Salve Regina's story
reaches back in time almost 200 years, to Ireland and a wealthy Dubliner named
Catherine McAuley. Deeply aware of the plight of the poor, Catherine built a
center where they could be sheltered, cared for and educated. After professing
her vows as the first Religious Sister of Mercy in 1831, Catherine and her
associates devoted themselves to alleviating the suffering and misery that was
devastating Ireland at the time.
The Sisters of Mercy
carried out their works of mercy among the people and became known as "The Walking
Sisters" because they were seen out of their convents walking on streets and roads,
unlike other religious women of that time. The sisters provided the poor not only
with immediate help, but also with the valuable tools of education to help them
break out from the poverty and ignorance that threatened to destroy them.
For nearly two centuries, the Sisters of Mercy have maintained a strong presence throughout
the world, and have been deeply involved in education, health care, pastoral
ministry and social services. Spanning the United States is a network of
universities and secondary and elementary schools sponsored by the Sisters of
Mercy, who are assisted in their education ministry by well-qualified lay
faculty, staff and administrators.
Outstanding among these
institutions is Salve Regina, whose story continues today with faculty and
administration accepting the challenge of preparing students for active roles within
a global society. The University offers students an academically rigorous course
of study in various disciplines that integrate responsible citizenship and
public service. The interconnection of academic programs forms a stable
foundation for the student to reflect and learn within the context of Catholic values.
As Salve
Regina grows, it remains firmly rooted in the heritage of its rich past. The
vision which energized the Sisters of Mercy at the University's founding remains
the same today, shared now by thousands of graduates, students, faculty, administrators
and staff: Salve Regina, a Catholic university of distinction, will graduate
men and women who positively impact the intellectual, spiritual and cultural
life of their respective communities and work for a world that is harmonious,
just and merciful. It is this vision that contains the promise of the
University's future.