Mother M. Stanislaus O’Malley founded the Sisters of Mercy in Vermont, USA. The Convent in Burlington, Vermont, was established first as a branch house of Manchester, New Hampshire, before becoming a separate autonomous foundation in 1876. Although an earlier attempt at a Vermont foundation in 1872 had failed, Mother M. Frances Warde dispatched Stanislaus and three other sisters to establish this foundation in Burlington.

Burlington attracted many new members and quickly established a strong presence. The Sisters prioritised education and also dedicated time to visiting the sick in their homes and carrying out other works of Mercy.

Mother M. Stanislaus O’Malley was born in Ireland in 1846. She entered the Sisters of Mercy in Manchester, New Hampshire, and was professed in 1871.

Mother M. Stanislaus was deeply concerned with the education of young women, much like Catherine McAuley. The Sisters in Vermont rapidly expanded their ministry to include a wide range of corporal and spiritual works of Mercy in the tradition of Catherine McAuley.

While establishing the new autonomous foundation, Mother M. Stanislaus encountered numerous difficulties. In 1885, she constructed Mount St. Mary Academy, a massive endeavour given her limited resources.

Her small community farmed, cleared land, and carried out many works of Mercy.  

The Sisters of Mercy in Vermont served in many schools. In addition, they ministered to the sick and elderly and served in parishes, prisons, and many diocesan institutions. They expanded to 50 locations in the state of Vermont and had a considerable impact on the educational and social justice sectors. 

Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington, The Sisters of Mercy in Vermont. Accessed 29 April 2024. https://www.vermontcatholic.org/vermont/the-sisters-of-mercy-in-vermont/

Burlington Free Press, History Space: Sisters of Mercy devoted to mission. Accessed 29 April 2024. https://eu.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/local/2015/07/31/history-space-sisters-mercy-devoted-mission/30890053/

Paula Diann Marlin, "Earliest Pioneer Sisters of Mercy in the Americas", Mercy International Association. Accessed 29 April 2024. https://www.mercyworld.org/catherine/mercy-foundresses/earliest-pioneer-sisters-of-mercy-in-the-americas/

Eulalia Herron, “THE WORK OF THE SISTERS OF MERCY IN THE NEW ENGLAND STATES.” Records of the American Catholic Historical Society of Philadelphia 35, no. 1 (1924): 57–100. Accessed 30 April 2024. http://www.jstor.org/stable/44208607.