Find out more about the women and men who shaped Australian Catholic education. Read some of their stories here.

View an alphabetical listing of biographies in the BDACE repository. This page will be updated as more become available.

A

B

Barry, Mary (Mother Mary Gonzaga ibvm) (1834 - 1915): An innovative educationalist who "knew what it is to be a child".

Bell sm, James (1897-1981). Champion of rural youth; many faceted priest and administrator.

Bohan, Mary (Sr Mary Evangelist rsm) (1836 - 1903). Ground-breaking initiatives in orphanage and industrial school.

Bowe, Johanna/Judy (Sister Mary Benignus RSM) (1856-1930). "She bargained, she strove, she toiled and moiled for them."

Bubb, Shirley Margaret (Sr Mary Margaret rsm) (1930 - 2015). Adaptation and renewal in education and religious life - a woman ahead of her time.

Bulfin, Edmund Noel (Br Bernard fsp) (1936 - 2018). Humble service and commitment.

Byrne, Thomas (1802-1853). The arduous life of an early colonial school master.

C

Carmody, Lawrence George (Br Aloysius Meldan fsc) (1916 - 1981). Teacher, administrator, national and international leader.

Carroll, Patrick Christopher (1902-1975). Mr Chips, living 50 years in the practical vocation of Doing

Carroll, Stanislaus (Br Laserian cfc) (1903-1969): Championing higher education for teaching brothers

Clark, Ann Dennis (1935 - 1997). Visionary, charismatic, elegant and innovative leader.

Claverie, Lucie Lorna (Mother Gabriel osc) (1901-1998). An able administrator and educationalist par excellence.

Collins, Barry (Bishop Collins) (1938 - 2000). Priest-inspector of schools, religious education director and country bishop.

Collins, Hannah Mary (Sister Mary Vincent rsm) (1880-1972). Choosing to serve.

Costello, Agnes (Mother Mary de Sales RSM) (1874-1969) : lifelong teacher and leader.

Creede, Moira Margaret (Sister Canice pbvm) (1920-2010). Scholar, teacher, administrator, visionary.

Croke, Margaret (Mother Mary Ignatius rsm) (1819 - 1905). Risk-taker and visionary - bringing mercy and education to the Great South Land of the Holy Spirit.

Cuffe, Farrell (ca 1775-1848): Scholar and Irish patriot

D

Deane, Mary Frances (Mother Mary Berchmans Deane rsm) (1863 - 1928). Her compassion prompted a hanged man's bequest.

Dent, Edna Ellen (Sr Mary St Bernard fdnsc) (1925 - 2016). No device will take the loving teacher's place.

Douglas, Kathleen (Mother Mary Philomena fcj) (1897 - 1958). Scholar, rigorous educator and visionary leader.

Duffy, Eliza (Sr Mary Stanislaus rsm) (1834 - 1924). Gifted music teacher and shrewd businesswoman.

Dwyer, Barry Francis (1938 - 2009). An educator who kindled the Catholic imagination of children and young people.

Dwyer, Brigid (1808 - 1878). Australia's first native-born female teacher.

Dwyer, Grace (Sister Mary Vivian RSM) (1917-2011). Encouraging young teachers to find their gifts.

E

Eastman, John Garratt Colin (1941 - 2020). Building a more adult church.

Egan, Mary Josephine (Sr Mary Vincent RSM) (1885-1960): Skilling students for opportunities in business

Elliott, Monica (Sister Mary Vincent RSM) (1903-2003) : most at home with her students.

English, Graham (1944 - 2021). Teacher, Writer, Cartoonist, Catholic to the core

F

Fitzgerald, Elizabeth (Mother Mary Benignus rsm) (1890 - 1946). Beloved educationist inspiring generations.

Flaherty, Mary Josephine (Mother Mary Raphael rsm) (1885-1959). Innovative and long-serving leader.

Flynn, Joan Melva (Mother Edmund - Sister Joan rsm) (1923 -2010). A modern founder who embraced the winds of change.

Fogarty, Thomas Edwin (Br Ronald fms) (1913 - 2009). Religious researcher and teacher-educator.

