The centenary of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Chapel was celebrated last Friday, with the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy who for generations have prayed within these hallowed walls, almost tangible.

Sisters of Mercy from across the diocese were joined by Sisters of St Joseph from around the region for a day of joy and reunions with parishioners and former students.

When the chapel was blessed and dedicated 100 years ago, the event was marred by wind and rain, however, brilliant Autum sunshine prevailed for the centenary festivities.

The celebration began with the entry of captains from both Mercy schools carrying the banners of St Xavier’s and St Mary’s College into the chapel. These schools had been established by the founding Sisters soon after their arrival in January 1879.

The centenary Mass was con-celebrated by Fr John Curran and several other priests from around the diocese. Ordained on August 29, 1974, Fr John came to Gunnedah in March the following year during the ministry of Fr Dick Shanahan and returned in 2006 when Fr Ron Perrett was parish priest.

Guests were welcomed by St Mary’s College Captains Juliet Maxwell and Reuben Bekker, with St Xavier’s captains Kate Waterford and Seth Welsh carrying the gifts to the altar with Sr Coral Hedley and Sr Judith Murphy rsm.

Sr Christine Belling and Sr Gaye Lennon presented the readings from scripture with the intercessions by Sr Regina McInerney, all from the former Gunnedah Congregation. All congregations have now merged into the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea.

In his reflection at the Mass, Fr Paul McCabe pointed to the bronze plaque on the footpath in Conadilly Street in front of the former shop – Millers Fashion Club – which pays tribute to the presence of the Sisters of Mercy in Gunnedah since 1879.

“I came across the plaque by accident recently when I stopped for a quick coffee on my way through Gunnedah. I could not help but notice the contrast between the closure of

Millers and the departure of the Sisters. Millers have left just an empty shop but the Sisters have left a place where generations have experienced the presence of God – and still do so.

“The Sisters have left a legacy, and have exercised a profound influence on the community, not just in education, but in many other areas as well – they have been a witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in so many ways that they have been integral to the spiritual and cultural development of the whole Gunnedah community.”

After the joyous recessional hymn, everyone gathered at the side of the chapel to see the

commemorative plaque unveiled by Sr Gabrielle Bloomfield and Sr Gabrielle Foley, with Sr Regina cutting the cake surrounded by her fellow Sisters in faith.

The delicious finger food luncheon was provided by St Mary’s College hospitality students with much joy and laughter echoing between the historic buildings and drifting across the gardens.

Sr Gabrielle Foley offered a vote of thanks to the organising committee and expressed her sincere appreciation for the warm “welcome home”.

 

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