Over the weekend of 15-16 October, four Sisters of Saint Joseph, Dora Maguire, Frances Maguire, Kath Hitchcock and Pauline Dundon, and myself Sue Sondalini (the WA Archivist), met in Boulder in the WA goldfields, 600 kilometres to the east of Perth. We met to be part of the celebrations of the 125th anniversary of the local St Joseph’s School founded by the Sisters of Saint Joseph in 1897.
The weekend coincided with the 117th anniversary of the death of Mother Ursula (Mary) Tynan the superior of the three foundation sisters. On the Saturday afternoon a small group gathered at her grave in Kalgoorlie cemetery for a short prayer service.
A beautiful anniversary Mass was held at All Hallows Catholic Church on Sunday. Following the Mass, a community celebration took place at the adjoining school grounds. The visiting sisters were honored and had the opportunity to meet again with former students, colleagues, and local friends.
This weekend was made even more special as the current owner of the heritage listed convent building, generously invited the group to stay at the convent. This allowed for lots of reminiscing about the times when the sisters lived in this building.
The Josephite heritage of the school is recognised throughout St Joseph’s School in the names of the buildings. The staff and children are proud and respectful of the origins of their school. The Sisters of Saint Joseph can be reassured that their legacy continues strongly in the goldfields.
Sue Sondalini
WA Archivist