Beside the Murray River, many Brigidine Sisters will gather this week – with the people of Echuca, St Joseph’s College, parishioners, past pupils and friends – to honour a 140 year Story…..
In 1886, in response to Bishop Martin Crane’s request, four Sisters left Tullow, Ireland and crossed the seas “with unwavering faith, open hearts and courage.” Sisters Borgia Hayden, Benedict Moore, Thomas Healy and Vincent Brennan arrived in Echuca on 27 February 1886.
Thus began both the school that became St Joseph’s College
and the Brigidine Story in Victoria, Australia.
We commemorate and give thanks for :
– the generous spirit of the four women who responded to the call in 1886
to leave behind the familiar to travel into the unknown….
– the gift of the Tullow sisters who encouraged and farewelled them,
– the hospitality of the people who companioned their journey
and the people who welcomed them to Echuca.
“…take care so as neither to forget the things
that your eyes have seen
nor let them slip from your mind
all the days of your life;
make them known from generation to generation.”
Deuteronomy 4:9 -10