A Goal Achieved

On Wednesday 11 April 2007 at the ACU National Conferral of Awards Pauline (Sister M Francine) Shaw (pictured) completed her journey of study and research related to Elizabeth (Mother M Ignatius) Hayes. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy was conferred by the Dean of the Australian Catholic University at a colourful ceremony.

The title of the thesis is: Mission Through Journalism: Elizabeth Hayes and the Annals of our Lady of the Angels.

The following statement outlines the focus of the research.

To appreciate the literary work of editor-publisher, Elizabeth Hayes, the thesis situates her within the enormous outpourings of 19th century periodical literature. It is argued that Hayes was a significant contributor to the Apostolate of the Press; that she used her journal as a tool for adult education and entertainment. The investigation argues that Hayes, a follower of St Francis of Assisi, capably led an international journal of religious ideas to stability and longevity. Through her Franciscan "Annals of Our Lady of the Angels", Hayes has left significant evidence in the literary field for inclusion in academic research on professional women who enriched society with religious periodicals.

(From ACU National Conferral of Awards Ceremony, Brisbane, 2007, p 11)

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