Making History

This year, the Golding Centre’s Annual Colloquia organized by Dr Sophie McGrath, rsm at the ACU’s Strathfield campus raised awareness of the publication on Elizabeth Hayes by Sister M Francine (Pauline) Shaw, mfic - the Golding Centre’s first doctoral student. The book Elizabeth Hayes:Pioneer Franciscan Journalist (1) gives new insights into the commitment of Elizabeth Hayes to the Apostolate of the Press. Shaw’s doctoral research reveals insights and information about the Foundress of the Missionary Franciscan Sisters that has not been published before and establishes without doubt that Elizabeth Hayes was in fact

• First to edit and publish a Franciscan Journal in English
• First Editor-publisher of a Franciscan Journal in America
• First Franciscan woman to publish a Catholic Journal.

Professor Robert Gascoigne speaking on this occasion praised the patient scholarship of the research which was foundational to the writing. He noted that Elizabeth Hayes used her outstanding literary gifts, the spiritual and devotional heritage of the Franciscan tradition, and the wider Catholic culture of the time as a means of fulfilling her dedication to mission.

Sister Pauline Robinson praised Sister M. Francine for the extent and depth of her research and her untiring dedication to making this woman better known not only for our own religious community but also for other readers, particularly researchers interested in women religious of the late nineteenth century.

1. Copies of this publication can be purchased from Freedom Publishing Pty Ltd,
   35 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn. Victoria 3103. Tel 03 981 60888
   or
   Missionary Franciscan Sisters, Book Sales,
   P.O. Box 1100, Stafford. Q. 4053. Cost: $35.00 GST inclusive – postage not included. Aust. post $12).
   For further information contact pshaw@mficaust.org.au

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