Last night, Sr Mary O’Shannassy SGS OAM, Director of CatholicCare Victoria’s Prison Ministry, was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate from Australian Catholic University at a graduation ceremony held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Photos: Sr Mary O'Shannassy, and Sr Mary O'Shannassy with Archbishop Peter A Comensoli.
The ACU Honorary Doctorate degrees recognise individuals who have provided outstanding contributions to the community and to humanity. Sr Mary’s conferral was in recognition of her loving service to people imprisoned in Victoria, her contribution to the recognition in Australia of the dignity of each person, particularly those who are imprisoned, and for her leadership in chaplaincy for all prisoners in Victoria.
“It is such an honour to be recognised in this way,” said Sr Mary. “Prison chaplaincy has been 25 years of my life and my whole time in prison has been one of learning and privilege.”
“To me, it is an honour for the whole of the chaplaincy team throughout Victoria because I believe the leader is only as effective as the individual team members.”
“I am very grateful for the people who considered me and put my name forward.”
Sr Mary also gave the occasional address to the graduands at the beginning of the ceremony, reminding them to ‘be true to oneself’.
Over the years, we have been delighted to share news of Sr Mary’s many achievements. It is with immense pride that everyone at CatholicCare Victoria congratulates Sr Mary for this latest recognition of her remarkable commitment to bringing hope and dignity to residents in Victorian prisons.
Bernadette Garcia | Executive Manager Communications, Fundraising and Marketing
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