Ash Wednesday Reflection
February 14, 2024
Having recently returned from caring for my mother, I would like to spend some time reflecting.
As Christians we impose a cross of ashes on our foreheads as a sign of repentance. For me, this symbol is a time for introspection, self-examination and spiritual renewal.
Mum at 95 has dementia and she is confused all the time. Caring for my mum through the last four weeks took a lot of patience and agile creativity. I kept her busy with activities while she mentally bounced in and out of her past experiences and memories. We spoke about our lives, where she came from, her life as a little girl in school. Her travels and all the friends and relatives she encountered through the years. All this fraught with worry.
Diamond Jubilee Reflection 2024
February 8, 2024
Diamond Jubilarians: 60 Years as Sisters of Saint Joseph
On Tuesday 9 January 2024, twenty Josephite women arrived at Mount Street, North Sydney where we were warmly welcomed, given space to rest and be with each other.
We travelled from Aotearoa New Zealand, Tasmania, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales to gather for this special occasion. We celebrated with story-telling, listening, walking, talking, a group outing, being still and being amazed at God’s goodness and love over the last 60 years.
Golden Jubilee Reflection 2024
Let’s sing of gratitude! Lives graced and woven together in constant streams of Love.
Where does one begin to sum up six days of togetherness as part of a journey that began as long as eighty years ago for some of us? ‘Come journey with us, listen to us.’
International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking
February 7, 2024On the feast day of St Josephine Bakhita (8 February), the patron saint of victims of modern slavery and human trafficking, is the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking.
This day was designated by Pope Francis in 2015 “following a request from Talitha Kum, the worldwide Network of Consecrated Life Against Human Trafficking.” (ACRATH) You can learn more about Talitha Kum (which includes 762 religious congregations in 97 countries) here.
For 2024, the theme is Journeying in Dignity – Listen, Dream, Act and “was chosen by an international group of young people. It is a Call to Action – becoming more aware of the existence of human trafficking and reflecting on its horror we are urged to take action to prevent this horrific crime.” (ACRATH)
Letting Go
Each month, Pope Francis asks for our prayers for a specific intention. For the month of February, the prayer intention is for the Terminally Ill. Additionally, we annually commemorate the World Day of the Sick on 11 February. For these prayer intentions, Jefferies Foale CP shares a reflection.
I follow every stroke at Australian Open tennis, and I feel myself making the same moves, full of youthful energy, as I grasp the arms of my wheelchair.
Tennis is a long way behind me now. Over the years I have done many things, exercising brain and body to the full. I am a capable person. It is true that things have changed gradually as the years have rolled by. Energy and endurance have declined, but I have shrugged off the diminishment as I have continued to find meaningful outlets for my powers. But now, suddenly, here I am sitting in a wheelchair.
Sisters Celebrate Diamond Jubilee – 60 Years of Religious Life
Over 25 Sisters of Saint Joseph from across the Congregation celebrated their Diamond Jubilee recently marking 60 years since their first profession. They were able to gather and acknowledge the event at Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney where they also celebrated with other Sisters, family and friends.
Those Sisters who were not able to attend were remembered, particularly the eight Sisters from this profession group now resting with God.
Sisters Celebrate Golden Jubilee – 50 Years of Religious Life
Sixteen Sisters of Saint Joseph from across the Congregation have celebrated their Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years since their first profession.
Sr Monica Cavanagh, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart, welcomed the Jubilarians, Sisters and guests at Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel in North Sydney.
The Sisters travelled from across Australia to acknowledge their religious life journeys and ministries in education and social justice, nursing, pastoral care, religious leadership, and working with First Nations communities in the Kimberley and Peru.
Toitu Te Tiriti o Waitangi – Behold the Treaty of Waitangi
February 6, 2024
On 6 February 1840, over 500 Māori Rangatira (chiefs) put their names to an important document called Te Tiriti of Waitangi or the Treaty of Waitangi in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This document was written in two languages, one in English and one in Māori. It was written by James Busby and Captain William Hobson. They wrote a draft version in English first, then it was translated into Māori by Henry Williams, a missionary, with help from his son Edward.