This bronze is a fragmented arrangement taken from the original mould I made of Catherine McAuley (Founder of The Sisters of Mercy), as a public artwork for St Laurence's College, South Brisbane. In my research for her true likeness I visited Mercy House in Dublin. I was given a written description of her character and likeness. Her story inspired me, as she took in the destitute women from the streets of Dublin at that time (approx 1820). Catherine with other women helpers began to educate the homeless as education had been banned by the British for many years. The women established an order - The Sisters of Mercy. They were taught nursing by the doctors of Dublin Hospital. The Sisters of Mercy then collaborated with Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War, passing on their nursing knowledge. This story inspired me, with her depth of care for humanity and the wellbeing of the homeless women and the poor at that time of the Irish Rebellion. I saw Catherine as a light-bearer for these women surviving in a world that was ravaged by war, hunger, and loss. Her original garments were made with authentic cloth for textural effect.