The Road Spring 2020_online

MARY RAPHAEL
MITCHELL RSM
DAMASCUS SISTER OF MERCY
Orare et Laborare – To Pray and to Work
Mary Margaret Mitchell was born in Navigators on 10 April, 1906,
and was educated at Sacred Heart College (SHC).
Mary Mitchell 1924
An enthusiastic sportswoman, Mary captained many a SHC sports
team to victory. She was a particularly talented tennis player, which
was arguably the most popular sport played at SHC. This was no
doubt due in part to the good fortune of the school possessing their
own tennis courts, and according to the school annual of 1925, these
courts were never vacant when the weather was fine. Mary was also
captain of the historic 1922–23 basketball team, which remained
undefeated for the season. Her dedication to sport at SHC might be
best summed up by a note from her peers, which appeared in the
same annual:
“Our sports report would not be complete without a word of special
praise for Miss Mary Mitchell, who may justly be called the Soul
of sport at the College. As tennis and basketball captain, she ever
inspires others with her own sporting spirit, and in recognition of
her work and influence she was presented with a valuable tennis
racquet, the gift of a generous supporter of our games.”
Sr Raphael teaching biology 1956
Upon finishing school, Mary gained her teaching certificate before
entering the Ballarat East Convent of Mercy in 1928. She was
professed in 1931, taking the name Sr. Mary Raphael.
Sr. Raphael then showed the same love and dedication to sport at
SHC through teaching as she did when she was a student. During
her time teaching at SHC, Sr. Raphael was a renowned Geology
and Mathematics teacher, as well as a sports mistress. She is still
remembered fondly by her students to this day, whether for her
outdoor Geology lessons, or her meticulous maintenance of the
running track she established around the College.
She remained dedicated to the promotion of sporting activity for the
girls of the College as she strove to live by her motto: To Pray and To
Work.
Sr Raphael C1970’s
With thanks to the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua
New Guinea Archives for their assistance providing us with material
for this piece.
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