Plaque 125
Beatrice& Leslie Elias
I chose Poppy Alf because he is so kind. When I was a baby he sang songs to me. I chose him because he made wooden toys for people who could not afford toys at the toy shop.
by: Yvonne Dowsey
Plaque 17
Ellen Catherine English
(1898 - 1987)
I chose Grandma because she was a loving and caring person.She was devoted to her family and would do anything for them.She was always thinking of other people and would do what she could to help them.Even when she was sick she was still thinking of others, and was determined to make my Communion dress as she knew this would be special to me.
by: Annette Heskett
Plaque 77
Suzi Faulkner
I chose Aunty Maggie because of her generous works of love and kindness in caring for us siblings as we were growing up.Always giving of herself in meeting our needs, without question, without complaint.In spite of the darkness, her light shone through her acts of love and mercy.
by: Isabella Faulkner
Plaque 96
Kay Ficinus
Sister Rowena serves in a nursing home in New South Wales where my grandmother was a resident until she passed away in May. Sister Rowena was with us throughout my grandmother’s last days.We dubbed her the little nun, due to her small stature, but as we got to know her, we thought of her as "little" also due to her great humbleness.
One particular memory will stay with me forever.As we sat together by Nonna's side, she said to me "Aren't they amazing" talking about the dementia residents we could see out the window.I quickly quelled my immediate reaction to dispute her, as I considered their lack of mental capacity.I found myself actually "seeing" these people, seeing them the way Sister Rowena did, as Jesus in the flesh."Yes, they are amazing" I replied to her.It was one of those remarkable moments when God's presence is palpable.
The little nun, has an amazing way of seeing Jesus and showing mercy the way he did, in her care, both of the residents and of the families who's loved ones are at the end of their lives.
by: Daniel Ficinus
Plaque 16
John Foley
I chose my Grandpa because I thought he was merciful in his life.My Grandpa was part of the Lions Club and showed mercy by helping those in need.He would donate money and food and other things to the less fortunate countries.We should be more like my Grandpa and show love and compassion to others.
by: Phoebe Brown (age 8 in 2016)
Plaque 87
Amber Gibson
I chose James because he does lots of jobs at SPJ but he shows mercy by supporting the whole SPJ community.He drives people to appointments, shops and even the airport.He does jobs at people’s homes and spends time with people who need someone to talk to.Some people are new to Australia and he helps them too.
by: Ava Gibson
Plaque 44
Andrew Gibson
I chose my father because he taught me to treat everyone I meet with courtesy and kindness, always saying….it costs nothing to be nice….
by: Ava Gibson
Plaque 98
Susan Gittins
I chose Mary Bresnan because she has been a “model of mercy” for me.When Mary was a Parish House Team Member, she impressed me with her faith commitment and down to earth, coping skills, with any issues that came her way. I learned that not all problems are solvable and sometimes, one has to accept people and situations just as they are.
by: Nicholas Zito
Plaque 42
Margaret Glumac
I chose Leo Brophy because his great love for people from all walks of life saw him set up schools in Africa, support others to get on their feet.He was most well-known for his advocacy through the many years he spent writing articles to bring attention to the plight of the disadvantaged.
by: Sharlotte Brown
Plaque 123
Shirley Graham
I chose my Grandma because she has been a volunteer at Meals on Wheels for many years.Meals on Wheels is somewhere that provides meals to people in their homes who are unable to cook for themselves, like elderly people and the disabled.
by: Jenny Philp
Plaque 74
Imre Gueth
I chose my Aunt Marie.She has no children of her own, but she has 15 nieces and nephews and has always shown tremendous love, dedication and generosity to all of us and all our children and now our children’s children.
She is interested in everything we do and always welcomes any new additions to our family.She has generously and quietly offered help if any of us have experienced hardship, never seeking attention.She has a steadfast faith and I have always considered her to be a person of mercy.I thank God for her presence in our family.
by: Taline Gaudion
Plaque 160
Maria C. Gysberts
I chose my Uncle Kev and Aunty Pat as models of mercy because of the inspiring way their faith informed their lives. During the refugee crisis in the late 1970’s, when thousands of Vietnamese ‘boat’ people arrived in Australia, they opened their home to one young refugee couple Tuyen and Tuoi Do. Pat and Kevin offered support and a new start in life for them by providing accommodation in their garage which had been recently refitted. All this while maintaining a normal life with their own family, with 3 teenagers still at home. Tuyen and Tuoi stayed with them for 9 months before moving on to integrate into Australian life. In the process they became an important part of Kevin and Pat’s family (and our extended family).
Kevin was also a regular volunteer for many years at St Mary’s House of Welcome in Fitzroy, a commitment that Pat took over after Kevin’s sudden death at aged 56, and continued for another 20 years. The love, compassion and work for social justice they modelled, continues to inspire me and I feel so blessed to have them as a beloved Uncle and Aunty.
by: Keith Gysberts