Fraser, Charles SJ (1913-2004). Disciplined scholarship graced by Christian humanity

Fraser, Joyce Eva (Mother Loyola csb) (1918 - 2008). In her, the love of God and of literature were beautifully blended.

Frizelle, Katherine (Mother Dorothea ibvm) (1852 - 1935): A noted educationalist and pioneer nun.

G

Gallagher, Mary Agatha (Sister Mary Philomena sgs) (1905-1990). A lifetime educating and influencing young women.

Gallagher, Michael (Br John Baptist Gallagher fsp) MBE (1919-2001). A humble Irish leader.

Goodwin AM, Dr Dawn Theresa (Sr Mary Veronica rsm) (1937 - 2010). Innovator in tertiary education and youth ministry.

Graham, William John (Fr 'Bill' msc) (1912 - 1966). Priest, sportsman, teacher and sports master.

Griffin, Ellen (Mother Mary Basil rsm) (1903 - 1986). A wise and caring educator and friend.

Griffin, Mona Margaret (Mother Mary Xavier osu) (1897 - 1985). Gifted educator with a flair for literature and creativity.

Grogan, Sister Mary Patricia FCJ (1915 - 2001). Gifted Australian educator who taught across the world

Gwladys Evelyn Mills, (Sister Mary John RSM) (1902-1994) : sharing with young women a love of learning.

H

Hartigan, Moira (Sr Mary Ephrem RSM) (1917-2002): An educator of vision and determination

Hayes, Nellie Florence (Sr Mary de Sales rsm) (1884-1964). Brilliant teacher, gifted musician and singer with a fine dramatic talent.

Hennessey, Marjorie (Sr Marie de Lourdes rsm) (1924 -2012). Collaborative leader in education and social justice advocate.

Hickey, Francis (Brother Regis cfc) (1927-2021). Teacher, principal, leader and promoter of religious congregations' spirituality.

Hickey, Brother Patrick Ignatius cfc (1863 - 1927) : Leader in Technical Education.

Higgins, Andrew (1797 - 1859). Early teacher of Catholic children in Australia.

Hogan, Ellen (Sr Mary Gabriel op) (1842 - 1915). Founder of an education system for the Catholic Deaf.

Hooley, Bridget (Sister Mary Teresa RSM) (1870-1954). Living for God, the school and her students.

I

Ivers, Freda Philomene (Mother Mary Cyril rsm) (1905 - 1982). Talented, progressive educator and reluctant agent of change.

J

K

Kennedy, Alice Anastasia (Mother Ursula pbvm) (1876 - 1960). Pioneer in Catholic education in Queensland.

Kennedy, Ellen (Sister Margaret Mary Kennedy FCJ) (1927-2017). An international educational leader who danced Irish jigs late in life

Kelty, Justin Linus cfc (1918 - 2002) : A gentleman, a scholar, and a man for his time.

L

Lardner, Anne (Mother Veronica Lardner FCJ) (1883-1962). Humble and unassuming gifted and innovative teacher

Lennon, Doris (Sr Mary Cyril RSM) (1890-1983): Faithful educator in regional Australia

M

Marley, George (1778-ca 1850). Australia's first teacher in a Catholic school

Martin, Francis Michael (Fr 'Frank') (1928 - 2015). Astute negotiator and visionary architect of a Catholic education system.

McCarthy, Francis Irenaeus (Br Francis McCarthy cfc) (1920 - 2010). Long-serving teacher and lover of art.

McCarthy, Frumence (Sister Mary Marcian rsm) (1922-1985). Communicating to children and teachers the wonders of God's love.

McEncroe, Archdeacon John William (1794 -- 1868). Priest and educator.

McGuigan, Bridget Mary Magdalen rsc (Mother Mary Francis) (1842 - 1923). Prudent educator and administrator.

McMahon, John Thomas (Monsignor) (1893 - 1989). First director of Catholic education in Western Australia.

McOscar, Doreen Mary (Sr Felician sm) (1914-2014): Breadth of vision with freedom of spirit or vice versa

McQuion, Elizabeth (Mother Ignatius McQuion) (1819-1893) : A "devoted mother".

Miller, Annie Rose (Sr M. Elizabeth RSM) (1908-1991). Mission pioneer in the New Guinea Eastern Highlands.

