Beside the Murray River, Brigidine Sisters gathered this week (27 -29 March) 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 that has unfolded in Victoria, Australia.
We commemorate:
– 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.
We pray in gratitude:
– for the spirit of all our Sisters who nurtured the flame of justice in Echuca, in Victoria – and beyond, during those 140 years.
– for all those who walked with them on the journey – in schools, in community works, in Parish and local communities – sharing mission, companionship and solidarity.
We rejoice with and congratulate all at St Joseph’s College Echuca in the present day.
We thank them and all Kildare Ministries Schools as they carry the Lamp of Learning into their future, with Hope, Justice and Courage.
Remembering and celebrating 140 years,
St Joseph’s College, Echuca. 28 March 2026
“
…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