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ACU community welcomes recognition of Mary Glowrey’s path to sainthood

Australian Catholic University has welcomed Pope Leo’s recognition of Dr Sr Mary Glowrey’s “heroic virtues”, which has paved the way for her to become Australia’s second saint.

Over the weekend, Pope Leo retitled her Venerable Mary of the Sacred Heart Glowrey. She is the second Australian, after St Mary Mackillop, to be accorded this honour.

Sr Dr Mary Glowrey was one of Victoria’s early female doctors, who served marginalised communities in Fitzroy, Collingwood and Richmond, caring for women and their babies.

In 1943, she established the Catholic Health Association of India, which is now India’s biggest non-government healthcare network, providing care for more than 21 million people each year.

ACU has long championed greater recognition of Dr Sr Glowrey, with one of the main buildings on the university’s Melbourne Campus named in her honour. The Melbourne Campus is also home to the Mary Glowrey Museum, in Cathedral Hall.

ACU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Zlatko Skrbis said Dr Sr Glowrey’s example of service continued to inspire people around the world.

“Her life and work remind us of how knowledge can be used in service of others,” Professor Skrbis said.

“Her path toward sainthood is a source of pride for our community and speaks powerfully to our mission – a commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, the dignity of the human person, and the common good.

“Her example continues to inspire our staff, students and the wider community.

“We are proud to share her story on our Melbourne Campus and invite people who want to know more about her life and legacy to visit the museum built in her honour.”

ACU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Catholic Mission) Rev Dr Gerald Gleeson said he hoped the Mary Glowrey Museum on campus would continue to be a place of reflection and inspiration as the cause for canonisation progressed.

“Her dedication to the dignity of every person, especially the most vulnerable, is an example that is as relevant today as ever,” Fr Gleeson said.

“We are honoured to play a part in making sure her story is known and carried forward.”