Woods MacKillop Schoolhouse
The schoolhouse is a special place where Mary’s youthful presence can still be felt: her commitment to God through a life devoted to others, her vulnerability and self-doubt, her strength of character, her humanity and compassion, her gifts as a teacher, her vitality, her sense of humour, her serenity.
Interpretive Centre
The Interpretive Centre houses two major exhibitions; 'Mary MacKillop: Penola – Where it all Began' which covers Mary’s whole life and 'Julian Tenison Woods: Penola – Ten Years in the Bush and Beyond' which presents Julian’s life story,
St Joseph’s Church
The church, which was consecrated and opened in August 1924, stands on the site of the first St Joseph’s church, completed by Father Woods in March 1859 and dedicated by him to the loving husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus.
MacKillop Stable School Park
The Mary MacKillop Stable School Park in Penola is a site of religious and historic significance where, according to Mary, ‘the first St Joseph’s school had its origin in a six-stalled stable’ and ‘the work of our dear Institute began’ in 1866.
Woods Sculptures Park
The Father Woods Park, north of Penola, was established in 1951 in recognition of the work done by Father Woods. In 2010 Kevin Gilders created a series of sculptures about Woods’ life in the district and the park was re-dedicated as a place of pilgrimage, prayer and contemplation.
Plan Your Visit
Educational Resources
Gift Shop
Mary MacKillop Penola CentreAn inspirational place in Penola, where it all began
when Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods made their dream a reality
‘Little did either of us then dream of what was to spring from so small a beginning.’ Mary MacKillop 1891
exhibitions
exhibitions
The Interpretive Centre houses two major exhibitions; 'Mary MacKillop: Penola – Where it all Began' and 'Julian Tenison Woods: Penola – Ten Years in the Bush and Beyond'. There is a third major exhibition, ‘Josephite Education – These Are the Children I Love’, in the Schoolhouse..
memorial parks
memorial parks
The Mary MacKillop Stable School Park in Penola is a site of religious and historic significance where, according to Mary, ‘the first St Joseph’s school had its origin in a six-stalled stable’ and ‘the work of our dear Institute began’ in 1866. The Father Woods Sculptures Park is situated north of Penola..
Schoolhouse
Schoolhouse
The schoolhouse is a special place where Mary’s youthful presence can still be felt: her commitment to God through a life devoted to others, her vulnerability and self-doubt, her strength of character, her humanity and compassion, her gifts as a teacher, her vitality, her sense of humour, her serenity.
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