Mitchell, Shirley Annette (Noni) AM (Sr John Bosco ibvm) (1928-2021). An empowering not overpowering educator and leader.

Moran, Sheila Mary (Sister Mary Cecilia rsm) (1922-1997). A superb musician who shared her gifts.

Murphy, Bishop Patrick (1920-2007). An authentic educational leader.

Murray, Ellen Mary (Mother Mary Therese RSM) (1895 - 1973). A gifted and inspiring teacher of music.

N

Newman, Patrick (1832-1909). "One of Campbelltown's most loved and respected teachers"

Nolan, Caroline Carmel (Sister Mary Chanel RSM) (1913-1984). Modelling catholic education to be holistic, wholesome, solidly grounded and fully alive.

Nowtony, Joan (Mary Miriam ibvm) (1925-2008): A searching, questing woman.

Nugent, Anna Maria (Sr Mary Bernadine RSM) (1857-1936): Educator, designer and architect

O

O'Connell, Julia Mary (Mother Mary Paul rsm) (1888 - 1962). Facilitator of new learning and changing structures - apostle to Bathurst and Rome.

O'Doherty, Annie (Mother Oliver ibvm) (1896 - 1968): Historian, writer, gardener, confidante.

O'Donoghue, Catherine (Sr M Concepta op ) (1878 1958). A powerful influence for good.

O’Driscoll, Bedelia (Sr Mary Aloysius RSM) (1853-1912): A woman of vision, a steadfast leader and builder

O'Dwyer, Mary Rose (Mother Le Merci osu) (1913-2016) : innovative and faith-filled educator / Gabriel Williams osu.

O'Neill, Ellen (Sister Mary Stanislaus RSM) (c1855-1908). Founding pioneer and leader in Yass, NSW.

O'Neill, James (Brother Fintan O'Neill fsp) (1857-1932) : Persistent pioneer and faithful brother.

O'Shea, Bernard (1906-1993). An integral part of the complex story of Catholic Education in Australia.

P

Phelan, Kieran (Brother Norbert Kieran Phelan) (1895-1982). Teacher and leader.

Prytz, Violet Gerda (Mother Gerda Prytz FCJ) (1881 - 1979). First Genazzano student to enter the congregation

Q

Quinn, Mary (Sr Mary Gabriel RSM) (1866-1954): With a song and a smile

R

Rofe, Deidre Ann (Sr Mary Anne ibvm) (1943 - 2002). A quester by nature and a commander at need.

Ryan, Patricia (Sr Mary Tarcisius rsm) (1924 - 2003). Versatile adult faith facilitator - never afraid to try something new.

Ryan, Veronica Therese (Sr Veronica rsj) (1936 - 2008). Walking with Indigenous Australians.

Ryan, Winifred Agnes (Sr Agnes mss) (1915 - 2011). Founding congregational member and pioneer educator.

S

Sexton, Patricia Joan (Sr Joan Sexton sgs) (1928-2019): Educator and influencer

Sharpe, Margaret Ellen (Mother Mary Raymund rsm) (1888 - 1971). Intelligent, cultured, gracious - a committed educator, strong religious leader and creative innovator.

Sheehy, Mary Kate (Mother Mary Gertrude rsm) (1832 -1927). Pioneer, co-foundress and leader - laying the foundations for a Catholic education system in the colony of NSW.

Slattery, Loretta Marie (Sr Mary Clare sgs) (1900 - 1980). Visionary Catholic educator.

Slowey, Monsignor John Francis (1915-1995): Meticulous implementer of change

Stock, Anna (Mother Stanislaus Stock FCJ) (1852-1919). Extraordinary innovative early educational leader for Australian women

T

Tenison Woods, Julian Edmund (1832-1889). First Director of Catholic Education in South Australia

Turner, Monica (1925-2017). Advocate for parents

U

V

W

Walsh, Kathleen (Sister Mary Perpetua rsm) (1890-1972). Firm and engaging teacher.

Webb, Ann-Marie (Sr Gerard Majella sm) (1943 - 2008). Stalwart of Catholic education.

Webber, Fr John Garvey sm (1913-2002): A highly regarded educator and leader of young men

Welbourne, Adele Eileen (Sister Louise Welbourne op) (1925-2015). Outstanding teacher with a passion for religious education.

