Celebrating Mona’s 100 years with a family baptism.
17 July, 2024
A parishioners of the Capriocorn Coast parish recently celebrated her 100th birthday with the baptism of her great grandgaughter. Mona Milliken who resides at Sunset Ridge, recently celebrated this special milestone.
Mona Ruth Milliken, née Shirvington, was born in Winton, Queensland on 22nd June 1924 to Thomas and Bess Shirvington, the third of 12 children.
Mona married Ian Milliken on 5th August 1950 and they had two daughters – Elizabeth and Julie. They became grandparents to Simon, Trisha, Annie, Brendan, Kate and Sean.
Sadly in 1993, Mona was widowed. A devout Catholic, Mona’s faith guided her through her grief.
Then came the arrival of her great-grandchildren – Bailey, Erin, Grace, Caitlin, Finn, Harry and with another bundle expected in December.
Mona was asked the secret to her long life – she replied, “My faith. I say my prayers daily and I’m thankful for everything”.
Saturday, 22nd June 2024 marked Mona’s centenary birthday. A well organised gathering was planned, Mona was surrounded by her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her only remaining sibling – Marie, her nieces, nephews and a large number of extended family and friends. She received birthday wishes from all over Australia and the world, from PM Anthony Albanese, Bishop Michael McCarthy, King Charles III and His Holiness Pope Francis.
Mona’s birthday was marked by another special occasion, her great-granddaughter’s baptism. Flying in from Scotland, four-year-old, Caitlin Mona Greenlees was baptised by Fr. Matthew Moloney. Her parents, Annie and Scott were delighted to be surrounded by family and especially that Mona witnessed her namesake, Caitlin Mona be baptised into the family of the Catholic Church, which has guided her 
for 100 years.
