WIDE VARIETY OF VISITORS

 ​A Muslim, an Anglican, a Methodist and two Catholics: an example of one of the recent pilgrimage groups to walk through the Holy Door at the Convent of Mercy in Handsworth.  As a designated Place of Pilgrimage for the Year of Mercy, the Convent is, on a daily basis, welcoming all sorts of people to St Mary’s – young and old, and of various beliefs and cultures – for a time of reflection. Pilgrims can explore the story of the Sisters of Mercy and their inspirational Foundress, Catherine McAuley and at the same time enjoy the beautiful convent building – a little known architectural gem by Augustus Welby Pugin, who also designed St Chad’s Cathedral.  The Convent opened in 1841, a few months after St Chad’s.
It’s a tranquil setting not far from Birmingham city centre but a million miles away from the hustle and bustle. Pilgrims are invited to stroll around the Convent and marvel at the painstakingly restored interiors with their glowing colours, hand painted tiles and ornate carvings. A stunning cloister is lined with an historical exhibition detailing the early benefactors of St Mary’s, including John Hardman and John Talbot the 16th Earl of Shrewsbury; they both wanted to address poverty in Birmingham.  The cloister overlooks a peaceful garden offering a place for meditation.

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Inside the Chapel, pilgrims get the chance to sit on the chair used by the Italian missionary Priest, Blessed Dominic Barberi, when he heard the Sisters’ confessions, in the 1840s. Each pilgrim is invited to come to the seat and at the same time to let go of any painful burdens.
In a letter written in 1841 Catherine McAuley gave a description of the Convent Chapel: “The stained glass and the ceiling of the Chapel, with the word “Mercy” at least one hundred times in varied characters, are very beautiful. It may be said that the Sisters are surrounded with Mercy.”

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