When Pope Leo XIV was photographed holding a Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School t-shirt, it sparked joy and pride across the school’s Southwest Side campus, creating a powerful connection between the Chicago community and the Vatican.
John Kyler, Director of Mission & Ministry and Division Lead for Theology at Mother McAuley, said the moment carried deep meaning for the entire school.
“Seeing the pope with a Mother McAuley t-shirt is deeply meaningful for our entire community,” Kyler said. “It’s a reminder that our Mercy mission reaches far beyond our campus, connecting us not only to the global Church but also to the long and living legacy of Catherine McAuley. For our students, it’s a powerful affirmation that their faith, service and voices matter and that the spirit of Mercy they embody continues to inspire others around the world.”
In early October, students in McAuley’s Theology classes mailed a packet to the pope that included handwritten letters, a Mother McAuley t-shirt, and several meaningful items. The letters shared prayers and encouragement for the beatification of Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy.
The packet also included a photograph of Pope Leo XIV’s aunt, Sister Mary Sulpice Martinez, RSM, who was a Sister of Mercy, along with a picture of her grave marker at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip. McAuley students had cleaned and tended her grave during Mercy Week as part of their service activities.
Kyler said the decision to send the t-shirt was made to represent the heart of the school’s community and mission.
“We wanted to include something that symbolized our school community and the Mercy tradition we live each day,” Kyler said. “The t-shirt represents the joy, unity and commitment to faith and service that define Mother McAuley, and it served as a simple but heartfelt gift to accompany our prayers and letters.”
For students like Peer Minister Sarah Clark, a senior from Chicago’s Mount Greenwood neighborhood, the experience has been deeply inspiring.
“It was an honor to connect with such an important figure in our faith,” said Clark, 17. “I’m grateful that Mother McAuley gives me opportunities to not only serve as a minister but sincerely help shape our church and world. Writing these letters is just one example of these opportunities.”
What began as a classroom faith project has now become a symbol of unity and hope, showing that the McAuley mission of Mercy continues to reach far beyond Chicago, even to the heart of the Vatican.
Thank you for the article you circulated about Mother McAuley College and its Mercy mission. You gave us encouragement and courage. We have set up a Mercy Mission office recently as we realize we have neglected to educate and spread awareness of our mission. We work hard with and for the marginalized within Mukuru informal sector in Nairobi, yet our staff may not be aware of why we do this work. They may never have hear of Catherine McAuley our founders. We really needed this encouragement as we struggle with the cost and logistics of setting up this mission office and funding the director of mission