PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY,

PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY,

THE QUEENSLAND CONGREGATION OF THE SISTERS OF THE

(PBVM) 1900

The Presentation Sisters came to Queensland in1900, arriving in Longreach on 13^th February, 1900. The Central Queensland Railway line from Rockhampton to Longreach had been completed and many of the families associated with the construction of this line then settled in this far western town. The Parish Priest could see the need of a Catholic school, and made a request of the Presentation Sisters in Wagga Wagga, who were able to send five sisters to open a school in Longreach. The main work of the Presentation Sisters was in the field of education, both primary and secondary schools. Sisters also taught music - piano, organ, violin, singing - such subjects undertaken with great results. Art and Penmanship were high on the list of subjects taught, as also was speech. Dressmaking, cooking and cake icing was also taught, and many of the older women in the west often express their gratitude to the Sisters who taught them these important subjects.

Teachers of these extra curricula subjects were the bread winners of the small congregation, of course, because school fees amounted to practically nothing.

Not long after the Sisters came to the district, a severe drought occurred and many families were forced to leave their properties and leave the area.

Lack of funds, severe heat etc., were some of the difficulties experienced by the band of early Sisters. Their dwelling consisted of a small cottage with corrugated iron walls, and roof, thus adding to the discomfort of the sisters who were dressed in heavy black habits.

However, the small congregation gradually flourished, and the Presentation Sisters were able to staff many primary and secondary schools throughout the Rockhampton, Brisbane and Toowoomba dioceses. Education remained their main work throughout the years.

Further Suggested Reading:

MacGinley, M. Rosa Place of springs: Queensland Presentation Sisters 1900-1960 Brisbane: PBVM, 1977

MacGinley, M. Rosa Roads to Sion: Presentation Sisters in Australia 1866-1960 Brisbane: Boolarong, 1983

If further information is required about individual Sisters the following address is given:

The Archivist

Congregational Headquarters

Presentation Sisters

51 Enderley Rd

Clayfield Qld 4011

Religious Orders or Congregations have released the details on their members. It is understood that the copyright of any material (including the listing of the names of the Sisters) relevant to a particular Order or Congregation in this publication remains with the relevant Order or Congregation.