The story of the Brigidine foundation in Cowra begins in Ireland on January 5, 1883 when the superior of Mountrath convent told the community that Bishop Murray of Maitland Australia was seeking religious women prepared to teach in Coonamble a town in his diocese.
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He told the Sisters that there was no guarantee of regular opportunities to attend Mass and spoke of the intense heat, dust and long summer months.
Six Sisters were selected. Incredibly brave and committed women who left family, friends and the home of their birth forever.
Mother Superior Aloysius Shanahan was one of them. She was born in Farrafore, County Kerry in 1867.
READ MORE: It started with a dream at St Raphael's
At the age of nineteen she answered the call to go to Coonamble mission arriving there from Mountrath (Ireland) in October 1886. She relocated to Cowra on the June 29, 1894.
Over the twenty-seven years she spent as Cowra she influenced countless students and town dwellers.
She was an educationalist of remarkable ability.
A skilful musician and singing teacher who scored many remarkable successes.
She displayed tremendous administrative qualities during a difficult financial period establishing the school.
She was described as small and slight of figure but a strict disciplinarian who never raised her voice.
She was a deeply spiritual woman. Her devotion and reverence to her calling inspired many.
READ MORE: Meet the pioneering Sisters of St Raphael's
She was a humble educator but those that knew her loved her.
She fell ill at the community's Katoomba holiday house and a nurse was engaged to accompany her back to Cowra.
Her passing on August 29, 1921 was felt profoundly by the community and by the town.
She exemplifies our motto of "Strength and Gentleness". We acknowledge what a legacy she has left behind.
