Venerable Mary Catherine McAuley Wooden Doll Ornament

Handmade original Venerable Mary Catherine McAuley Wooden Doll Ornament. Perfect for the Christmas Tree. Bring out on her feast day. Gift for a birthday or sacrament (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Holy Orders, Marriage) celebration. Teacher, priest, grandparent gift.

Born in 1778 in Dublin, Ireland the eldest of 3 in a city of aristocratic mansions and Europe’s most unsanitary slums where huge numbers of poor lived deprived and powerless. This paradox birthed the Penal Code aimed at reducing the Catholic Irish to the “status of a miserable people without property or education.” Her father’s faith and love for the poor remained a vivid memory after his death in 1783 and as a young woman was fortunately counseled by priest friends. Upon mother’s death, at 20 she moved into the Coolock House to care for an elderly childless couple (non-practicing Anglican and practicing Quaker) vehemently anti-Catholic; she nursed them in charity, in time free to attend Mass. The couple became Catholic before their death, entrusting their estate to her. Went to Paris to study the work of nuns in the slums; moved back to Dublin, building a home that would become the House of Mercy, with a school for young women and refuge for the needy. Known for her prayer, “Suscipe” (Take).

Made of wood, felt, ribbon, and handmade accessories. Includes tag and card with Saint description. Approximately 4" tall. Packaged in cellophane bag. Shipped in box with bubble wrap.