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THE STORY BEHIND THIS MURAL
In 1870 the Sisters of St. Joseph, a religious order founded by Mary MacKillop, established a school and residence on this site. So began the Catholic Church’s formal education and religious administration in Maryborough. Known as Mother Mary, her mission was to teach disadvantaged children in many regional and rural areas of Australia. Mary MacKillop was canonised St Mary of the Cross on 17 October, 2010 at St Peter's Basilica, Rome. The mural depicts the story of Mother Mary’s Maryborough ministry and the arrival of the first parish priest – Father Paul Tissot, who built the first Catholic Church in this town. OUR CONTRIBUTORS
Patrick, the artist, was born profoundly deaf. He grew up as a teenager in Maryborough and has a long association with St Mary’s Catholic Parish. Being deaf, he learnt to communicate through drawing and his art. He is a successful artist who has exhibited nationally. Patrick was assisted in the painting of this mural by Rodney McLeish who is also deaf. We would like to thank the parishioners of St Mary’s Parish for their most generous support of this project. The Maryborough Mural Project relies entirely on the generosity of volunteers and sponsors from our local community. The Committee would like to thank Mr Rai Whitten, Ms Tracey Christoffel, Mr and Mrs Moshe Ahram and Mr Denis Brown for their time and expertise in coordinating this mural and the following businesses for their kind sponsorship of the St Mary of the Cross (MacKillop) Mural. |
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"Guardian of the Land" Mural
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The blessing and opening ceremony held on Friday 9th July 2021 was well represented by parishioners and the wider community. We are grateful to the Most Rev Brian Heenan (Bishop Emeritus) for accepting the invitation to administer the blessing. In his address, Bishop Brian spoke of his long-standing friendship with Barbara Trevaskis and her husband Ernie in Rockhampton during his term as Bishop of that Diocese. As co-ordinators of the Catholic Aboriginal and Islander Ministry in Central Queensland, they made a significant contribution to the lives of many people.
Gayle Minnecon (sister of Barbara) presented a vivid picture of her people’s love of the land in the Welcome to Country and we were inspired by her drive and passion to continue to fight for the rights of the Indigenous communities of Australia regarding ownership of sacred lands. Liz Lowrie and Deb Hannam, Co-ordinators of the Maryborough Mural Project spoke favourably about the interest shown in the Mural Trail through the City with over 35 murals now in place. Mayor George Seymour, before officially opening the Mural, commended the efforts of Committee members for the ongoing success of the project. He congratulated the original artist Butchulla Elder Aunty Barbara (Trevaskis) and the artist Aunty Karen (Hall) who recently painted the Footprint on the wall. The Parish is proud to showcase a second mural in the Church precinct and encourages locals and visitors to respect the Indigenous people who have a passionate love of this land which they first inhabited thousands of years ago. |
PRAYER FOR GUARDIANS OF THE LAND
Holy Father, as we pause at this time, let us remember we are standing in the midst of your creation. Help us always to remember the presence of the guardians of this land whom you placed here so long ago. Holy Father, may we always humbly travel across this sacred land Remembering to give thanks for all of creation – the land and water, mountains and lagoons, trees, birds and animals who have been with the guardians all this time. Holy Father, we ask for forgiveness for the pain and hurt from our mindless actions to your special creation and the guardians. Holy Father, may each one of us daily give thanks for the many blessings that you freely share with us. May your guardians always walk peacefully. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ Name. Amen. |
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ST MARY'S CATHOLIC PARISH
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