The Catholic Church shook off centuries of tradition under Vatican II.
The Church’s progressive social justice work was felt even in Australia, where its conservative Irish roots dominated.
This Australian co-production with Channel 4 (UK) and Irish TV station RTE told the story of a small group of women and girls against the backdrop of social change.
Each of the six 50-minute episodes focussed on young women who wanted to become nuns, and older nuns who ran a school for girls in Sydney. Episodes also revealed the tension between the younger and older nuns, and the Mother Superior’s arguments with the more conservative older members and senior male counterparts.
Issues of faith in a time of questioning were examined in personal terms.
Brides of Christ featured a top-notch cast, and some – such as Naomi Watts and Russell Crowe – went on to successful international film careers.
The miniseries was created and produced by Penny Chapman and Sue Masters, both of whom were powerhouses in Australian TV drama production.
Sister Agnes
Brenda Fricker Mother Ambrose
Sandy Gore Sister Catherine
Josephine Byrnes Sister Paul
Lisa Hensley Sister Clare
Beth Champion Sister Polycarp
Joy Hruby Sister Pierre
Connie Hobbs Sister Innocent
Ann Fay Sister Francine
Michelle Pettigrove Frances Heffernan
Naomi Watts Rosemary Fitzgerald
Kym Wilson Sister Perpetua
Irene Rowland Brigid Maloney
Melissa Thomas Dominic Maloney
Russell Crowe Caroline
Kirsty McGregor Jacinta
Vanessa Collier
Issues of faith in a time of questioning were examined in personal terms.
