Mary Juliana Hardman

Her father was John Hardman, senior, of Birmingham, a rich manufacturer, her mother his second wife, Lydia Waring.

In 1840 Miss Hardman and three friends offered themselves to Bishop Walsh, to form the nucleus of a new community, and by his advice they went to make their novitiate under Mother Catherine McAuley, founder of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy, Baggot Street, Dublin.

The novices made their profession on 19 August 1841, and a day or two later Mother McAuley accompanied them to the new convent at Handsworth, where they were solemnly received by Bishop Nicholas Wiseman.

She was then elected for three years, and twice re-elected for the same period, and from 1870 she held the office of superioress till her death.

The next year she built an almonry for the relief of the poor, and opened poor-schools.