30th Anniversary of Reinterment of Mary MacKillop in the New Shrine
December 8, 2023Mary MacKillop’s new tomb 1993.
The date, 20 December 1993, is etched in my memory not only because it was my mother’s 77th birthday but also because I was witness to an exuberant outpouring of excitement, adoration and awe.
We are but travellers here
“We are but travellers here!” These words of St Mary MacKillop tell the story of those who have walked through the doors of St Joseph’s House of Studies in Lyneham since it opened in 1969.
This House, once a home for Sisters of Saint Joseph in training, was reopened in June 2020 as MacKillop House, a place of refuge and safety for homeless women.
As one of the first residents of the House of Studies it is a privilege to be involved once again with this special place.
Education in life and love: a Sister’s mission
December 7, 2023
Sister Pat Malone – Eco-Hero Profile
Affectionately known as ‘Hey Jude’ (by senior students of the Beatles era), Sister Pat Malone has helped inspire many young people teaching religion, science and mathematics for over 20 years at Glen Innes, Panania, Mt St Joseph Catholic College Milperra, St Joseph’s Bankstown and St Joseph’s Hunters Hill.
With her tomboy persona and progressive beliefs, joining a religious congregation was the last thing Sister Pat imagined. It wasn’t until she read a book about Mary MacKillop and her life’s dedication to education that a teenage Sister Pat realised her calling in life.
Advent Reflection
November 22, 2023
The days are growing longer, the sun is growing towards its full summer radiance, the Jacaranda, Silky Oak, Poinciana and Flame Trees are blooming. We find ourselves moving quickly toward our remembrance and celebration of the coming into our world of the One who is Light. We are in Advent time, a time of waiting, hope and joyful expectation.
However, as I write, the nightly news is playing in the background. I am all too aware of the conflict, suffering and pain in which our world is shrouded. This gives me pause, and I question: “How much longer? Will anything ever change? When will we have ears that hear, eyes that see, hearts that are open?”
Embracing inclusion at Figtree Early Learning Centre, Croydon
To acknowledge the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December) and Pope Francis’ December prayer intention: For persons with disabilities, St Anthony’s Family Care provides a feature on their Figtree Early Learning Centre.
Ensuring the meaningful inclusion of children at Figtree Early Learning Centre is not just a social and moral responsibility; it is also an adventure of discovery, laughter, and growth that we have been on for the last 12 years.
At Figtree, we believe that every child has the right to be a significant part of their community. What better way to support their journey than through the vibrant, fun, and exciting programs offered at Figtree? Our programs are developed and implemented by the dedicated team of educators at Figtree and aim to support children’s communication, self-help skills and the development of their social interactions alongside peers. Friendships flourish in an environment that encourages collaboration, empathy, and a joy of shared experiences.
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery – Human Trafficking
The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery on 2 December each year, is the day allocated for all nations to consider the crime of slavery against humanity.
I cannot ignore it as I have been close, very close to seeing the consequences of it.
Come and stay at the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre, East Melbourne!
Are you planning a trip to Melbourne this festive season? If so, we welcome you to come and stay at the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre in East Melbourne.
Situated in the heart of Melbourne, the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre offers visitors a scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of the Melbourne CBD, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a place of peace, calmness, and serenity.
In the Footsteps of Mary MacKillop at Kincumber
Recently, I had the privilege of meeting a group of parishioners from Morpeth (in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese) and lead them on a pilgrimage In the Footsteps of Mary MacKillop at St Joseph’s Spirituality and Education Centre, Kincumber South situated on the Central Coast of New South Wales.
The Sisters of Saint Joseph have maintained a significant link to Kincumber since Mary MacKillop and the Sisters first established this site as a home for boys in 1887.