Honours for Irish nuns in Oz

Two Irish Sisters of Saint Joseph received Order of Australia awards during the Australia Day celebrations last week. Sr Maria Casey from Kildysart, Co. Clare was honoured for her service to the community as Postulator for the Canonisation of Mary MacKillop, as well as to the Catholic Church in Australia.

Sr Mary Leahy from Bartlemy, Fermoy, Co. Cork was awarded for her services to pastoral care as chaplain of the Stella Maris Apostleship of the Sea.

Sr Margaret Culhane of the Western Australian Province also received an award for her services to the international community.

The Order of Australia is the pre-eminent way Australians give national and formal recognition to the achievements and service of their fellow citizens who have made a significant difference to their communities. In response to the awards the Sisters of Saint Joseph said they ”rejoice with our sisters on this day and give thanks to God for all that has been achieved through the inspiration of our co-founder Saint Mary MacKillop.”