Religious Asylum Seeker Advocate Remembered as an ‘Angel’ to Hundreds

Sr Helen, who passed away on Wednesday 3 September 2025, at the age of 83, was farewelled at a Requiem Mass in the chapel of the Sisters of Mercy Convent, Parramatta, on Thursday 9 September.  

From 1992 to 2021, Sr Helen ministered to people at the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre in southwest Sydney – treating them as human beings during a time when their dignity was often taken away. 

During the Mass, refugee advocates shared their memories of Sr Helen’s dedication, empathy and compassion to those she encountered. 

‘Showed us we had worth’ 

In condolences read out by Sr Helen’s sister, Marie Howard, Jozef Maragol, a former Villawood detainee, described his time with Sr Helen as a 20-year-old detainee. 

“Sr Helen made such a huge impact on the lives of the people in detention by treating us like humans,” he wrote. 

“Her compassion and understanding allowed us to trust someone and be able to confide in her. 

“When you are in a situation where there is no one to listen, someone like Sr Helen showed us that we had worth and people did care. 

“The difference she made not only to us, but also to our families and friends outside.” 

When they lost hope and were overwhelmed with pressure, she was able to help them and give them contacts of people, lawyers, groups and churches, that would be able to help them. 

“Sr Helen is an example of how one person might not be able to physically help everyone alone – but one person, by showing compassion, can bring people together and that is when differences occur in the world.” 

‘World a better place’ because of Sr Helen 

Margaret Piper AM, non-Executive Director at the Australian Red Cross, and former Executive Director of the Australian Refugee Council, said that her diminutive and unassuming character disguised a “truly remarkable woman”. 

“Sr Helen embodied – and taught me about – many things,” Margaret said. 

“Compassion: she genuinely cared about people, especially those who were vulnerable or in very difficult situations. 

“Steadfastness: not giving up in the face of seemingly hopeless situations. 

“Courage: standing up in the face of injustice. 

“Humility: none of her actions were self-serving or done to draw attention to herself. They were done solely to benefit others and as a reflection of her faith. 

“I have no idea how many hundreds – if not thousands – of people Sr Helen helped. I do, however, know for certain that the world has been a better place because of her presence.” 

Treated everyone with dignity 

Dr Melissa Phillips, Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University, described Sr Helen as a “shining light in an otherwise dull week” for those in the detention centre. 

“There is something about accompanying people during what is possibly the worst period of their lives that requires a calm listening ear, determination and a steely resolve to stay the course. These are the attributes I had the privilege to witness during those trips to Villawood,” Dr Melissa said. 

“Not many of us can say they have saved people’s lives, but Helen’s care and commitment to take up cases saw people released from detention through advocacy from the Church and given permanent protection visas when they might have otherwise be returned to situations of persecution. 

“She never gave false hope and I think that is what people saw in her – someone who recognised their common humanity and treated them with dignity, whatever the outcome. 

“May this be the legacy she leaves – in a world where refugees and asylum seekers face so many barriers and challenges, someone who was always willing to see a light and pass it on answered what we might describe as an invitation to respond with mercy.” 

Embodiment of the corporal works of mercy 

In her words of remembrance, fellow Mercy sister Margaret Harper RSM described how throughout her life and ministry, Sr Helen embodied the corporal works of mercy. 

“Feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty: Helen nourished those she encountered physically, spiritually and emotionally. 

“Shelter the homeless: many found shelter under the umbrella of Helen’s love and protection. 

“Clothe the naked: Helen provided clothing, but she also clothed those she encountered with dignity. 

“Visit the sick: Helen soothed the troubled minds, broken lives and sick bodies of refugees and asylum seekers. 

“Visit the imprisoned: Helen did this on a daily basis. She visited those physically, spiritually and mentally exhausted and imprisoned. 

“Bury the dead: Helen ensured those who died received dignified and appropriate care and burial/ritual.” 

About Sr Helen 

Sr Helen was the second of four children born to John and Jessie Barnes on 6 August 1942 in Gunnedah, NSW.  

Moving around the mid-north coast of NSW, Helen began her schooling in Byabarra, transferring to the convent school in Wauchope for primary school and St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar, for secondary school.  

Following school, Sr Helen studied at the University of Newcastle, where she gained her BA and Diploma of Education. 

In 1979, at the age of 37, Helen joined the Sisters of Mercy Parramatta, professing her final vows on 7 October 1982, and her final commitment as a Sister of Mercy on her 46th birthday on 6 August 1988. 

In 1985, Sr Helen began her ministry as a Pastoral Care worker to migrants in the Bonnyrigg and Fairfield areas, before her ministry to Villawood began in 1992.  

Sr Helen received many accolades and awards for her commitment, dedication and best practice, which included the Community Service Award 2002/2003, the Paul Cullen Award and the Refugee Research Award.  

Sr Helen retired from active ministry in 2022 due to failing health, and entered Stella Maris Nursing Home, Cronulla, where she received care until her passing in September.  

Source: Catholic Outlook. Used with permission