Our Marian Grove resident Mary Thompson was officially recognised for her tireless and remarkable contributions by being awarded the highest Papal Honour available to women in the Catholic Church.
Mary received the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice on March 7th 2020 in a special presentation at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, honouring her commitment to the church and civic life across the Clarence Region.
Mary trained as a State School Catechist teaching religious education to children in state schools all over the Clarence region.
In 1984, Mary and her husband, Ron took on the extraordinary responsibilty of running ‘Beswick House’ in Grafton - the St Vincent de Paul’s Crisis Centre.
Mary humbly spoke of her work caring for poor, drug and alcohol addicted community members, and those just out of prison, as well as families visiting Grafton Prison itself, all while raising her own four children. “They are all just people, when it comes down to it.” she said.
Mary was an active member of the Catholic Women’s League, later Diocesan President and State Vice-President. She was a member of, and significant contributer to the Diocesan Pastoral Council, and was significantly involved in designing the Diocese’s Christian Leadership Program.
Since moving to Marian Grove, Mary has continued working with our local Sawtell Parish, exercising key pastoral roles.
We are fortunate to have residents like Mary living in our village.
Please join us in congratulating Mary on this prestigious, well deserved award.
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