Photo source: Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart (www.sosj.org.au)
Congratulations to Kensington’s Sister Mary Ryan, recipient of a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours.
Sister Mary is an active member of the Catholic community and the broader Kensington community. She was awarded an OAM in recognition of her service to the Catholic Church of Australia and the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Some of Sister Mary’s many achievements include:
- Member, Adelaide Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, 2022-2025.
- Director, Mary McKillop Precinct, Kensington, South Australia, since 2013.
- Author, Monthly Reflections on Mary McKillop, Inspiration from our Founder’s’ section, Mary MacKillop eNews, 2009-2019.
- Executive Officer, Catholic Vocations Ministry Australia, Sydney, 2001-2006.
- Councillor, Provincial Leadership, Melbourne, 2008-2012.
- Founder and Co-ordinator, Ecumenical Chaplaincy Team, LaTrobe University, Bendigo, 1995-2000.
- Co-founder, St Luke’s Parish, Wantirna, Victoria, 1979-1983.
- Sister, since 1969.
Click here to read Sister Mary’s fascinating backstory and here to read her responses to the OAM nomination and receipt of the award.
Sister Mary successfully steered the Mary MacKillop Museum through a major redevelopment to its reopening in 2019 at 4 High Street Kensington (next to High Street Cafe). The Museum was designed to have wide appeal to both religious pilgrims and the general community. Pop in for a tour soon – the Mary MacKillop Museum is a Kensington gem, just like Sister Mary Ryan.