THE Catholic Church’s highest honour for lay people has been bestowed on the driving force behind Penola’s Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre after years of service to the iconic establishment.
Former centre chairperson Claire Larkin retired from the position last year after close to three decades working tirelessly to uphold the Australian saint’s honour through the much-loved tourist attraction.
Awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice by Pope Francis late last year, which was presented in Adelaide last month, Ms Larkin said she was humbled by the honour.
As part of a large team who she regards as family, Ms Larkin does not believe the award is entirely for herself, but wished to accepting it on behalf of the entire centre.
“I received the honour during a service at Saint Ignatius’ in Norwood,” she said.
“It was a very humbling experience but I feel like I accepted the award on behalf of everyone at the centre.
“I really feel I am just the representative for the many parishioners in the region and cannot take the full responsibility for the wonderful centre we have built together.”
With close to 30 years service and 24 of those as chair of the centre, Ms Larkin has seen it grow from a rundown school house to the bustling attraction it is today.
“In the 1970s the Sisters of Saint Joseph’s alerted the parishioners to the state of the school house and begun plans to restore it,” she said.
“This was around the time there was talk surrounding Mary’s canonisation, so with the help of the Archdiocese, a lot of working bees and a hard-working committee, it was up and running by 1978.
“It would not be what it is today without the efforts of those people and everyone who has made an impact since then, I am just one of many.”
After Ms Larkin retired last year to care for her husband Brian, the centre has since been spearheaded by Sister Loreto O’Connor and Sister Sue McGuinness, with Ms Larkin praising their efforts.
Unfortunately, Brian passed away in January, with Ms Larkin slowly getting back into her volunteer work to fill her
time.
“We sadly lost Brian in January but I have been looking forward to keeping myself busy again,” she said.
“I think going back to the centre would be something Brian would have wanted me to do, so I have put myself back on the volunteer roster.
“Brian was such a big supporter of the centre and helped me through the many years there.
“He was kind of like my handyman, whenever I needed something fixed or need help around the centre he was always there.”
“I am forever grateful for his endless support and although it will certainly feel different being there without his help, I have the support of the whole team to keep me going.”
