By Eric Martin
The Papal Blessing is granted by the Holy Father for important events in the lives of the faithful and it was with great and obvious joy that Ines Wallace received hers on Sunday 1 November, bestowed by Episcopal Vicar for Education and Adult Faith Formation, Fr Vincent Glynn on the Pope’s behalf, for the reaching the extraordinary milestone of her 100th birthday.
The Papal (or Apostolic) blessing is a sacrament imparted by the Pope, either directly or by delegation through others, and usually includes a formal forgiveness of sins.
“Ines was honoured and elated to receive the Papal Blessing presented by Father Vincent Glynn,” said Mr Geoff Wallace, her son.
Surrounded by close family at the Little Sisters of the Poor, Glendalough, Ines’ celebration of 100 years of life was an intimate affair, thanks largely to COVID-19 restrictions – still in place to protect the elderly in retirement homes, with some 25 guests gathered for drinks and Torta cake.
Surrounded by close family at the Little Sisters of the Poor, Glendalough, Ines’ celebration of 100 years of life was an intimate affair, thanks largely to COVID-19 restrictions, still in place to protect the elderly in retirement homes, with some 25 guests gathered for drinks and cake.
Ines was born on 1 November 1920 in Jarrahdale, WA, to Giacomo and Maria Polinelli, both formerly of Bianzone, Italy.
The third of four sisters, she was joined by her younger sister Olga Bettini at the celebration, who, at the age of 97, is also hoping to reach this amazing milestone. The second sister, Anita Ronchi, passed away at The Little Sisters of the Poor just three weeks short of her own 100th birthday in 2016.
Ines married Joe Wallace on 25 January 1945 at St Brigid’s Church West Perth, having met when Joe was on leave from War Service in the Royal Australian navy. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary before Joe passed away on 5 March 2006.
They lived in Floreat and were parishioners of Our Lady of Victories Church in Wembley, where they came to know Fr Vincent Glynn.
Ines was a full time mother renowned for her cooking, particularly her gnocchi and pumpkin scones, beloved by her two children, Geoff and Beverley, four grandchildren, Anthony, Douglas, Robert and Rosemary.
She has five great grandchildren, Jessica, Megan, Erin, Vida and Jagger.