By Ching
Mary was born in 1842 in Melbourne, Australia. Mary’s parents were from Scotland but they moved to Melbourne Australia. Her parents were Flora and Alexander. She was the eldest out of the eight children. She was greatly educated by her father Alexander. Her family were poor and often had no home but she had to do what God wanted her to do. They often had to rely on their family and friends and would get split up. She put others first.
When Mary was eighteen years old she moved to Penola in South Australia where she became the Governess to her Aunty and Uncle The Camerons children, She met Father Jilian Tenison Woods and he inspired Mary to build schools for everyone. She also built an orphanage for the children who had no parents. Mary also became the first sister of the sisters of St Joseph.
Mary’s achievements was to provide a Catholic school education for everyone. The first Catholic school she opened was a St Joseph School. In March 1866 she wore a simple black dress. They opened schools for the poor and the outback settlements. She even made room for the children whose parents couldn’t afford it. One of Mary’s favourite sayings was, Never see a need without doing something.
Mary’s saint name was Mary of the cross. Mary was mistaken for being disobedient and because of this she was excommunicated by Bishop Sheil. In the past Bishop Sheil has excommunicated 47 women. Within 5 months, Mary was brought back to the church. After that Bishop Reynolds told her to pack her bags and move out of Adelaide.
Throughout her life Mary had many health issues. She often was ill and suffered from rheumatism. Mary suffered a stroke then became paralysed in 1902 on her right side. Mary had to rely on a wheelchair to move around.
Mary died on August 8th 1909. She was buried at Mount Street in North Sydney.
The sisters of St Joseph continue what Mary did. Mary helped lots of people. They were an active group of women.
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