The Brigidine sisters, their supporters and other clergy who attended the 140th Anniversary Celebrations in Coonamble last Thursday 14 September enjoyed a full program of activities to mark the milestone of the Brigidine's arrival in the district.

Sixteen Brigidines attended, travelling from Melbourne, Echuca, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane. 

Among their number were Sr Keogh who served in Coonamble during the 1970s and Coonamble-born Srs Maureen and Clare Keady.

They were joined by Bathurst Diocese Bishop Michael McKenna and priests Fr Thao Nguyen, Fr Martin O'Mahoney, Fr Dong Nguyen, Fr Carl Mackander and Fr Garry McKeown as well as current and former students and parish members.

Sr Clare Riley, one of the last remaining sisters to serve in Coonamble, was unable to attend but joined in via livestream from her home in Randwick.

The day began at St Brigids School, where four storyboards containing snapshots of the history of the Brigidines in Coonamble, the history of St Brigid's School and significant Brigidine symbols were blessed by Bishop Michael.

Mary Skuthorp and Trish Crawley 

At 11am a special Mass was held in Our Lady of Perpetual Help church, with a highlight being the Irish Blessing bestowed upon the Brigidines by the the whole school. 

The prayers of the faithful highlighted how the history of the Brigidines and the school and wider community are intrinsically interwoven, with most prayer readers having aunts, great or great, great aunts who became Brigidine sisters.

After lunch at Coonamble Bowling Club, the crowd moved to the main street where a dedicated garden was officially presented to Mayor Tim Horan for the Coonamble community by Brigidine Congregational Leader Sr Louise Cleary.

Marlene and Gerard Barrett

The garden and the six sculptures signifying the six original Irish Brigidines was created with assistance from local parishioner Mary Skuthorp, keen gardener Lyn Fisher, local artists Angela O'Connor and Molly Deans, with support from Coonamble Shire Council staff and councillors.

"It's thrilling that we have this garden to mark the place and we hope it might become a place of respite, a place where people might stop and wonder at these wonder at these wonderful sculptures," said Sr Louise.

"And as this place begins to take even more shape we want it to be a gift to the people of Coonamble for that friendship, care, kindness and solidarity that there has been over the 140 years in Coonamble.

"It was a dream of the sisters and the planning committee that this would be something for all, and it fits with the spirit of hospitality of St Brigid and our Brigidine story that we should be welcoming all. 

"We trust that this will be a space of welcome for all and that it will add to the reconstruction and the revitalisation of this area."

Sr Maree Marsh with Coonamble Shire General Manager Paul Gallagher

Afterwards, the contingent gathered at the Coonamble Cemetery and, after an acknowledgement of Country from Sr Clare Keady, they celebrated a Liturgy of Remembrance for the eleven Brigidine Sisters at rest there.

"We walk in the footsteps of those who have travelled here before us. One hundred and forty years ago Sisters John, Ignatius, Catherine, Gertrude, de Sales and Stanislaus arrived in Coonamble," said Sr Maree Marsh.

"The Coonamble Brigidine story is thoroughly interwoven within the story of all the people of this area, many of whom were your forebears. 

"We thank God for the generations that have always “been there” with generosity, support, friendliness, warmth and care that was, and continues to be, intrinsic to the people of Coonamble."

A small bouquet and a Saint Brigid's Cross was placed on each Sister's grave as the congregation expressed their grateful remembrance.

Angie O'Connor Designer of the nun sculptures, with Brendan O'Connor