Re-interment of the Body of Mother Clare
Step into a moment of deep reverence as the Sisters of Mercy gathered on a winter evening in 1938 to honour their beloved founder, Mother Clare Dunphy. In the unfinished Chapel illuminated only by candlelight, they witnessed her re-interment, symbolising her enduring legacy of mercy and devotion. This poignant event marked the beginning of a sacred space that continues to inspire generations.
Let us join the Sisters as they gather in the darkness of the still-to-be completed Chapel, to witness the re-interment of the body of their much-loved founder, Mother Clare Dunphy.
The Chapel building was nearing completion when came the joy of receiving again the earthly remains of Mother M Clare to rest, till Time is over, in the Chapel which had been the anticipation of the Community for many years. In the twilight of a winter evening, July 7th, 1938, flickering lights along the cloister bordering the inner quadrangle told that the Sisters were assembling to assist at the re-interment. The procession passed into the dark unfinished building. Then, forming a wide arc from main entrance to Sanctuary, and facing the northern transept, the Sisters joined in silent prayer while the coffin was lowered into the vault, the Rev Monsignor P. J. O'Donnell, P. P. of Parramatta, officiating.
The scene was unforgettable – except for a space around the vault, the interior of the chapel was illuminated only by the candles in the Sisters' hands. Splashes of light fell on Church Cloaks here and there, to be lost again in gloom. Above was the black cavern of the roof. But the little points of the candle flames burnt steadily - symbols of Mother Clare's words and deeds of Mercy - examples lighting the path of life for those who had followed her. R. I.P.
Image: Grave of Mother Clare Dunphy
Image: Mother Clare Dunphy
Some memories of Mother Mary Clare
Image: Extract from the sermon preached by the Very Rev Father J C Thompson CM, on the occasion of the blessing and opening of the chapel (Catholic Freeman's Journal, December 22, 1938).
For more about Mother Clare Dunphy, see These Women - Women Religious in the History of Australia: The Sisters of Mercy Parramatta 1888-1988, by McGrath M S, NSWUP, 2007.