Catherine McAuley was born near Dublin, Ireland on September 29, 1778. By ahodgkin Dec 24, 1978 The Salvation army The Salvation Army is a Christian church and international charitable organisation structured in a quasi-military fashion. Period: Dec 24, 1978 to Dec 25, 1978 When Catherine was 25 a retired couple invited her to live with them. Catherine proved to be a loving companion and holy example to them. Period: Dec 24, 1978 to Dec 25, 1978 cathy This first Home of Mercy opened on September 24, 1827, the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy.