by Laurence Hession
The Tyburn Nuns came to the Parish of St John’s on 2nd June 1986, setting up their Australian Headquarters at 325 Garfield Road East on five acres of land previously owned by Mr and Mrs Benz. Coming from Manly with a ongregation of thirteen, they lived in rather cramped conditions for some time in the residence that was on the property, but the Nuns now are proud of their Convent and Chapel. The Tyburn Nuns are a contemplative order of Saint Benedict, their life is one of Prayer and Eucharistic Adoration, a life which is still attracting young women.
On 10th September 1989, a Shrine in honour of Mary, Help of Christians was blessed and opened by Father John O’Neil, Parish Priest of Doonside, assisted by Father Peter Little, S.J., and Father Carl Ashton, Parish Priest of Mount Druitt. The Shrine is built adjacent to the Chapel, featuring a beautiful statue of Mary, made of fibreglass resin imported from Italy. The Nuns still wear the traditional habits, this is something that belongs to the past with most Orders of Nuns today.