A Comfortable Cup of Tea: Sacred Heart College, Geelong
166th Anniversary of the Sisters of Mercy, Geelong
On Wednesday, 3rd December, the 166th anniversary of the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy Geelong, the College was deeply honoured to host a special event, A Comfortable Cup of Tea, at the Convent of Mercy Newtown, also known as Mercy House.
The event welcomed many guests, predominantly Sisters of Mercy who live, worked, or benefited from the building as St Joseph’s Hospital and Nursing Home (1963), the Convent of Mercy (1997), and Mercy House (singer 2010). This building, which has housed many varied ministries within its walls, is scheduled to be demolished in 2026 and will eventually be replaced by a new building whose prime service will be the education of students at Sacred Heart College.
The atmosphere was one of genuine warmth, joy, and deep connection as Sisters and guests shared stories, reminiscing over a cup of tea, and showcasing the enduring bond between Sacred Heart College and the Sisters of Mercy. It was a moving and enriching experience for all. With the demolition of Mercy House and the neighbouring flat, Sr Joan Wilson, who resided in the Convent and then later moved into the flat, has decided to return to Melbourne to take up residence at Mercy Place, Parkville. Her departure marks a significant milestone in the history of SHC as we farewell the last of the Sisters of Mercy to reside at the College.
Thank you to the Sisters of Mercy for their unwavering dedication and the powerful legacy they have built. While the physical building will change, the spirit of Mercy will continue to guide our mission.
Anna Negro
Principal