Catholic Healthcare celebrates 100 Years of Villa Maria Fortitude Valley Chapel
Catholic Healthcare celebrated the centenary of the historic Villa Maria Chapel in Fortitude Valley in Brisbane Queensland, marking 100 years since the laying of its foundation stone. This milestone was honoured with a special mass led by His Excellency The Most Reverend Archbishop Shane Mackinlay, Archbishop of Brisbane, attended by residents, families, employees, Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, and distinguished guests including the Most Reverend Brian Finnigan, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Brisbane, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland, and Madonna Jarrett, Federal Member for Brisbane.
The celebration marks a century since 6 December 1925, when Archbishop James Duhig laid the foundation stone for the first stage of the Villa Maria building, comprising both the chapel and hostel. The chapel opened in 1927, followed by the hostel in 1928, becoming the first permanent home of the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Queensland.
The Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, formed in 1874 by the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, established a long legacy of service throughout Brisbane and beyond. Their order became well known for its intricate needlework, producing priests’ vestments and supplying Brisbane emporiums with bridal trousseaus, in addition to caring for the poor, the most vulnerable and elderly.
In 2008, Catholic Healthcare took ownership of Villa Maria Fortitude Valley, continuing the Sisters’ mission of compassion and service across multiple communities. Catholic Healthcare was honoured to welcome Sister Josephine Dubiel, Congregation Leader for both the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, who shared the history and deep significance of the chapel. Sister Josephine also expressed her gratitude to Catholic Healthcare for upholding the spirit and legacy of the Sisters in their continued care for the elderly at Villa Maria Fortitude Valley. Catholic Healthcare CEO Josh McFarlane acknowledged this enduring partnership, stating:
‘Catholic Healthcare proudly continues the legacy of the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, one of Queensland’s oldest religious orders, who for over 100 years cared for the poor and elderly.’
The centenary celebration recognises the profound historical, architectural, and spiritual importance of Villa Maria Chapel, which has served generations of Queenslanders. Today, Villa Maria Fortitude Valley continues to provide a place where older people thrive through compassionate, resident-centred care, honouring the founding vision of the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.