Congregation of Jesus Mary Joseph

Foundations in a Transforming Melbourne (1901–1920)

01 Dec 2025 - 08 Dec 2025

Between 1901 and 1920, Melbourne became the formative ground where Mary Glowrey - later Venerable Mary of the Sacred Heart - grew intellectually, spiritually, and professionally. Arriving as a thirteen-year-old scholarship student during a period of major political and social change, she developed into an outstanding scholar, pioneering doctor, and future missionary.

“Grace That Awakened a Mission”: Graduating with distinction in 1910 - first in Surgery and fourth in Medicine - Mary served the sick during World War I until a profound call to religious and missionary life reshaped her future. In 1915, during Mass on the feast of St Raphael, a sermon on the vocation of physicians stirred her deeply. That same day, reading about Dr Agnes McLaren’s work in India awakened her desire to serve women deprived of medical care.

“Perseverance That Shaped Her Mission”

Though friends and even her spiritual director hesitated, Mary remained firm. A direct appeal from Archbishop John Aelen of Madras confirmed her mission. Wartime delays only strengthened her preparation: she saved for medical supplies, deepened her prayer life, and earned her Doctor of Medicine in 1919 - one of the first women in Victoria to do so - offering it for her future missionary work.

“Stepping into God’s Dream”

At the end of 1919, after years of discernment, sacrifice, and deep trust in God’s will, Mary left Australia to join the Sisters of the Society of Jesus Mary Joseph in Guntur. Armed with faith, brilliance, compassion, and medical excellence, she embarked on the mission that would transform countless lives and lead the Church to recognise her heroic virtue.