Feast of the Visitation
May 23, 2024
In recent years on the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I would send my sister a message saying, “Happy Feast Day!” We call it “our feast day” as our names are Mary and Elizabeth.
The feast of the Visitation celebrated on 31 May annually, commemorates the moment when Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth.
National Reconciliation Week 2024
National Reconciliation Week takes place on 27 May – 3 June with the theme Now More Than Ever.
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. It is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.
Trinity
May 22, 2024
On Sunday 26 May, we celebrate Trinity Sunday, otherwise known as the feast of the Holy Trinity.
Westbury Church turns 150
Friday 24 May 2024 marks 150 years since Holy Trinity Church, Westbury (Tasmania) was opened. It also marks 137 years since five Sisters of Saint Joseph were warmly welcomed into the village, having been invited by the parish priest to set up a Catholic school.
Pentecost 2024
May 15, 2024
When Mary MacKillop wrote to Monsignor Kirby in October 1873 on The Necessity of the Institute, she begins by writing, “May the Holy Spirit, my God, direct me in what I am about to write.” In doing so, she invokes the outpouring of the Spirit on this important missionary work that needs to be undertaken in Australia. The fruits of the Spirit were abundant in Mary MacKillop’s life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness.
Laudato Si’ Week 2024: 19-26 May
May 8, 2024
This year marks the ninth anniversary of the publication of Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ encyclical to every person living on this planet. Seeds of Hope is the chosen theme of the weeklong Laudato Si’ celebration. We are invited to be seeds of hope in our lives and our world, and to be rooted in the Christian virtues of faith, hope and love.
Mothering Today
Mother’s Day (12 May) has taken on new meaning for me this year. My wonderful mother is still very much alive and well, but we are beginning a new relationship.
At home among the poor
On 31 May 1867, Father Julian Tenison Woods sent to Mary MacKillop the first Rule of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. This became the founding document, encapsulating the vision for the order and providing the Sisters with important guidelines for their ministry.
It had arrived! Here was the fruit of their discussions. Sister Mary MacKillop opened it carefully, her heart filling with joy as she read Father Julian Tenison Woods’ words in his letter of 31 May 1867:
Dear Sister Mary
I enclose the Rule. You must without delay copy it out into a small neat book, smaller than this note paper, and written only on one side and enclose it back to me.