Brigid McGuigan

Brigid Mary Magdalen McGuigan (1842–1923), known by her religious name Sister (later Mother) Mary Francis, was an Australian nun, school teacher and principal who became superior general of the Sisters of Charity of Australia. She made a significant contribution to education and nursing in Australia, establishing and staffing schools and hospitals throughout New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. She applied to the Council of Education in 1872 for promotion which was granted in 1874. and held the position until 1920, when she was succeeded by Mother Mary Berchmans. She then took responsibility for all the institutions run by the Sisters of Charity, including seven schools and St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney.

Death and legacy After a short retirement, Mother Mary Francis died of heart complications on 27 October 1923 in St Vincent's Hospital. She was buried in the Lady Chapel, St Vincent's Convent, Potts Point.