White, Mary (Mother M. Agnes Vincent White RSM) (1838-1914) : A persistent missionary to far flung communities.

X

Y

Z

Chronological listing of biographies in BDACE repository by date of birth.

Cuffe, Farrell (ca 1775-1848): Scholar and Irish patriot

Marley, George (1778-ca 1850). Australia's first teacher in a Catholic school

McEncroe, Archdeacon John William (1794 - 1868). Priest and educator.

Higgins, Andrew (1797 - 1859). Early teacher of Catholic children in Australia.

Byrne, Thomas (1802 - 1853). The arduous life of an early colonial school master.

Dwyer, Brigid (1808 - 1878). Australia's first native-born female teacher.

McQuion, Elizabeth (Mother Ignatius McQuion) (1819 - 1893) : A "devoted mother".

Croke, Margaret (Mother Mary Ignatius rsm) (1819 - 1905). Risk-taker and visionary - bringing mercy and education to the Great South Land of the Holy Spirit.

Tenison Woods, Julian Edmund (1832-1889). First Director of Catholic Education in South Australia

Newman, Patrick (1832-1909). "One of Campbelltown's most loved and respected teachers"

Sheehy, Mary Kate (Mother Mary Gertrude rsm) (1832 - 1927). Pioneer, co-foundress and leader - laying the foundations for a Catholic education system in the colony of NSW.

Duffy, Eliza (Sr Mary Stanislaus rsm) (1834 - 1924). Gifted music teacher and shrewd businesswoman.

Bohan, Mary (Sr Mary Evangelist rsm) (1836 - 1903). Ground-breaking initiatives in orphanage and industrial school.

Hogan, Ellen (Sr Mary Gabriel op) (1842 - 1915). Founder of an education system for the Catholic Deaf.

McGuigan, Bridget Mary Magdalen rsc (Mother Mary Francis) (1842 - 1923). Prudent educator and administrator.

Stock, Anna (Mother Stanislaus Stock FCJ) (1852-1919). Extraordinary innovative early educational leader for Australian women

O'Neill, Ellen (Sister Mary Stanislaus RSM) (c1855-1908). Founding pioneer and leader in Yass, NSW.

Bowe, Johanna/Judy (Sister Mary Benignus RSM) (1856-1930). "She bargained, she strove, she toiled and moiled for them."

O'Neill, James (Brother Fintan O'Neill fsp) (1857 - 1932) : Persistent pioneer and faithful brother.

Barry, Mary (Mother Mary Gonzaga ibvm) (1834 - 1915): An innovative educationalist who "knew what it is to be a child".

Frizelle, Katherine (Mother Dorothea ibvm) (1852 - 1935): A noted educationalist and pioneer nun.

O’Driscoll, Bedelia (Sr Mary Aloysius RSM) (1853-1912): A woman of vision, a steadfast leader and builder

Nugent, Anna Maria (Sr Mary Bernadine RSM) (1857-1936): Educator, designer and architect

Deane, Mary Frances (Mother Mary Berchmans Deane rsm) (1863 - 1928). Her compassion prompted a hanged man's bequest.

Hickey, Brother Patrick Ignatius cfc (1863 - 1927) : Leader in Technical Education.

Quinn, Mary (Sr Mary Gabriel RSM) (1866-1954): With a song and a smile

Hooley, Bridget (Sister Mary Teresa RSM) (1870-1954). Living for God, the school and her students.

Costello, Agnes (Mother Mary de Sales RSM) (1874-1969) : lifelong teacher and leader.

Kennedy, Alice Anastasia (Mother Ursula pbvm) (1876 - 1960). Pioneer in Catholic education in Queensland.

O'Donoghue, Catherine (Sr M Concepta op) (1878 - 1958). A powerful influence for good.

Collins, Hannah Mary (Sister Mary Vincent rsm) (1880 - 1972). Choosing to serve.

Prytz, Violet Gerda (Mother Gerda Prytz FCJ) (1881 - 1979). First Genazzano student to enter the congregation

Lardner, Anne (Mother Veronica Lardner FCJ) (1883 - 1962). Humble and unassuming gifted and innovative teacher

Hayes, Nellie Florence (Sr Mary de Sales rsm) (1884 - 1964). Brilliant teacher, gifted musician and singer with a fine dramatic talent.

