History & Mission

Our Foundress

The story of Our Lady of Mercy Academy begins with Saint Mary Joseph Rossello, a woman of deep faith, bold vision, and boundless compassion. Born Benedetta Rossello in 1811, she was drawn from a young age to serve others, teach, and live out her love for God. What began as childhood lessons on the back steps of her home grew into a lifelong mission.

In 1837, she founded the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy in Savona, Italy. Together with four other women, she opened a home dedicated to education, caring for the poor, and living out the mercy of Christ. From this modest beginning, her community grew - touching lives around the world and eventually leading to the founding of OLMA over a century later.

Our Beginnings

In September 1962, the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy opened Our Lady of Mercy Academy to 52 young women in the inaugural freshman and sophomore classes. From the beginning, OLMA was more than a school - it was a community rooted in academic excellence, spiritual formation, and service.

Led by Sister M. Dolores and supported by Sisters Gertrude, Dominica, and Matthew Marie, the Academy flourished. In 1965, OLMA graduated its first class, and by 1968, the Class of ’68 walked across the stage in the newly completed Carew Hall, named for founding Sister Mother Bridget Carew.

OLMA has remained true to the vision of its foundress and founding Sisters—educating young women with knowledge, mercy, unity and courage. The OLMA crest contains the school motto:  “Knowledge and Truth.” The lamp symbolizes the light of knowledge; the globe, universal truth; the letter “M”, the Blessed Mother; the cross, our foundation in Christ; and the book of life, each student’s unique journey. Our colors - green and gold - represent hope, growth, excellence, and the pursuit of becoming one’s best self.

Building On Our Foundations

Over the decades, OLMA has continued to grow and evolve - expanding academic offerings, advancing the arts and athletics, and upgrading facilities. Through it all, OLMA has remained true to its founding vision: educating young women to live lives of leadership, service, and purpose.