Magdalen Asylum, in Wooloowin, was operated by the Order of the Sisters of Mercy. It opened in 1889 as a home for unmarried mothers, disabled girls and infants.

It ceased operating as a home for very young children in 1959.

From 1974, it no longer cared for children but provided continuing care for physically and intellectually disabled persons and single mothers. In 1978, its function changed to a centre for intellectually and physically disabled persons and was renamed Mercy Centre.

Mother Mary Vincent was instrumental in the establishment when she came to Queensland from Ireland in 1861.

The foundation stone was laid on Sunday, 22nd April 1888, by Archbishop Dr Dunne.

The Holy Cross Retreat was then opened on 13th October 1889 by Governor Sir Henry Norman.

The asylum was a haven for destitute women (usually 'fallen' or with children out of wedlock) and, in common with most similar institutions, employed the women in laundry work in the running of the institution.

Holy Cross Retreat was licensed in 1895 under the Orphanages Act 1879, then under the State Children Act 1911. It was licensed again under the Children's Services Act 1965.

In 1977, the dormitory building and kitchen wing were demolished, but the steam laundry was maintained as a sheltered workshop for intellectually handicapped women and men

Today all that remains from the days gone by is the laundry building and church on site.

Former Names

Magdalen Asylum, Wooloowin

Holy Cross Magdalen Asylum, Wooloowin

Holy Cross Retreat and Infants Home