Sculpture honours pearling families

A sculpture representing the women of Broome whose loved ones risked their lives working in the pearling industry will be officially blessed next week at Germanus Kent House.

The Broome Madonna was donated to the Germanus Kent chapel last year by Broome Aged and Disabled Services Board member Dr Francis Prendergast and his wife.

The sculpture, handcrafted in Indonesian teak by well-known Broome artist Glenn Tormey, depicts a woman in prayer, waiting for the safe return of her family.

It will reside at the onsite chapel where mass is celebrated every Thursday for Germanus Kent and Bran Nue Dae centre residents.

Germanus Kent facility manager Andrew McGaw said residents looked forward to services offered by the Diocese of Broome and will now be additionally blessed by the presence of the statue in the chapel.

“These services offer contact with the Broome community as well as servicing the spiritual and religious needs of our residents.”

The blessing ceremony will also mark the launch of the Friends of Germanus Kent register.

Mr McGaw said the register was to form a greater link between the facility and the Broome community by inviting locals to share their skills and knowledge with Germanus Kent residents.

“It could be in the form of music, pastoral care, storytelling or even donations for site improvements,” Mr McGaw said.

The Broome community is invited to the blessing of the Broome Madonna at 11am this Thursday at Germanus Kent House.