Five Religious Sisters featured in the King’s Birthday Honours List this year, in recognition of their service to the community and the Church across a broad range of ministries.

Sr Jane Keogh CSB, Sr Isobel Moran SJG, Sr Helen Merrin OP, Sr Janet Woods RSM and Sr Pauline Morgan RSJ who were named in the King's Birthday Honours List earlier this month.

Sr Jane, a Brigidine Sister, was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the community through social welfare advocacy, and to primary education. Sr Isobel, a Sister of St John of God, was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to medicine and to the Church. Sr Helen, a Dominican Sister, was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to special needs education and to the Catholic Church in Australia. Sr Janet, a Sister of Mercy, was awarded an OAM for service to secondary education and to the Catholic Church in Australia. And Sr Pauline, a Sister of St Joseph, was awarded an OAM for service to the Catholic Church of Australia, and to education.

In an article on Sr Jane’s King’s Birthday Honour, the ABC reported that it might be unusual for a religious sister who has just been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, but one of Sr Jane Irene Keogh CSB’s fondest memories is of being arrested

That’s happened to her twice, most notably when she was participating in a sit-in protest at then-ACT senator Zed Seselja’s office a decade ago.

Sr Jane was among a group of refugee advocates who had planned a peaceful protest which entailed sitting on the floor with a candle and praying until he agreed to “do something” and set a date for the release of children in immigration detention.

“He didn’t do that … but I got my ride in the back of a paddy wagon and had to give a statement at the police station,” she told the ABC.

Sr Jane said she had always had strong values, something she thinks she inherited from her father, who was awarded an MBE for services to the Commonwealth.

But her advocacy work really began when the Tampa affair hit the headlines in 2001.

“I was angry over Tampa and I wanted justice. I don’t know where that came from.”

That anger spurred the former school principal on.

She joined a Christian group called Love Makes A Way and began getting involved with vigils and protests.

Now aged almost 80, Sr Jane keeps going with her advocacy because of compassion and hope, rather than the anger that once inspired her.

“We do it because of who we are as a person. I want a better Australia. I want a kind Australia. I want a fair go Australia,” she said.

And while being appointed an AM was initially something Sr Jane wasn’t sure she’d accept, she’s decided it will add additional weight to whichever letter she pens to a politician next.

Meanwhile, the Sisters of Saint Joseph said they were delighted that Sr Pauline had been awarded an OAM.

Sr Pauline worked as a maths and science teacher in Adelaide and later as student counsellor at Mary MacKillop College Kensington, then as Principal of Caritas College at Port Augusta and at St Michael’s College Henley Beach.

Following years of study and practice in psychology and counselling, Sr Pauline earned a PhD in Social Psychology from Loyola University in Chicago.

Over the years her ministries included being a psychology consultant with the Catholic Education Office in South Australia; working in private practice in a community centre; presenting workshops and seminars to school groups; facilitating Assemblies and Chapters for Religious Congregations; working with like-minded colleagues to assist people in need and particularly survivors of physical, emotional and sexual abuse.

“I was very surprised to be nominated for an OAM,” she said. “However, the delight of my fellow Sisters, family and friends, and old scholars has been very moving. I feel that we all do the best we can in the circumstances we find ourselves. I am inspired every day by the words of Mary MacKillop to “relieve suffering and bring hope”.

This article is drawn from an ABC News article, an article on the Sisters of St Joseph website, and from the King’s Birthday Honours List.