The Story of Mother Mary Stanislaus

Founding Superior of the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration 1882-1896

Oct 13, 2009

When Julian Tenison Woods died in 1889, it was up to Sister Stanislaus of the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration to carry on the spirit and intentions of their founder.

The first remarkable woman to lead the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration was Mother Mary Stanislaus. She was called by Boland in the book Quiet Women, "one of Australia’s finest women." This is because she blessed the fledgling order with strong, vital leadership.

Unlike the case of Mary MacKillop, there are no letters with which historical researchers can divine the strength of the relationship Woods had with this pioneering woman. She appears to have been accepting of the governance of Julian Woods. It is also clear that she was also able to think clearly for herself. After his death, she capably steered a transition from dependence to autonomy. The order moved from the beginnings of an adolescent community to one that was resolute in its maturity.

The Family of Catherine Gaffney

Mother Stanislaus was originally christened Catherine Gaffney. She was born to an Irish, Catholic, Australian family. She lived on a farm called Early Rises, which was near Deloraine Tasmania, on the 13th November 1855. Her father Hugh Gaffney, was better educated than most farmers of the time.

The home was pervasively Catholic and although Mass in the district was held only once a month the family was devout to their religion. They walked the seven miles to reach the service whilst fasting when it was available. This pilgrimage was the custom for most bush Catholics in those days.

The Calling of Sister Stanislaus

When Woods was on a missionary tour in the early 1870, he stayed at the Early Rises farm. Talking about his passion for a project, where by he would set up an order called The Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, he inspired the young Catherine. This order was to be devoted to the Blessed Sacrament. The young inspirational woman was quick to offer her support and to become involved in the project. Woods believed that her devout background had prepared her suitably for this involvement, even though she was only 19 years of age.

The Young Sister Becomes a Mother Superior

Catherine was a foundation member of the order of sisters. She was devoted to the project and weathered any crisis or perturbation.

"At a time of crisis, when the older sisters left and joined other orders" she stayed says Boland. She was level headed, which meant that by the time she was 26, St Stanislaus was appointed to take charge. She was regarded by Woods as having learned her spiritual lessons well. People have described her as an intelligent woman, who was able to accept spiritual doctrine. She had the ability to pass it on with good humour and common sense. Without loosing the purity of the Woods doctrine she was still able to transform it to with the flavour of her spirit.

Virtues of the Leader of the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration

Woods believed that the superior of this order was to possess the virtues of simplicity and humility. Mother Stanislaus possessed these qualities both personally and officially, Boland claims in the book. In this way she was able to mould the community in an unassuming and uncomplicated way. Boland says on page 275, that in a communication to a young woman who wondered about the order she wrote, “To find happiness here you need great faith, courage and spirit of prayer and to be confident to have God alone as witness of your life.”

As a superior Mother Stanislaus was firm but kindly with an affectionate nature. She believed that the assurance of living in a community of friendship was the basis of unity. It was this communal spirit that Woods had sought to create.

The Story of Mary MacKillop is an inspiration to all Australians, a sister of the Josephite order, is set to become the first Australian saint.

The Legacy of Father Julian Tenison Woods tells the story of the foundation of two orders by Father Tenison Woods. The first was the Sisters of St. Joseph, and the second was the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.

The copyright of the article The Story of Mother Mary Stanislaus in Catholic Clergy is owned by Jo Murphy. Permission to republish The Story of Mother Mary Stanislaus in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.