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Springfield
Every little leprechaun born on St. Patrick’s Day at Mercy Hospital Springfield was dressed for the occasion.
Newborns who arrived March 17 received a green onesie that celebrated Mercy’s Irish roots.
"The Sisters of Mercy began caring for their community in Ireland nearly 200 years ago, so St. Paddy’s Day is always a fun way for us to honor that heritage," said Brittany Shaar, director of women’s services at Mercy Hospital Springfield. “Each year, we share these festive onesies with our newborns so they can join in the celebration. The bright green brings such a cheerful touch, and our families always love seeing their little ones dressed for the occasion.”
The design includes a shamrock and reads, “Born at Mercy on St. Paddy’s Day.” Catherine McAuley, Mercy’s foundress, opened the first House of Mercy in Dublin in 1827, making the 1,500-year-old holiday celebrating Ireland’s patron saint a special one at Mercy hospitals.
Mercy Hospital Springfield celebrated a milestone at the end of 2025 when it broke its own record for the most babies born in a year. The hospital welcomed 3,329 babies last year, and has been rated among the nation’s best maternity hospitals.
Mercy’s downloadable pregnancy guides have everything expecting parents need to know to prepare for their own little lucky charm.
Mercy and St. Patrick
The Sisters of Mercy came to the United States from Ireland in 1843. They arrived in St. Louis in 1871 and eventually established hospitals throughout the Midwest.
Catholicism is deeply intertwined with Irish history. As he ministered to early Christians in Ireland, St. Patrick is credited with using the three-leaf shamrock as a symbol for the Holy Trinity – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The clover’s three leaves are also associated with faith, hope and love.
