St Mary’s Primary School and Hennessy Catholic College, Young, gathered for the Feast Day of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with a Mass celebrated by Fr James.

The Presentation Sisters were formed by the Venerable Nano Nagle in Ireland in 1775, to establish Catholic schools for the poor, in particular for girls, in a time when education was only accessible to the privileged. Both schools were founded by the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

Over 700 students and staff filled St Mary’s Church to honour their heritage and the influence of the Presentation Sisters on Catholic education in Young. 

Special guests Sr Philomena Sewell and Sr Susan Miller joined the children in song and prayer. The two school choirs combined with the Hennessy Band under the leadership of Mr Damien Foley. After Mass, the St Mary’s children held a mini fete, with all proceeds going to the Presentation Sisters Missions.

“It was a wonderful day for both schools,” said Sarah Sullivan, Religious Education Coordinator at St Mary’s. “The students enjoyed coming together as a community to celebrate the Presentation Sisters heritage.”