Mary was born on the 9th October 1926, at Bathurst NSW. She was the daughter of Owen and Jeannie Grant (both dec); and the loved sister of William, Sarah (Sr M. Hilary OP), Owen, John, James, Kathleen, Theresa, Noel ( all dec); and Robert.

Mary Grant attended primary schools at Tamworth and Parramatta, and  her secondary schooling was at Auburn and Maitland.  

Mary  entered the Dominican Convent Maitland, NSW on 28th January, 1945.   At Reception into the Order on 6th December 1945, she received the name Sr Mary Patrick.    She was professed on 8th December, 1946.

Sr Mary Patrick was a trained teacher when she entered the convent.   After Profession she taught in primary schools, including those for students with hearing and visual impairment. She ministered to the people of the Solomon Islands for sixteen years, and much to her surprise and delight, for her Golden Jubilee she was presented with travel documents for a return trip to the Solomons.     In her later years, Sr M Patrick undertook pastoral work in Moss Vale.  This included Religious Assistant to the Dominican Laity, a Catechist in State schools, Sacramental preparation, Communion to the sick and an assistant librarian.  Sr Mary Patrick’s ministries took her to Mayfield, Waratah, Portsea, Solomon Islands, Westleigh, Wahroonga, Moss Vale and Maitland.

During her religious life Sr Mary Patrick had the opportunity to complete a Missiology course with the Columban Fathers at Turramurra and a renewal program at Hawkstone Hall (England).  Both her parents came from Ireland, so while overseas she was able to connect with her Irish relatives.   Sr Patrick’s great loves were her family, and the extended family overseas with whom she had regular contact, and her Dominican sisters.

Sr Mary Patrick has lived the last ten years at St Mary’s Maitland and was sacristan at Mt Carmel Hostel until she became ill.

Sr Mary Patrick died after a short illness, on 4th October, 2011
May she rest in peace.

Motto: Omnia Pro Te O Jesu

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