As we come to the end of the 2021 school year and some of the celebrations for MLMC’s 125 years, let us reflect on the description of the ‘Convent’ from Sister Mary Ignatius. Merry Christmas and blessings of peace to all at this time.
1956 — DESCRIPTION OF MT LILYDALE
Sister Mary Ignatius in The Wheel of Time:
The Lilydale convent is picturesquely situated on a height, overlooking the somewhat scattered township of the name. Soft, green, pasture lands dotted with countless herds of cattle and encircled by wooded hills and distant dark mountain ranges fill the observer with delight.
The town proper lies high to the left of the convent, its red, white and grey buildings evoking thoughts of family life passed in comparative comfort. And every nearby hillock is potted with two, three, or more white homes indicative of the same. When sunshine bathes the landscape with golden glow, peace seems to envelop one’s whole being, as well as all the natural objects. Even at night time the scene remains tranquil and lovely.
The child’s life in the Lilydale convent is passed in ideal environment. Natural beauty surrounds her every way she turns, and kindness and comfort are hers as long as she remains with the Sisters. As Mount Lilydale is only twenty-odd miles from the metropolis and the bracing air of the hills builds up vigorous constitutions, the parents quickly single it out as the place where the child’s interests of body, mind, and soul will be honourably studied’.
Article from The Advocate newspaper (19 June 1952).
Barbara Henry out the front of Mount Saint Joseph in 1954.
Students at the College in 1958.
