Statement on the Recognition of Sister Mary Glowrey as Venerable
Ormond College is proud to celebrate the news that alumna Sister Dr Mary Glowrey (1905) has been declared Venerable by Pope Leo XIV, recognising her life of service and her extraordinary contribution to medicine, education and public health.
Tuesday 25 November 2025 • 6 minute read
Ormond College warmly welcomes the news that Sister Mary Glowrey has been declared Venerable by Pope Leo XIV, recognising her life of heroic virtue and her extraordinary contribution to medicine, education and global public health. Sister Mary was a non resident student of Ormond College in 1905 while pursuing medicine at the University of Melbourne.
She went on to become one of Australia’s earliest female medical graduates and later a pioneering medical missionary in India, dedicating her life to the health and dignity of marginalised communities. Her work, particularly through the Catholic Women’s League and the development of what became the Catholic Health Association of India, has had an enduring impact on millions of people.Importantly, Sister Mary Glowrey is only the second person in Australian history to be declared Venerable. This recognition places her two steps into the Church’s four stage process toward sainthood, marking a rare and significant milestone for an Australian.
At the time of this announcement, Ormond College is honoured to be hosting the 2025 Mary Glowrey Scholars, Professor Deepthi Shanbhag and Dr Rathna Kumari, during their residential visit to Melbourne. Both scholars are distinguished leaders in community and rural health in India, and their work reflects the values that shaped Sister Mary’s life: service, compassion and a deep commitment to improving the health of vulnerable communities.
Master, Dr Areti (Ari) Metuamate said:“We are proud to acknowledge Sister Mary Glowrey as someone connected to the Ormond community. Her recognition as Venerable is a milestone for all who value service, compassion and a life dedicated to others. Sister Mary’s story is one of courage, intellect and unwavering commitment to human dignity. To be only the second Australian ever to reach this level of recognition speaks to the depth of her impact and the extraordinary nature of her life’s work. Her time at Ormond places her firmly within our College’s long history of educating people who make a profound difference in the world. As we celebrate this moment, we hope her example continues to inspire our students to serve their communities with integrity, humility and purpose.”Ormond College is proud to partner with the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences; St Vincent’s Health Australia; the Catholic Health Association of India; and philanthropic supporters to deliver the Mary Glowrey Scholars Program. We look forward to continuing this work and celebrating Sister Mary’s remarkable legacy.
She went on to become one of Australia’s earliest female medical graduates and later a pioneering medical missionary in India, dedicating her life to the health and dignity of marginalised communities. Her work, particularly through the Catholic Women’s League and the development of what became the Catholic Health Association of India, has had an enduring impact on millions of people.Importantly, Sister Mary Glowrey is only the second person in Australian history to be declared Venerable. This recognition places her two steps into the Church’s four stage process toward sainthood, marking a rare and significant milestone for an Australian.
At the time of this announcement, Ormond College is honoured to be hosting the 2025 Mary Glowrey Scholars, Professor Deepthi Shanbhag and Dr Rathna Kumari, during their residential visit to Melbourne. Both scholars are distinguished leaders in community and rural health in India, and their work reflects the values that shaped Sister Mary’s life: service, compassion and a deep commitment to improving the health of vulnerable communities.
Master, Dr Areti (Ari) Metuamate said:“We are proud to acknowledge Sister Mary Glowrey as someone connected to the Ormond community. Her recognition as Venerable is a milestone for all who value service, compassion and a life dedicated to others. Sister Mary’s story is one of courage, intellect and unwavering commitment to human dignity. To be only the second Australian ever to reach this level of recognition speaks to the depth of her impact and the extraordinary nature of her life’s work. Her time at Ormond places her firmly within our College’s long history of educating people who make a profound difference in the world. As we celebrate this moment, we hope her example continues to inspire our students to serve their communities with integrity, humility and purpose.”Ormond College is proud to partner with the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences; St Vincent’s Health Australia; the Catholic Health Association of India; and philanthropic supporters to deliver the Mary Glowrey Scholars Program. We look forward to continuing this work and celebrating Sister Mary’s remarkable legacy.