MERCY, THE WEST PERTH CONGREGATION OF THE SISTERS OF
(RSM) 1896
On the 25th May, 1896 in response to the needs of the people in the new northern suburbs of Perth this new independent religious Congregation in a new parish was established.
The charism of this congregation is the service of the poor and education. With this charism the Sisters focused on three areas; schools, music, visitation and care of the poor.
The Sisters’ first school, St. Brigid’s began with thirteen children and by the turn of the century the enrolment had increased to five hundred. Soon St. Brigid’s became a centre of music and painting.
The work of visitation was carried out walking across the sandy areas, as there were few roads in the beginning, and after a day’s work in the school. An early diary (1897) tells of the visitation to poor and distressed families, bringing people back to the Church and baptism of children. Some of these were in the Convent Chapel with sisters as sponsors.
The Sisters were cut off from their roots at Victoria Square, Perth to found this convent on the northern and less developed side of the railway line and many poor people.
They had to forge their own identity in education, in spite of tensions with state educationalists, such as school inspectors and of course, the general prejudice of the state against Catholic schools.
There was a lack of finance and it seems that bazaars were needed early in the history. For the foundation of St. Mary’s, Leederville, Mons. Anselm Bourke, VG, parish priest and a great benefactor and friend of the sisters, purchased the Convent.
Thriving schools were established at St. Brigid’s, West Perth and St. Mary’s, Leederville (Arranmore).
If any further information is required about individual Sisters the following address is given:
The Archivist
Sisters of Mercy
186 Vincent Street
North Perth W.A. 6006
In writing to the Archivist, it would be appropriate that a financial contribution be made for the Archivist’s time and expertise.
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.