At 101 years of age, Sister Angela Mary Doyle AO visited Fo Guang Shan Chung Tian Temple at Priestdale on 16 June, marking more than three decades of friendship with one of Logan’s most prominent cultural landmarks.
Sister Angela Mary, widely recognised for her lifelong service through the Sisters of Mercy and the Mater Hospital network, was accompanied by Mater Foundation chief executive Andrew Thomas, Executive Manager of Philanthropy Lesley Ray, and fundraising team member Annie Wang.
The group was welcomed by Abbess Venerable Manwang, who first met Sister Angela Mary shortly after the temple opened in the early 1990s.
“It was a pleasure to welcome Sister Angela Mary back to Chung Tian Temple and celebrate a friendship that has endured for more than 30 years,” Abbess Venerable Manwang said.
Despite her age, Sister Angela Mary remained energetic and sharp throughout the visit. She joked that “the Irish tend to live a long life,” drawing laughter from those present.
She also noted she was born a few years before Fo Guang Shan founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun, prompting reflection on the extraordinary contributions both have made over many decades.
The visit began with a light offering ceremony in the Tathagata Hall. In Buddhist tradition, offering light symbolises wisdom, compassion and hope.
Guests then toured the Temple Exhibition Hall before viewing the temple’s new Main Shrine Project, which is nearing completion.
Sister Angela Mary and the Mater Foundation delegation were invited to sign roof tiles that will become part of the completed building — a lasting connection to one of the most significant developments in the temple’s history.
Also present were representatives of the Buddha’s Light International Association of Queensland and members of the Fu family, including Mrs Yuan Fu, a key supporter of the Main Shrine Project.
Sister Angela Mary has visited Chung Tian Temple on several occasions over the years. She was also a guest at the Buddha’s Birth Day Festival during the years it was held at South Bank Parklands.
Her latest visit came as the temple prepares to complete its Main Shrine Project — more than 30 years after she first walked through its doors and met the woman who would become its Abbess.
Chung Tian Temple is located on Underwood Road, Priestdale, within the City of Logan.
