About

History

The Community of Mary, Mother of Mercy was founded by Louise Merrie Schrecongost in Albany, New York in 2014, after she felt called by God to help priests and had been visiting priests in nursing homes for three years. The organization began as a group of friends who prayed for priests, visited priests in nursing homes, and met for weekly meetings, led by our chaplain. Father John J. Rooney, a retired priest of the Albany Diocese, was our chaplain from May 2014 until his death in April 2016. Our chaplain is now Father Frank O’Connor. The Community was incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We hope to start chapters in every diocese to assist us in our mission.

Our Patron, Mary, Mother of Mercy

Our organization is named after Mary, under her title of Mother of Mercy because she is our model and mentor in living a merciful life and being spiritual mothers to priests. St. John Paul II taught that Mary, “through her sharing in the Messianic mission of her Son, was called in a special way to bring close to people that love which He had come to reveal: the love that finds its most concrete expression vis-à-vis the suffering, the poor, those deprived of their own freedom, the blind, the oppressed and sinners…” Mary is also the Mother of priests.

A Catholic Community

The Community of Mary, Mother of Mercy meets once a month with our chaplain, Father Frank O’Connor, at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Albany for prayer and reflection on Sacred Scripture. The meetings provide spiritual formation for members and unite us as a community through prayer. As more members join us, we plan to form groups in other parts of the Albany Diocese and in other regions of the United States. We also hope to start retreat centers to offer retreats for both laity and priests.

Board Members

Rev. Francis O’Connor – President

Dr. Michael Martinelli – Vice President

Clare Memole – Secretary

Rev. Brian Slezak – Treasurer

Louise Merrie Schrecongost