February 20, 2014
The era of Catholic nuns being active in South Burnett schools appears to have drawn to a close with the recent retirement of the two Presentation nuns attached to St Joseph’s School and Murgon parish, Sr Vianney and Sr Carmel.
A large crowd of well-wishers, relatives and past Presentation nuns attended a special Mass on February 1 followed by dinner in the Murgon Parish Hall to mark the occasion.
The departure of these two nuns marks the end of the Presentation Sisters’ involvement with the school and parish. The duo have retired to Herston in Brisbane.
Fr Carroll said the arrival of the Presentation Sisters in 1937 had connected the parish with one of the great stories of Irish Catholicism, Honora “Nano” Nagle’s concern for educating and caring for the poor of Ireland.
“The Presentation Sisters brought their founder’s vision to Murgon,” he said.
Following the Mass, the school bell, which had been used in the parish for many years, was renamed the Presentation Bell and the celebrations moved to the Parish Hall.
A series of guest speakers praised the work of the Sisters.
South Burnett councillor Kathy Duff thanked the Sisters on behalf of the community. Aboriginal elder Aunty Daisy Carlo thanked them on behalf of the Cherbourg community.
Compere was Bevan Costello. Rita Pratt entertained on the piano while Sr Carmel did her usual stage performance to the delight of the crowd.
In response, Presentation Sisters Congregational Leader Sr Kathleen Tynan told the gathering how much the sisters had enjoyed working in Murgon Parish and read out the names of those who had served in the parish.
Earlier, St Joseph’s School thanked the sisters at a liturgy organised by staff, students and parents.
Principal Greg Cran presented the nuns with a plaque to honour the order’s contribution over 77 years.
[With thanks to Murgon Moments]