Flaherty, Mary Josephine (Mother Mary Raphael rsm) (1885 - 1959). Innovative and long-serving leader.

Egan, Mary Josephine (Sr Mary Vincent RSM) (1885-1960): Skilling students for opportunities in business

Sharpe, Margaret Ellen (Mother Mary Raymund rsm) (1888 - 1971). Intelligent, cultured, gracious - a committed educator, strong religious leader and creative innovator.

O'Connell, Julia Mary (Mother Mary Paul rsm) (1888 - 1962). Facilitator of new learning and changing structures - apostle to Bathurst and Rome.

Fitzgerald, Elizabeth (Mother Mary Benignus rsm) (1890 - 1946). Beloved educationist inspiring generations.

Walsh, Kathleen (Sister Mary Perpetua rsm) (1890 - 1972). Firm and engaging teacher.

Lennon, Doris (Sr Mary Cyril RSM) (1890-1983): Faithful educator in regional Australia

McMahon, John Thomas (Monsignor) (1893 - 1989). First director of Catholic education in Western Australia.

Murray, Ellen Mary (Mother Mary Therese RSM) (1895 - 1973). A gifted and inspiring teacher of music.

Phelan, Kieran (Brother Norbert Kieran Phelan) (1895 - 1982). Teacher and leader.

O'Doherty, Annie (Mother Oliver ibvm) (1896 - 1968): Historian, writer, gardener, confidante.

Bell sm, James (1897-1981). Champion of rural youth; many faceted priest and administrator.

Douglas, Kathleen (Mother Mary Philomena fcj) (1897 - 1958). Scholar, rigorous educator and visionary leader.

Griffin, Mona Margaret (Mother Mary Xavier osu) (1897 - 1985). Gifted educator with a flair for literature and creativity.

Slattery, Loretta Marie (Sr Mary Clare sgs) (1900 - 1980). Visionary Catholic educator.

Claverie, Lucie Lorna (Mother Gabriel osc) (1901-1998). An able administrator and educationalist par excellence.

Carroll, Patrick Christopher (1902-1975). Mr Chips, living 50 years in the practical vocation of Doing

Gwladys Evelyn Mills, (Sister Mary John RSM) (1902 - 1994) : sharing with young women a love of learning.

Carroll, Stanislaus (Br Laserian cfc) (1903-1969): Championing higher education for teaching brothers

Griffin, Ellen (Mother Mary Basil rsm) (1903 - 1986). A wise and caring educator and friend.

Elliott, Monica (Sister Mary Vincent RSM) (1903 - 2003) : most at home with her students.

Ivers, Freda Philomene (Mother Mary Cyril rsm) (1905 - 1982). Talented, progressive educator and reluctant agent of change.

Gallagher, Mary Agatha (Sister Mary Philomena sgs) (1905-1990). A lifetime educating and influencing young women.

O'Shea, Bernard (1906 - 1993). An integral part of the complex story of Catholic education in Australia.

Miller, Annie Rose (Sr M. Elizabeth RSM) (1908-1991). Mission pioneer in the New Guinea Eastern Highlands.

Graham, William John (Fr 'Bill' msc) (1912 - 1966). Priest, sportsman, teacher and sports master.

Nolan, Caroline Carmel (Sister Mary Chanel RSM) (1913 - 1984). Modelling catholic education to be holistic, wholesome, solidly grounded and fully alive.

Fraser, Charles SJ (1913-2004). Disciplined scholarship graced by Christian humanity

Fogarty, Thomas Edwin (Br Ronald fms) (1913 - 2009). Religious researcher and teacher-educator.

Webber, Fr John Garvey sm (1913-2002): A highly regarded educator and leader of young men

O'Dwyer, Mary Rose (Mother Le Merci osu) (1913 - 2016) : innovative and faith-filled educator / Gabriel Williams osu.

McOscar, Doreen Mary (Sr Felician sm) (1914-2014): Breadth of vision with freedom of spirit or vice versa

Slowey, Monsignor John Francis (1915-1995): Meticulous implementer of change

Grogan, Sister Mary Patricia FCJ (1915 - 2001). Gifted Australian educator who taught across the world

Ryan, Winifred Agnes (Sr Agnes mss) (1915 - 2011). Founding congregational member and pioneer educator.

