Sisters of Saint Joseph from across Australia recently celebrated their Tanzanite (80 years), Tourmaline (75 years) and Platinum (70 years) Jubilees of Religious Profession.

Four Jubilarians from this group of 14 Sisters gathered at Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney where they were welcomed by Sisters of Saint Joseph Congregational Leader, Sr Monica Cavanagh, fellow Sisters, family and friends. Father Kevin Dance cp presided at the Mass and congratulated the Jubilarians on their vowed commitment.

This amazing group of Sisters shared and reflected on their significant years of service in so many ministries – education, music teaching, social justice, parish pastoral care, and hospitality.

Those Sisters who were not able to attend, and the Sisters from the profession groups now resting with God, were remembered in prayer and story.

“These Sisters have lived the spirit and charism entrusted to the Congregation by Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods. They have done it with commitment, generosity and faithfulness. We honour them for indeed God has done great things in them and it fills us with joy,” said Sr Monica.

The four Platinum Jubilee Sisters present at the Jubilee event were all students together at the Mount St Joseph’s Convent Juniorate boarding school in Hunters Hill (NSW) in 1949. Their combined 280 years of ministry took them across the country, teaching in city and regional schools, supporting refugees at migrant camps, providing direction and guidance at Josephite spirituality centres, to religious leadership and formation.

The Jubilarians were invited to renew their vows by Sister Monica, and their renewed commitment was met with applause from the Congregation.