Ursula Frayne 140 Year Memorial Mass June 10, 2025

June 9, 2025, marked the 140th anniversary of Ursula Frayne’s death. On June 10, Sacred Heart Kyneton and other Victorian Mercy schools gathered together to celebrate Ursula’s life through a memorial mass presented by the staff and students of the Academy of Mary Immaculate in Fitzroy. During the Mass, we heard inspiring words from Fr. Michael McEntee, Principal Sr. Mary Maloney and the Director of Faith and Mission Hannah Hale. We were privileged to experience the beautiful singing by the Academy's choir and listen to Bob Ballinger play on the harp that once belonged to Ursula Frayne herself. We appreciated learning more about our founder, Mother Usrula Frayne.

Ursula Frayne was the leader of the first group of Mercy Sisters to arrive in Perth, Australia, in 1846. On the 2nd February of the same year, she opened her first Mercy school- Mercedes College, Perth. After spending 5 years in Fremantle, Ursula relocated to Melbourne which provided her another opportunity to help those in need. Following in the footsteps of Catherine McAuley, Ursula established many schools, orphanages for vulnerable children and shelters for people who were often marginalized. After living out a life of mercy, guided by Jesus and the gospels Ursula died in 1885. Following her death, a memorial chapel was built to honor her life and achievements. This is where she now rests.

Following the mass, we were invited to a guided tour of the school where we had a chance to converse with other Mercy students. Throughout this experience we were privileged enough to have Mercy Sister, Sr Madeline Duckett join us for the day. This experience has left us with a profound appreciation and gratitude for the work of Ursula Frayne: a remarkable woman whose dedication deeply shaped our country and our school community.

College Captains- Lucie Cousins, Astrid Le Nourey and Justin Vardon

Faith Captains- Jack Meyer and Charlotte Oppy

Junior College Captains- Stella Egberts and Oscar Pereira