Catholic Tourist

Shrine · Australia

Mary MacKillop Penola Centre and 1867 Schoolhouse

Penola, South Australia, Australia

MuseumShrineCatholic Australia collection

Why pilgrims come

A sacred place worth the journey.

The principal Penola pilgrimage complex interprets the 1866 co-founding of the Sisters of Saint Joseph by Mary MacKillop and Fr. Julian Tenison Woods and preserves the purpose-built 1867 schoolhouse.

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The pilgrim’s guide

What makes this visit meaningful

The principal Penola pilgrimage complex interprets the 1866 co-founding of the Sisters of Saint Joseph by Mary MacKillop and Fr. Julian Tenison Woods and preserves the purpose-built 1867 schoolhouse.

01

Birthplace of the Josephite mission

Understand how free Catholic education for rural children became a distinct Australian religious institute.

02

Schoolhouse and interpretation

See the historic classroom alongside exhibitions on Mary, Fr. Woods and early Josephite education.