From the Archives

The impact of the Sisters of Mercy on the Church in Oklahoma is profound. Having arrived at Sacred Heart in Konawa on July 9, 1884, four courageous sisters began to carve out their niche on the expansive, and sometimes unforgiving, plains.

The sisters came as educators and brought the faith to countless children throughout the state of Oklahoma. They began, and still maintain a connection with, Mount St. Mary Catholic High School in Oklahoma City. Understanding that ministry and being Christ to others could take other forms such as health care, they adjusted accordingly. 

When a mine explosion occurred in the Krebs community in 1892, the sisters suspended their small school to serve the injured. In fact, this led to the building of a hospital in McAlester, about three miles from Krebs, that was under their care from 1902 to 1906. With the Influenza of 1918, the sisters ministered to the sick and dying and offered consolation to the survivors.
Given the history of the order, and seeing a need for increased healthcare services, Oklahoma City General Hospital was acquired and the name was changed to Mercy Hospital. 

Mercy Hospital, by its location in the city’s core, eventually expanded to a 225-bed institution. Notably, the hospital and nursing school discriminated against no one regardless of race, color or creed.

Due to the quality of care offered, the hospital eventually outgrew the capabilities of the facility. The hospital was inadequate for the expansion of the mission and land was sought elsewhere for a new facility to be constructed. 

When the location of the land was announced, many scratched their heads, as it was located in the farthest northwest reaches of the city on Memorial road. In 1974, it was surrounded by pastures and seemingly endless, empty land. 

As was the case in most every venture undertaken by the Sisters of Mercy, their vision, insight and forward thinking was impeccable. This location was perfect, as the city expanded rapidly, and now Memorial is a thriving retail area with many neighborhoods close by. 

At its opening in 1975, the convent for the Oklahoma City community at the new Mercy Hospital would provide space for 31 sisters, both active and retired, moving from their old home at Mount St. Mary. Many of the sisters still worked in administration and some had ministerial assignments outside of the hospital. It also became a center for hospitality of sisters from other regions who were welcomed with open arms. 

As the years passed, the community began to decrease in size as vocations were not plentiful. No longer serving in hospital ministry, the remaining sisters either retired or worked in the community in some other capacity. In 2023, only four Sisters of Mercy remained at the convent.

The decision was made to close the convent and the remaining sisters would return to the Motherhouse in Saint Louis, Missouri. Two sisters remained in Oklahoma. Sister Diane Kouri, continues to be an active catechist and leader of retreats in Oklahoma City, and Sister Carolyn Stoutz works for Mercy Hospital in Ardmore. A Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated at the convent chapel on Feb. 23, with Archbishops Coakley and Beltran in attendance, as well as Abbot Lawrence, five priests, two deacons, friends of the community and sisters from other states.

Effectively ending the more than 150-year presence of the Sisters of Mercy in Oklahoma, except for the previously mentioned sisters, the Church in Oklahoma has lost a powerful voice that spoke clearly about the true call to discipleship. 

Through their example and tireless work, they provided education and healthcare throughout Oklahoma and made the lives of the people they touched better. 

As Oklahoma Catholics, we are forever in their debt.


Photo: Archbishop Coakley celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving for the Sisters of Mercy on Feb. 23 at the convent chapel in Oklahoma City. Photo Chris Stiles.