As MLMC turns 125 years old, let us reminisce about when the College turned 100 in 1996. It was a memorable year and there were lots of ways in which this magnificent milestone was celebrated. Celebrations included a new College song (still sung with gusto), A Century of Mercy book (the beginnings of our book for this year) and the Frayne Speech Festival (an annual event still held for Mercy schools).
1996 — A CENTENARY OF MERCY
1996 marked the centenary of the College and the 100th anniversary of the school’s foundation was celebrated in a number of ways, the most notable being the creation and opening of Centennial Hall a few years earlier. Events in this year included a special Centennial Jubilee Mass with Archbishop George Pell, a black tie dinner and the release of the College anthem, written by the school community. One of its authors, Year 12 student Claire Cowan (Class of 1996), later recalled “it was a busy, demanding year infused with a creative energy and a celebratory mood. An exciting year to be at the school!”
The commemorations also included the launch of a history of Mount Lilydale Mercy College called A Century of Mercy. Written and researched by Mr Adrian Reilly, a history teacher at the College since 1985, it chronicled the school’s first 100 years. Two Mercy Sisters also came out from Carrick-on-Suir in Ireland and presented the College with a Tipperary crystal chalice, which was used at the Jubilee Mass.
Another special event was the creation of a permanent centenary tribute in the form of bronze sculptures, two five-metre high wall reliefs by artist Sister Gael O’Leary RSM. These were installed in the entrance to Centennial Hall.
The Frayne Speech Festival was another significant event, organised by Mrs Colleen Anglin and the English Faculty, which gathered together students from across schools founded in the traditions of Mercy Education. It provided an opportunity for spirited “competition in debating, public speaking and voice choir” and was named in honour of Mother Ursula Frayne, founder of the Sisters of Mercy in Australia. The festival was so successful it is now an annual event across Mercy schools.
Invitation to the Centenary black tie event.
Booklet from the Jubilee Mass.
Book 'A Century of Mercy' by Adrian O'Reilly.
Newspaper article about the Centennial bronze relief.
Booklet from a Frayne Speech Festival.
