The shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 took away a precious member from the Sacred Heart Community. Sr. Philomene Tiernan was on her way back to Sydney, after a conference in London followed by a two-week retreat in France. “She was so excited, so filled with joy, and so peaceful; in hindsight, you saw that she was ready to meet God,” said Sister Lieux, who had shared a true friendship with Phil for over 32 years.

Sister Philomene Tiernan was raised in Murgon, a small town in the Burnett region (AUS). Soon after she left school, Phil, guided by strong faith and desire, joined the Society of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ), where she worked relentlessly to enhance the opportunities and position of women in Australia and around the world. Later in her life, she spent her time as a teacher at Kincoppal Rose Bay, where she gave her everything to educate young women, to shape them into confident, influential leaders of society.

Sr. Tiernan will be remembered by many not only for her dedication, but also for her deep connection to faith and God. “She was always peaceful,” said Mrs. Griffiths, who visited Sacre Coeur in Melbourne, a Sacred Heart School where Sr. Tiernan had previously worked. “There were many positive news reports about her – she was a prominent figure in so many people’s lives… Australia has lost a Sister who touched students, family, friends and who will be remembered as a  true role model for/to our community.”