Artwork honours Mater's Sisters of Mercy

On 11 November 2008 the Sisters of Mercy Centenary Artwork, “Embrace”, was blessed by the Most Reverend Brian V Finnigan DD Auxilary Bishop for Brisbane and launched by Sister Sandra Lupi RSM, Congregation Leader Sisters of Mercy Brisbane.

“Embrace” was commissioned as part of the centenary celebrations in 2006 in recognition of the Sisters of Mercy for their contribution to Mater Health Services from January 1906 to December 2006.

The artwork acknowledges the 263 individual Sisters of Mercy of the Brisbane Congregation by listing their names in a hand written format in alphabetical order. The names are listed as the Sisters were commonly known either in the form of their baptismal or religious name.

The contribution by the Sisters of Mercy equates to 6500 years of service to the health of the community.

More than 100 people attended the intimate event in celebration of the Sisters of Mercy and the artist herself, Madeline Brown, spoke of her inspiration in creating the unique piece.

“Embrace”, located next to the heritage stairs in front of Aubigny Place, was planned at the end of 2006 as part of the Mater centenary celebrations but had to wait until completion of the Mater Mothers’ Hospitals’ building works.