A passion for justice remembered – Sr Irene McCormack

28 May 2026

By The Record

A celebration of the life and legacy of Sr Irene McCormack was held on Saturday 16 May at St Joseph’s Convent, South Perth, on the 35th anniversary of her death in 1991 when she was shot by Shining Path terrorists in Huasahuasi, Peru.

The day also marked the 160th anniversary of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, founded in 1886 by Mary MacKillop (now Saint Mary of the Cross – Australia’s first saint) and Father Julian Tenison Woods.

Sr Irene was born and raised in the Wheatbelt towns of Kununoppin and Trayning and taught in several WA schools before she responded to the call to serve the people of Peru. She was known for her passion for justice and desire for action – even if it left some feeling uncomfortable at times.

Josephite sisters, companions and supporters gathered in South Perth to remember Sr Irene McCormack and her passion for justice on the 35th anniversary of her death. Photo: Supplied.
Josephite sisters, companions and supporters gathered in South Perth to remember Sr Irene McCormack and her passion for justice on the 35th anniversary of her death. Photo: Supplied.

Speaking at the event, Sandra Brogden, Team Leader – First Nations Education at Catholic Education Western Australia, presented an overview of early Western Australian legislation for Aboriginal people and its impact on the Australian psyche.

Recalling the experiences of her own family, Sandra said her grandparents were impacted by legislation that required them to have permits to hunt or move from one town to another. Additionally, to become an Australian citizen in the 1940s, they had to denounce their Aboriginal friends and family.

These injustices, Sr Irene’s passion for justice, and the 160-year legacy of the Sisters provided those present with many opportunities for conversation and companionship.

Kirup commemoration

Another commemoration of Sr Irene McCormack was held on Thursday 21 May at the Spirituality Hub, Holy Family Catholic Church in Kirup (Bunbury Diocese). Held annually since 2021, this year’s event was attended by 30 people including several online from Esperance, Brunswick and Albany and representatives of the Catholic Women’s League of WA and the Josephite Companions.

Australian composer/musician Mark Raue discussed his inspiration to write a song about Sr Irene in 1997.

(L-R): Catholic Mission’s WA Province Director, Shendelle Mullane, Sharon and Peter Cully of Manjimup, The Spirituality Hub at Kirup coordinator Deborah Robertson, Catholic Mission’s Perth Diocesan Director Francis Leong, Yvonne Lundy (Pinjarra), Parish Engagement coordinator Cora D’Souza, and Anna Cox (Pinjarra).

Maricarmen Basauri Rojas, director of the children’s therapy centre established by the Sisters of St Joseph in San Juan de Lurigancho, Lima, Peru, spoke about the legacy of Sr Irene and her fellow sisters. Maricarmen also revealed she had recently visited Sr Irene’s grave and the plaza in Huasahuasi where she, along with four local men, was killed.

The Kirup service concluded with a liturgy from the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations (WUCWO) to coincide with WUCWO Day 2026 that was celebrated in May.

The liturgy’s theme, Peace exists – it wants to dwell within us perfectly reflectedthe life and legacy of Sr Irene McCormack – a Catholic woman dedicated to peace and the service of the poor.