Brighton

In June 1852, as a result of pleas from the Priests in Brighton, made through Bishop Grant (Southwark), the Bermondsey Community agreed to make its third Foundation in seven years. There was an urgent need for the Sisters to occupy a small house in Egremont Place recently vacated by French Sisters of Charity of St Paul. One Founder was Sr M Teresa Boyce who had received the Habit from Mother Catherine McAuley on December 12, 1839, spent her remaining thirty-three years in complete dedication to the service of those in need in Brighton. Mother M Angela Graham was appointed the first Superior, and later elected to that office several times until her death in 1895. ‘She loved the poor and they knew it.’ Evening Classes were provided for working girls and New Schools were opened (1854). In 1856 a Work Room was opened and a market for its produce secured in local shops. The house in Bedford Street became an Industrial School for girls. In 1860, suitable premises were secured for orphans already in the care of the Sisters. To help defray the costs of the various projects initiated on behalf of the poor, a Bazaar, organized mainly by titled ladies, was held in Brighton Pavilion and raised almost £600. In 1868 the Community responded to the request of a French Padre to make a Foundation in Guernsey, by sending seven Sisters. In December 1868 the future Founders of the Little Company of Mary – Mary Potter (from Bermondsey) – was admitted as a Postulant. Clothed as a Sister of Mercy in July 1869, Mary was given the name Aloysius. At the end of her year as a Novice, it was decided that her rather frail health indicated that her calling was not to the arduous life of a Sister of Mercy. Subsequent to the establishment of the Institute of Our Lady of Mercy – of which the Brighton Congregation was a founder member – the situation in St Joseph’s Home for the Elderly was reviewed in the light of current legislation. The Official Opening of the present Care Home took place in spring 1993 [Taken from http://www.ourladyofmercy.org.uk/ourstory/dsp-default.cfm?loadref=105. Accessed on 27 March 2013 by C Heron]