Mary Ann Kenny was born in 1874 in county Wicklow, Ireland.
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She was educated at Mountrath and Tullow Brigidine schools before her journey to Australia in 1894 at the age of 20.
Mother Xavier Kenny was an educator par excellence. She was described as being chiefly responsible for the high standards of secondary education at St Raphael's.
She spent all her years in Cowra and the Lachlan Valley. Its people she loved dearly and was a frequent correspondent with her many ex-students and other religious sisters she met at conferences.
She worked tirelessly to advance St Raphael's Secondary School to Leaving Certificate standard and was successful in 1919 - the first to do so in the area.
She was a gifted and creative woman, excelling in Music and the Arts.
Mother Xavier designed a stained-glass window depicting St Brigid for the Brigidine Convent Chapel in Randwick Sydney. It was installed in 1924.
The window was a gift from the Cowra Brigidines in memory of Mother John Synan: "tender, wise, prudent RIP".
The window was designed by Mother Xavier and manufactured in England.
She was also described as being a gifted musician and "being the pioneer of the Gregorian chant in Australian convent schools during her time in Cowra".
An overflow of boarders in 1902 necessitated more accommodation.
It was Mother Xavier who drew plans for a new two-storey wing including a dormitory and wrap around balcony upstairs, study and dining room beneath.
READ MORE: Generous donation to help Waugoola RFS
The study wing, built in 1902, was paid for by collections and fundraising bazaars and balls.
From its opening the "sisters' stairs" were never used by boarders which was described as a "blessing".
A convent oratory was built, and it was Mother Xavier who carved the kneelers. She was a great talent.
After a visit to a Chapter in Ireland she became ill, was taken from the ship and died in in 1933 in Lewisham Hospital Sydney.
In a tribute following her passing she is described as being a beloved member of the sisterhood at St Raphael's.
One of her beloved ex-students remembers a passionate, kind and inspiring educator who encouraged her to always "write what is in your heart".
We have much to thank this extraordinary educator for and what a legacy she has left.
