Sr Mary O’Shannassy’s Remarkable Ministry Recognised
We gathered to congratulate and recognise the wonderful work of Sr Mary O’Shannassy SGS OAM, who led our Prison Ministry.
Thank you to a Good Samaritan
The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and CatholicCare Victoria (CCV) and together with esteemed members of the community, gathered to congratulate and recognise the wonderful work of Sr Mary O’Shannassy SGS OAM.
The event recognised Sr Mary O’Shannassy, a Sister of the Good Samaritan, for her 30-year devotion to Prison Ministry—a legacy of faith in action and transformative leadership.
Sr Mary is the longest-serving prison chaplain in Victoria and the only woman to have held that leadership role.
During her time, Sr Mary established and led a team of statewide chaplains and volunteers across all 15 of the state’s prisons, offering spiritual care, emotional support, and a message of hope to the residents in our prison communities.
Her work was grounded in a deep belief in the inherent dignity of every person. She often reminded others that many prison residents come from backgrounds of trauma and disadvantage, and her mission was to restore their sense of worth and humanity.
CCV CEO Agnes Sheehan was the MC for the event, sharing her appreciation and gratitude for Sr Mary’s lifelong legacy.
Sr Mary is a Sister of the Good Samaritans—and truly, a good Samaritan is exactly what she has been … Under her leadership, these [chaplaincy] teams have brought spiritual care, support, friendship, and hope to thousands of people in custody.
– Agnes Sheehan
“Words like courage, tenacity, empathy and collaboration are often used to describe Sr Mary, and rightly so. But above all, she has led by example—quietly, faithfully and with tireless commitment to those often forgotten by society,” Agnes said.
These feelings were echoed amongst speakers throughout the evening, with thoughtful, engaging acknowledgements from Brendan Money PSM and Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli.
Brendan spoke of his 34 years of experience with Corrections Victoria Australia, many of which were spent with Sr Mary, working to develop contemporary corrections policy for security classification/assessment and placement of prisoners across male and female prisons.
CatholicCare Victoria extends heartfelt thanks to all who attended the event, and supported Sr Mary O’Shannassy and the vital ministry of prison chaplaincy.
We especially acknowledge the ongoing partnership, support and leadership of the Department of Justice and Community Safety, Youth Justice, and Corrections Victoria. Without this collaboration, our ability to provide meaningful care and support to residents in our prison communities would not be possible.
A Papal Honour – A Rare Recognition of Service
In addition to recognition from the Victorian community, Archbishop Peter Comensoli presented Sr Mary with the Papal Cross of Honour (Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice)—the highest papal honour that can be awarded to a layperson or religious not in ordained ministry.
The Cross of Honour is granted by the Pope to individuals who have given distinguished service to the Catholic Church and their community. First established by Pope Leo XIII in 1888, the honour recognises extraordinary dedication, humility, and lasting impact. It is a deeply symbolic and significant gesture of gratitude from the Holy See.
Sr Mary’s receipt of this honour is a testament to her decades of service to those who are often marginalised and overlooked. It affirms the sacredness of her mission and the lives she has touched across Victoria’s prison system.
A Lasting Legacy
Sr Mary’s retirement marks the end of an extraordinary chapter—but her legacy will live on in the chaplaincy program she helped build, the countless individuals she supported, and the many lives she helped transform.
CatholicCare Victoria and the wider Church community thank Sr Mary for her faithful service and compassionate leadership. She has shown what it means to walk alongside others with grace and purpose.
We farewell Sr Mary not just with gratitude, but with inspiration—to continue her legacy of hope, dignity and humanity for all.
Image credit: Melbourne Catholic
