title: A Shining Lamp: The Oral Instructions of Catherine McAuley
author: Mary C. Sullivan
description: "<i>A Shining Lamp</i> reveals the heart and spirituality of Catherine McAuley, the 'why' of doing the works of mercy, spiritual and corporal. For any readerSisters of Mercy, Mercy co-workers, followers of Jesus the oral instructions provide glimpses into the motivation and inspiration of this extraordinary founder. At the core of Catherine's journey, 'resemblance to Jesus, charity, patient suffering, and humility' illuminate the path of mercy for her followers today. The Sisters of Mercy are indebted to the companions of Catherine who treasured and safeguarded her sayings, letters, poetry, and instructions as a gift to future generations. Sister Mary C. Sullivan, through her exemplary scholarship, now offers our Church these instructions as a contemporary interpretation for following Jesus Christ. -"Patricia McDermott, RSM, President, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
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  “You are both forthright and honest, my lady. I admire your plain, frank
  candor. After all my experience with dissemblers I have come across, it is
  refreshing to hear plain speaking. That I cannot fault.”
  
  Her eyes narrowed with suspicion at his words of praise and then she laughed.
  “You are chivalrous, sir. I respect that.”
  
  Her sudden and unexpected laughter was both joyous and warm. John suspected it
  was a long time since she had laughed at all. He suffered a slight sense of
  shock as, still smiling, she looked at him fully. There was something in her
  eyes that set his heart beating uncomfortably fast. He felt a great sense of
  excitement, and he could not but marvel at himself. She was a stranger to him
  with a mind of her own. Yet somehow he knew that beneath Catherine Stratton’s
  exterior there was a lush sensuality. Instinctively he knew, too, that no
  matter how arrogant she might conceivably be, she had that magic quality that
  could w