Caribbean, Central America, South America
A Community of Mercy
In 2009, sisters and associates who form the Caribbean, Central America, South America (CCASA) Community came together as one of six Communities of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.
A mere 25 years after Catherine McAuley founded the congregation, in 1856, sisters made the long and arduous journey from Dublin, Ireland to Buenos Aires, Argentina and the first Latin American foundation was born. Mercy presence and mission arrived in Belize in 1883; Guyana 1894; Honduras and Panama 1959; Peru 1962; Chile 1965; Guatemala 1971. In joining to form one Community, each country brought with it a unique history and network of relationships.
Today more than 70 sisters and 200 associates are serving those in need. Our ministries in the eight countries range from formal education and healthcare to empowerment of women, care of children, aid to those suffering from poverty, literacy education, and pastoral responses to spiritual and temporal hungers. We also focus in a special way on problems of violence and trafficking of persons. In each of these ministries, we continue to live the spirit and rich heritage of our deep roots in mercy.
You can share in our mission by becoming a sister, associate, Mercy Volunteer Corps member, social justice advocate, or by making a donation to our life-giving ministries.
CCASA sisters and associates serve the most marginalized of society
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See what's happening in the CCASA community!
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The history of Mercy in CCASA (Caribbean, Central America, South America) is as rich, colorful and diverse as the 8 countries in which our Sisters minister.
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