Some people may find content on this website distressing. Read more
Queensland - Organisation

Holy Cross Retreat (1889 - 1978)

  • Magdalene Asylum at Wooloowin, Brisbane, 1937

    Magdalene Asylum at Wooloowin, Brisbane, 1937, courtesy of Picture Queensland, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland.
    Details

From
13 October 1889
To
1978
Categories
Catholic, Children's Home, Disability Institution, Home and Maternity Home
Alternative Names
  • Holy Cross Magdalen Asylum, Wooloowin (Also known as)
  • Holy Cross Retreat and Infants Home (Also known as)
  • Magdalen Asylum, Wooloowin (Also known as)

Holy Cross Retreat or Magdalen Asylum, in Wooloowin, was operated by the Order of the Sisters of Mercy. It opened in 1889 as a home for unmarried mothers, disabled girls and infants. It ceased operating as a home for very young children in 1959. From 1974 it no longer cared for children but provided continuing care for physically and ntellectually disabled persons and single mothers. In 1978 its function changed to a centre for intellectually and physically disabled persons and was renamed Mercy Centre.

Details

Mother Mary Vincent was instrumental in the establishment of Holy Cross Retreat. She came to Queensland from Ireland in 1861.

The Holy Cross Retreat foundation stone was laid on Sunday 22nd April 1888 by Archbishop Dr Dunne. The Holy Cross Retreat was then opened 13th October 1889 by the Governor Sir Henry Norman. This institution was also referred to as the Magdalen Asylum. The girls worked in the laundry which was co-located on the site. State Government funds contributed to the running of the institution.

Holy Cross Retreat was licensed in 1895 under the Orphanages Act 1879 , then under the State Children Act 1911. It was licensed again under the Children's Services Act 1965.

Location

13 October 1889 - 1978
Location - Holy Cross Retreat was situated at Chalk Street, Wooloowin. Location: Wooloowin

Timeline

 1889 - 1978 Holy Cross Retreat
       1977 - Mercy Centre

Run By

Related Glossary Terms

Related Organisations

Publications

Books

  • Department of Families, Missing pieces: information to assist former residents of children's institutions to access records, State of Queensland, 2001. p.51. Details

Online Resources

Photos

Magdalene Asylum at Wooloowin, Brisbane, 1937
Title
Magdalene Asylum at Wooloowin, Brisbane, 1937
Type
Image
Date
1937
Source
Picture Queensland, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

Details

Holy Cross at Wooloowin, operated by the Brisbane Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy
Title
Holy Cross at Wooloowin, operated by the Brisbane Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy
Type
Image
Date
1998 - 1999
Publisher
Queensland Government

Details

Holy Cross entry/despatch section of laundry building
Title
Holy Cross entry/despatch section of laundry building
Type
Image
Date
1998 - 1999
Publisher
Queensland Government

Details

Sources used to compile this entry: Department of Families, Missing pieces: information to assist former residents of children's institutions to access records, State of Queensland, 2001. p.51..

Prepared by: Lee Butterworth