St Francis of Assisi Home 70th Anniversary
22 October, 2024
On Pentecost Sunday, 6th June 2054, the Franciscan sisters of the Heart of Jesus led by Mother Amelia arrived at Mackay airport. She was accompanied by Sisters Alfreda, Clarenza, Vittorina, Vianney and Ubaldina. A second group followed soon after. These were Sisters Ottavia, Firmina and Ciriaca. They came in answer to a call to supply a need that had been discerned in the district of Mackay: care for the aged. The priests and St Vincent De Paul Society, supported by Bishop Tynan, had the vision to open a home – which was the first aged care facility in North Queensland. It has continued to this day with the ongoing generosity and wisdom of the sisters.
The Francis of Assisi Home was ready to accept its first residents on 19th September 1954. Over the years it has continued to expand and evolve, with new and upgraded systems and programs and continuing till today. Underlying all their achievements is their Vision to which they strive daily: “Serving with Compassionate and Generous Love”
Leading up to the Anniversary Eucharist, there was a week of fun for the residents with the sisters.:
Monday – 70th Anniversary Bingo
Tuesday – Concert & High Tea
Wednesday – Karaoke Competition
Thursday – Music on the Lawns
Friday (St Francis Feast Day) – Prayer, St Francis Movie & Ice Cream
The Eucharistic Celebration on October 4th started with a mass concelebrated by Bishop Michael and many priests of the diocese. This was followed by supper and entertainment. Children of the staff read a poem. They ended the night with a re-enactment of the life of St Francis of Assisi.
A message from Sr Pauline.
“The Lord has done great things for us, we are filled with joy” Psalm 126-3
On the 6 June 1954, the first Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus arrived in Mackay, Qld after a very long and tiring journey. The Sisters were welcomed at the airport by the Maltese Community and from that moment the Sisters called Mackay their home. Over the years, many Sisters came and went and each one of them spoke highly of the time they spent in Mackay and how the local people always helped them in various activities that they carried out. The relationship of the Mackay Community and the Franciscan Sisters continues to flourish. It is this relationship, the support, the friendship that helped the Sisters to continue with their mission of “Serving with Compassionate and Generous Love” those they care for. It is very appropriate to take this opportunity to thank all the staff who worked and are still working at Francis of Assisi Home. Their dedication, love, care and kindness has not gone unnoticed. We feel very blessed to have such dedicated staff not only to care for our dear residents, but also the care they have for each other. The comradery is very evident. Staff not only work together, but care for each other’s welfare and in time of need, they know that they are not alone. I would like to acknowledge our Founders Mother Margherita De Brincat and Fr Joseph Diacono. Our congregation was initiated by Father Joseph and promoted, developed and brought to maturity by Mother Margherita. This year we are celebrating the 140th anniversary of Fr Joseph’s departure from this world and his entry into eternal life. As Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus, we are forever grateful for the strength, resilience, commitment, courage and faith that they had to initiate the Congregation which we are part of today. They have been instrumental not only as founders of our Congregation, but in the Church in general especially in the time of great need. May we continue to be open to God’s love as we thank Him for the great things He has done for us in the past 70 years and beyond.
