BARBIER
The flame – fired by the spirit.
The cross is used by the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions.
The Wattle flower represents the Our Lady of the Mission Sisters Australian province, and is found allaround Broome.
The motto on fire with the spirit.
The patron of Barbier House is Euphrasie Barbier, the Founder of the OLM Sisters.
Euphrasie Barbier
Who was Euphrasie Barbier?
Euphrasie Barbier, also known as Marie du Coeur de Jésus, was born on January 4, 1829, in Caen, France. She grew up in a loving family that taught her the importance of faith, honesty, and hard work.
Her Dream to Help Others
As a young adult, Euphrasie saw many people in need and wanted to help them. Inspired by a bishop who spoke about his adventures as a missionary, she dreamed of travelling toplaces to help those in need.
Becoming a Missionary
In 1848, Euphrasie joined a group called the Sisters of Calvary. She became a sister in 1851 and went on amission to London. However, she realised that to fulfill her dream of being a foreign missionary, sheneeded to make a change. After some thought and prayer, she left the Sisters of Calvary and returned to France.
Founding a New Group
In December 1861, Euphrasie started a new group called the Institute de Notre Dame des Missions in Lyon.This group aimed to send missionaries to help people in other countries. In 1864, the first missionaries from her group traveled to New Zealand to teach children there.
A Caring Leader
Euphrasie was small but full of energy, and people affectionately called her “the little Mother.” Even when she faced health challenges, she travelled to visit the communities she helped in places likeFrance, England, and the Pacific Islands.
Her Legacy
Euphrasie was known for her strong faith and kindness. She cared deeply for her fellow sisters and the people they served. Before she passed awayin 1893, she was happy to see the rules for her group approved. Today, she rests in a chapel in Sturry, England.
Euphrasie Barbier’s life teaches us about the importance of helping others and following our dreams!
O’BRIEN
The Pomegranate represents the Sisters of St John of God,which is about healing and fullness of life.
The seeds to scatter and representing the generous self-giving required to reach out to people in need.
The Cross represents our connection with God and symbol of Christ.
The motto In faith we flourish.
The patron of O’Brien House is Sister Antonio O’Brien, the pioneering sister of the Sisters of St John ofGod in the Kimberley and founding sister of our school.
Antonio O’Brien
Who was Antonio O’Brien?
In June 1907, nine sisters from the Order of St. John of God, including eight from Ireland and one from Australia, travelled from Subiaco, Perth, to Broome. They went to help at the Beagle Bay mission, led by Mother Antonia O’Brien. Their main goals were to educate girls and care for the sick.
Building a Community
In just three years, the mission grew to include four priests, twelve brothers, and nine sisters. The sisters worked hard alongside the priests and brothers to share their faith and help people in the coastal and desert areas of the Kimberley. They wore heavy clothing that was very hot in the warm weather.
A New Home
After a year, Mother Antonia realised they needed a better place to care for the sick and train new sisters. So, she and Sister Mary Benedict traveled to Broome on June 4, 1908. They arrived with no money and didn’t know anyone, but they believed they would find help. An Aboriginal boy guided them to a local home where they were given a meal by a kind Irish lady.
Starting Fresh
The sisters asked for pots, pans, and beds, and soon they had a small hut to cook in. They even slept in a lean-to behind the church. Today, you can still see part of the original hut in the OldConvent grounds.
Opening a School
Just two weeks after arriving, they opened a school on the verandah of the old church on June 29, 1908.At that time, Aboriginal children couldn’t attend school in Broome unless they had a work permit due to a law from 1905. So, the first students were Chinese, Filipino, and Japanese children.
Mother Antonia O’Brien’s story shows us the importance of helping others and believing in our dreams!
RICE
The cross represents the Christian Brothers,which is central to our daily lives, showing respect for all.
The vine is taken from Oceania Edmund Rice logo which represents new life.
The book symbolises the Bible and knowledge and guides our commitment to do good works. The Candle represents the Holy Spirit and give encouragement to shine.
The motto Encourage and Inspire
The patron of Rice House is Blessed Edmund Rice, founder of the Christian Brothers.
Edmund Rice
Who was Blessed Edmund Rice?
Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice was a Roman Catholic missionary and educator. He founded two important groups of religious brothers: the Congregation of Christian Brothers and the PresentationBrothers.
His Early Life
Edmund was born in 1762 in Callan, Ireland. As a young man, he moved to the busy port city ofWaterford, where he worked hard and became very wealthy. He married Mary Elliot, but sadly, she passed away shortly after giving birth to their daughter, Mary. This loss made Edmund very sad, but it also deepened his love for his daughter and his relationship with God.
A Call to Help Others
During his time of mourning, Edmund began to notice the struggles of people around him. He feltcompassion for those who were suffering and wanted to help. At that time, many people in Ireland were living in poverty and facing unfair treatment.
Starting a School
In 1802, Edmund decided to make a difference. He opened a free school for boys who were poor. His goalwas to give them an education that would help them understand their faith and recognise their ownworth. He wanted to empower them to escape the poverty and hopelessness they faced.
A Legacy of Liberation
Through his work, Edmund Rice aimed to free individuals and improve society. His dedication toeducation and compassion for others continues to inspire people today!
Edmund Rice’s story teaches us about the importance of kindness, education, and helping those in need!
WARD
The hands represent the love Mary Ward carries.
The dove stands for peace and unity in the Ward House.
The Pearl represents our Broome Heritage.
The motto Encourage and Inspire
The patron of Ward House is Mary Ward, founder of The Loreto Sisters.
Mary Ward
Who was Mary Ward?
Mary Ward was born on January 23, 1585, into a wealthy Catholic family in England. She was the oldest daughter of Marmaduke Ward and Ursula Wright. Growing up during a time when practicing Catholicism could lead to serious trouble, Mary learned about faith and courage from a young age. Her grandmother had even been imprisoned for 14 years for her beliefs!
A Love for Learning
Mary received a great education at home and loved music and art. She was talented in languages, including Latin. Unlike many women of her time, Mary enjoyed more freedom and independence, which made her open to new ideas.
A Journey of Faith
From a young age, Mary felt a strong spiritual calling. She dreamed of becoming a nun, even turning down marriage proposals from several suitors. At just 15 years old, she left England to join a convent in the Netherlands.
Starting Schools for All
In 1606, Mary founded a house for Englishwomen, but she soon realised she wanted to do more than just pray. In 1609, she returned to England and gathered a group of friends, including her cousin Barbara Babthorpe, to start a religious community in St. Omer. They opened schools for both rich and poor children.
Helping Others
Mary worked secretly in England to help preserve the Catholic faith. She and her companions educated young women, supported persecuted Catholics, and spread the word of God in places where priests couldn’t go. They lived openly in Europe but had to be careful in England
Mary Ward’s story teaches us about bravery, the importance of education, and helping others, no matter the challenges!
