He noted that what is remarkable is that the Sisters of Mercy are collaborators who ensure they have support from those in society.
Over these past 130 years, the Sisters have responded to the needs of the Church and the people of Guyana.
The Sisters of Mercy in Guyana minister in literacy and alternative education programmes, in health care administration and provision, in empowerment programmes for women, and meeting the personal, pastoral, and spiritual needs of the people.
The diocesan weekly stated that in 1892, Sisters Ursula Green and Antonia Chambers left Midhurst, England, arrived in Barbados and opened a school. They were joined by a young Guyanese woman, Pauline DeFreitas. In 1894, Bishop Anthony Butler SJ invited the Sisters to work and establish schools in then British Guiana as the need for teachers was “more acute”.
The three Sisters arrived April 23, 1894, and settled in Charlestown. They were placed in charge of Charlestown Government school May 1, which was situated near the convent. The school later became known as Carmel RC school, named after Sr Carmelita Hartman.
“In 1895, Sr Pauline was asked to open a private school for girls, later known as the Sacred Heart RC School. In 1897, the Sisters began classes in secondary education in their community room, the beginning of St Joseph High School,” stated Catholic Standard.
In 1899, the school became a boarding school as well. The first boarder later entered the Sisters of Mercy and became Sr Gabriel, and a renowned principal of St Joseph High School. Other Mercy Sisters came from Ireland and England.
In 1898, at the request of the bishop, three Sisters from Charlestown travelled to the Rupununi to establish a mission among the Amerindians at Takatu.
However, this mission did not last.
In the early 1900s, foundations were started at Santa Rosa, Mabaruma, Morawhanna and Hosororo. In 1902, the Sisters were asked to take over the John Bosco Orphanage, in Plaisance.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS