Sister Brigid Arthur and Sister Angela Ryan, our Brigidine Sisters, were named in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours. This is well-deserved recognition of the extraordinary work that they have done over many decades.
Both are intelligent, hardworking and generous women who live out the Gospel with deep sincerity and grace.
It is an honour to know these incredible women and to be part of Kildare Ministries.
Sister Brigid Arthur csb AO
Co-Founder and Project Coordinator of the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP).
Sister Brigid was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to social welfare, particularly asylum seekers and refugees, and to Catholic education.
Sister Brigid has assisted thousands of asylum seekers through her work at BASP over the past 20 years. Established in 2001, BASP aims to ensure that ‘every person, irrespective of age, race, gender or religion has the right to live safely, free from persecution’. In practical terms, BASP offers a multitude of support services through assisting with training and employment, counselling, provision of food and accommodation and so much more.
Sister Brigid is an incredible example of someone that truly lives out our College motto of ‘Strength and Gentleness’, not only day-to-day at BASP but through her selfless work as a Litigation Guardian, helping to represent vulnerable individuals in need.
Below is a recent article from The Age article depicting Sister Brigid’s work:
Please take some time to click on the link in recognition of the extraordinary work that Brigid is doing.
We continue to be inspired by Sister Brigid. We follow in her footsteps as we continuously seek justice and make the needs of the vulnerable paramount.
Sister Angela Ryan csb OAM
Sister Angela was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the Catholic Church of Australia.
Sister Angela Ryan is committed to the education of girls and Catholic education. She was President of Congregational Leaders in Victoria and Australia and has undertaken financial leadership roles for the Brigidine Sisters. She has worked with the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) in industrial relations and planning and held the positions of Director of Catholic Church Insurance, Trustee Director of Catholic Super and Trustee Director of the National Catholic Superannuation Fund.
As Executive Officer of the National Committee for Professional Standards from 2000 to 2012, Angela was at the forefront of the Church’s dealings with, and response to, issues of abuse within the Australian Church. Angela was recognised for her contribution to the Catholic mission through education, governance and leadership with an Honorary Doctorate from ACU in 2009 and in 2012 she received a Papal award. Both awards were for the work with victims of child abuse.
Sister Angela has forged a path that our College community strives to follow. Like her, we will continue to take action and make a difference. We will be courageous and speak and act with integrity.