Honouring Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue
February 21, 2024
Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG, 1 August 1932 – 4 February 2024
One of Australia’s most revered Aboriginal Leaders, Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue, died peacefully on 4 February 2024 aged 91. After her death, Noel Pearson described her as “the greatest Aboriginal leader of the modern era” and as “the rock who steadied us in the storm”.
Lowitja, a Yankunytjatjara woman, was born in 1932 at De Rose Hill Station, in the remote northwest corner of South Australia. Her mother was Lily Woodforde, Yankunytjatjara, and her father, Tom O’Donoghue, an Irishman. Lowitja was one of five siblings who were all removed from their mother. When she was two, Lowitja was taken from her mother and with another older sibling, was placed in Colebrook Home, where three older siblings were already living.
World Day of Social Justice
February 15, 2024
As we approach the World Day of Social Justice on 20 February, we are reminded of our communal duty to foster social development and equality for all.
Striving for justice is not a part-time vocation and should not be realised in solitude. As the Gospel so clearly indicates to us, our faith is tested in the way in which we serve and love our community. But how has such a simple message become misconstrued and lost along the way? Hopelessness.
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.