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Irene was born at Kununoppin, West Australia on the 21st of August 1938. She was one of 6 children and her family lived on a wheat farm in Trayning, North East of Perth.
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In 1956 at the age of 17, Irene entered the Sisters of St Joseph, entered the Australian religious order founded by St Mary Mackillop and known as the Josephite’s.
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In 1957 she received vows as a novice into the order of Sisters of St Joseph.
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Irene McMormack takes her first vows as a Josephite Sister.
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Sister Irene McMormak takes her final Vows as a Josephite Sister
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Irene Finishes her schooling at the University Of Western Australia. Irene spent the next 30 years as a teacher mostly in country schools in West Australia.
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After 21 years in the teaching career Irene be comes the Principal of Kearnan College untill 1985. 30 years in the classroom, Irene experienced what she called a restlessness of spirit, urging her to make a move. It was like an irresistible beckoning and it spoke to her through her inner voice.
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After 30 years in the classroom, Irene experienced what she called a restlessness of spirit, urging her to make a move. Irene felt the call to become a missionary She wrote, “I must listen and respond, to be true to myself, as Irene, as woman, as Christian, as Josephite, as world citizen.” in Peru, Sister Irene set up a library with jigsaw puzzles, games, dolls, musical instruments and books for children.
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www.godtube.com/watch/?v=77GZWWNXOn Tuesday 21st of May 1991 Sister Irene was working in the garden. There were people banging on the door. She was escorted through the streets for a public trial. Irene walked calmly. The five victims were bullied, interrogated and shouted at. They were ordered to lie face down and they were shot in the head. Irene was the first to be executed. Her killer was a young girl.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGdU3fC0SPASince the bodies could not be moved from the plaza until authorities gave permission next morning, parishioners kept vigil by the body of McCormack, burning candles and praying. On 23 May 1991 a funeral Mass was held and McCormack was buried in the Huasahuasi cemetery.
