2004

Wednesday 3rd November 2004
Papal Honour for Newcastle Parishioner
Miss Elsie Wooden, a long-standing member of Newcastle's Catholic parish recently received the Papal Honour of Dame of the Order of St Gregory the Great in recognition of her life-long commitment to her faith and service of the Church.

Adelaide's Catholic Archbishop Philip Wilson presented Miss Wooden, 84, with the Papal Honour during a special ceremony at St Joseph's Church, The Junction on Saturday 23rd October. It is understood that Miss Wooden is one of eight women in Australia to have received the award.

Papal Honours are a means by which the Holy Father can personally distinguish those who have particularly served the Church and society.

Miss Wooden received her award from Pope John Paul II on the recommendation of Bishop Michael Malone and Newcastle Catholic parishioners.

Archbishop Wilson, a friend of Miss Wooden's and formerly a priest of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, made the presentation on behalf of Bishop Malone who was not able to be present at the ceremony.

According to those who recommended her for the Papal Honour, "Elsie Wooden is much loved by the Newcastle Parish; she is an example of humility and commitment to service. It is the wish of this parish that Elsie's loyal and dedicated service be recognised … her devotion to Our Lady and her love of Christ is a witness to our faith, one that stands as an example to all."

Miss Wooden was born in her Cooks Hill family home in 1920. She attended the Dominican Convent School, which was situated opposite St Mary's "Star of the Sea" Church Newcastle, and helped to organise fetes for the school.

As a young person she belonged to the Catholic association known as "The Children of Mary" and as an adult became a member of the "Legion of Mary". She attended Mass daily and was committed to the faith development of children in State schools, regularly transporting them to Mass at St Mary's on Sundays.

Miss Wooden worked in the office of the Eucharistic Congress in 1938, a special Catholic conference held in Newcastle. From 1938 until recently she worked as sacristan (responsible for sacred objects in the church) at St Mary's, Newcastle and St Luke's, Cooks Hill. In addition to this role she drove elderly citizens to Mass and looked after the general care and cleaning of both churches.

Commenting on Miss Wooden's special honour, Monsignor Allan Hart, Parish Priest of Newcastle, said "the parish rejoices and thanks Elsie for her life of commitment and faithfulness."

For a list of people who have received papal honours in Australia visit the Catholic Directory.

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