On August 18, 2026, under the patronage of Dr. The Most Honourable Andrew Holness (Prime Minister of Jamaica), the Sisters of Mercy of Jamaica hosted the official opening of the Alpha Mercy Historical Centre (AMHC). The AMHC stands as a lasting tribute to the unwavering faith, selfless sacrifice, and dedicated service of the Sisters of Mercy of Jamaica. The brainchild of the late Sister Theresa Lowe Ching, the Centre celebrates the Sisters’ enduring love for the Jamaican people and preserves the remarkable legacy they have built through generations of compassionate ministry and service.
At the AMHC, visitors will embark on a journey through the Sisters’ remarkable history of service in Jamaica, tracing their impact from their earliest beginnings in the late 1800s through to the present day. Along the way, visitors will also gain a rare glimpse into religious life, learn about the personal stories of individual Sisters, witness the community’s resilience during periods of hardship, and discover what Mercy ministries are like today.
The journey towards the development of the Centre spanned several years and involved a variety of committed stakeholders. Having come up with the idea of the AMHC, Sister Theresa Lowe Ching mobilized local Mercy Associates to raise funds for the initial phase of development. After some time, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism (the Honourable Minister Edmund Bartlett), and the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) offered a major donation towards the construction of the space.
Once constructed, a team was formed to generate accurate and engaging content which would populate the exhibits inside. Sister Paula Diann Marlin conducted extensive research into the history of the Sisters in Jamaica and, with the assistance of Sister Peggy Verstege and the late Sister Susan Frazer, spearheaded the creation of the museum’s written content. Through the work of talented designers, the Mercy Heritage Center, and the staff at the Sisters of Mercy of Jamaica, the museum’s artwork, archival photographs and artefacts were carefully curated to make each exhibit stand out. Prior to her recent passing, audio recordings of Sister Susan recounting aspects of the history were created and incorporated into an audiovisual exhibit in the museum. With her no longer with us, these recordings now serve to preserve and immortalise her voice within the museum for years to come.
At the official opening, government officials, private sector stakeholders, members of the clergy, members of the local and international Mercy communities, and others all gathered in the Founders’ Garden of the Alpha property for this special occasion. The ceremony featured remarks by Dr. The Most Honourable Andrew Holness (Prime Minister of Jamaica), Hon. Olivia Grange (Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport), Ms. Marcia Tai Chun (Area Administrator, Sisters of Mercy of Jamaica), and more. Following the ceremony, attendees were given tours of the Alpha Mercy Historical Centre’s various exhibits and had the opportunity to purchase special souvenirs from the museum’s gift shop and enjoy delicious treats at the on-site “Jessie’s Cafe”.
The Alpha Mercy Historical Centre marks a new chapter in preserving the legacy and mission of the Sisters of Mercy of Jamaica. More than highlighting the sisters’ role in Jamaica’s development, the AMHC (and future spaces like it), will inspire younger generations to take up the mantle of faith and service laid down by the sisters in order to meet the needs of the most vulnerable and marginalized among us.
Video credit: Jamaica Information Service
