A recent program screened on ABC TV showed an 87-year-old Melbourne nun, confined in a cage.
She was protesting the detention of refugees by Australian authorities.
It was all in a day’s work for Sister Brigid Arthur – one more example of her determination to stand up on questions of social justice. For nearly seven decades, this remarkable woman has dedicated her life in support of the disadvantaged, as a member of a congregation in the Catholic Church – the Brigidine Sisters.
The Order was founded in honour of another Brigid – a fifth-century Irish saint, known as Brigid of Kildare. It was established in Ireland in 1807 and came to Australia in 1883.
In 1953, at the age of 19, Brigid Arthur joined the Order and, following in the footsteps of her famous namesake, pledged her life to the service of others. That promise has remained in place to this day.
Sister Brigid, who formerly sat on the board of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, is a key member of the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project, providing practical support to refugees and asylum seekers in need of housing and employment.
She has served as a litigation guardian for asylum seekers, young Indigenous people and youthful climate activists.
A recent High Court challenge, in which she supported secondary students protesting government inaction on climate change, gained national attention. It featured in ABC TV’s documentary, The Nun in the Cage. The program is available for viewing as part of the Compass series on ABC iView. It is compelling viewing and deeply moving.
The many activities of this determined and energetic social justice campaigner have not passed unnoticed. In 2021 she was, along with Dr Carolyn Graydon, a joint recipient of the John Gibson Award, recognising her tireless efforts in defence of human rights.
Only days ago, the Australian Lawyers Alliance bestowed upon her the 2022 Victorian Civil Justice Award, for her long-term commitment to social justice.
Sister Brigid is renowned as an engaging and entertaining speaker. Her appearance as a guest of Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees is eagerly anticipated.
She will speak at 2pm on Saturday June 18 at Norma Richardson Hall, 15 Buckland Street, Woodend, as part of events designed to mark Refugee Week.
Entry is by donation and booking is essential. Register online at www.trybooking.com/BZPHS
