About 1840 there was a charitable community of religious women in Mechelen who lived from education and from lace work. They were called “Derde-Ordelingen” of the holy Franciscus of Assisi.

 

VFrom the year 1851 onwards, they form a convent community under the leadership of V. Scheppers, under the name of  The Sisters of our Holy Mary of Mercy. In 1854 it was Cardinal Sterckx who approved their rule. Seventeen sisters received their convent cloth. Catharina Peréé becomes their first prior as Sister Mary.  

 

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