Good Samaritan Sister Mary O’Shannassy, CatholicCare’s Director of Prison Ministry in the Melbourne Archdiocese, continues to garner recognition for her outstanding contribution to the Victorian community.
At a recent meeting of the Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices (RVAHJ), Mary was awarded a Fellow of the RVAHJ, in recognition of significant service and ongoing support.
Mary has been a Justice of the Peace for 50 years, both in Victoria and in NSW, and continues to be one of the few JPs who are available after hours.
“I’m a bit overcome actually,” said Mary, when asked about the special acknowledgment. “It’s come right out of the blue and I was very surprised.”
“We at CatholicCare are not at all surprised to hear that Sister Mary has been recognised for her work,” said Paul Zammit, Senior Manager of Pastoral Services at CatholicCare.
“Sister Mary has served as a prison chaplain for over 23 years – and has provided leadership for the Prison Ministry for over 16 years. We are proudly aware of her dedication and determination to serve the community, and congratulate her wholeheartedly on receiving this fellowship award.”
Following the Order of Australia medal received in 2017, and the commemorative pin acknowledging 20 years of service at Port Phillip Prison last November, Mary can now add a new award to her collection – and another post nominal to her name.
This article was first published on the website of CatholicCare, Archdiocese of Melbourne.
