Sr Fran Mannes (7^th May 1931 - 2^nd April 2021)

Sr Fran Mannes, a former staff member of our College, passed away on Friday, 2^nd April 2021. Sr Fran was born in Bendigo on 7^th May 1931 and was the fifth of six children to her parents, Anthony and Mary Mannes. Sr Fran originally taught in the Victorian State Education System for eight years before entering the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart on the 19^th March 1956. Following her profession on 6^th January 1959, she received the name of Sr Mary Anthony Joseph of the Infant Jesus. Sr Fran ministered in a variety of places and schools all over Victoria and throughout New South Wales and Queensland. Sr Fran spent two periods working within our College community. Her first appointment within our community was at Geoghegan College (1984 – 1989), one of the three predecessor Colleges to Penola Catholic College. Her second stint of service here began in 1995, following the establishment of Penola Catholic College, through to 2004. Her role here at the College was as the Family Liaison Officer where she provided wonderful support to all students and families within our Community.

One of Sister Fran’s major achievements was that she played a large role in the formation of the Association of Josephite Affiliated Secondary Schools (A.J.A. S.S.). The aim of this Association was to link and build connection between all the Josephite Secondary Colleges around Australia. This remains a very strong network and continues today to build the charism of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and the Sisters of St Joseph, within and across, all the AJASS schools.

It was truly touching to hear at Sr Fran’s funeral recently, how Penola Catholic College held a special place in her heart and how proud she was to have worked here for many years as a member of staff. So much so, the Sisters of St Joseph thought it fitting that we should be given her professional cross (the cross given to her when she professed her vows and an exact replica of the cross worn by St Mary of the Cross MacKillop when she professed hers), along with her original AJASS flag, which she was also very proud of. Therefore, we have decided to create a display cabinet in Mannes House (named in honour of her wonderful contribution to the College), in which we will place these treasured items for all to view and to remind us of her beautiful spirit, love and service within our community.