Carmody, Lawrence George (Br Aloysius Meldan fsc) (1916 - 1981). Teacher, administrator, national and international leader.

Dwyer, Grace (Sister Mary Vivian RSM) (1917 - 2011). Encouraging young teachers to find their gifts.

Hartigan, Moira (Sr Mary Ephrem RSM) (1917-2002): An educator of vision and determination

Kelty, Justin Linus cfc (1918 - 2002) : A gentleman, a scholar, and a man for his time.

Fraser, Joyce Eva (Mother Loyola csb) (1918 - 2008). In her, the love of God and of literature were beautifully blended.

Gallagher, Michael (Br John Baptist Gallagher fsp) MBE (1919 - 2001). A humble Irish leader.

Murphy, Bishop Patrick (1920 - 2007). An authentic educational leader.

McCarthy, Francis Irenaeus (Br Francis McCarthy cfc) (1920 - 2010). Long-serving teacher and lover of art.

Creede, Moira Margaret (Sister Canice pbvm) (1920-2010). Scholar, teacher, administrator, visionary.

McCarthy Frumence (Sister Mary Marcian rsm) (1922 - 1985). Communicating to children and teachers the wonders of God's love.

Moran, Sheila Mary (Sister Mary Cecilia rsm) (1922 - 1997). A superb musician who shared her gifts.

Flynn, Joan Melva (Mother Edmund - Sister Joan rsm) (1923 - 2010). A modern founder who embraced the winds of change.

Ryan, Patricia (Sr Mary Tarcisius rsm) (1924 - 2003). Versatile adult faith facilitator - never afraid to try something new.

Hennessey, Marjorie (Sr Marie de Lourdes rsm) (1924 - 2012). Collaborative leader in education and social justice advocate.

Nowtony, Joan (Mary Miriam ibvm) (1925 - 2008): A searching, questing woman.

Welbourne, Adele Eileen (Sister Louise Welbourne op) (1925 - 2015). Outstanding teacher with a passion for religious education.

Dent, Edna Ellen (Sr Mary St Bernard fdnsc) (1925 - 2016). No device will take the loving teacher's place.

Turner, Monica (1925-2017). Advocate for parents

Ellen Kennedy (Sister Margaret Mary Kennedy FCJ) (1927-2017). An international educational leader who danced Irish jigs late in life

Hickey, Francis (Brother Regis cfc) (1927-2021). Teacher, principal, leader and promoter of religious congregations' spirituality.

Martin, Francis Michael (Fr 'Frank') (1928 - 2015). Astute negotiator and visionary architect of a Catholic education system.

Sexton, Patricia Joan (Sr Joan Sexton sgs) (1928-2019): Educator and influencer

Mitchell, Shirley Annette (Noni) AM (Sr John Bosco ibvm) (1928-2021). An empowering not overpowering educator and leader.

Bubb, Shirley Margaret (Sr Mary Margaret rsm) (1930 - 2015). Adaptation and renewal in education and religious life - a woman ahead of her time.

Clark, Ann Dennis (1935 - 1997). Visionary, charismatic, elegant and innovative leader.

Ryan, Veronica Therese (Sr Veronica rsj) (1936 - 2008). Walking with Indigenous Australians.

Bulfin, Edmund Noel (Br Bernard fsp) (1936 - 2018). Humble service and commitment.

Goodwin AM, Dr Dawn Theresa (Sr Mary Veronica rsm) (1937 - 2010). Innovator in tertiary education and youth ministry.

Dwyer, Barry Francis (1938 - 2009). An educator who kindled the Catholic imagination of children and young people.

Eastman, John Garratt Colin (1941 - 2020). Building a more adult church.

English, Graham (1944 - 2021). Teacher, Writer, Cartoonist, Catholic to the core

Rofe, Deidre Ann (Sr Mary Anne ibvm) (1943 - 2002). A quester by nature and a commander at need.

Webb, Ann-Marie (Sr Gerard Majella sm) (1943 - 2008). Stalwart of Catholic education.

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