St Mary MacKillop – Our Australian Saint
November 8, 2021
As a child, Saints were an important part of my world. As a community we celebrated our patrons and gazed with mysterious wonder at the beautiful statues that adorned our parish churches. We valued the holy pictures given for achievement or for special occasions, attended the weekly novena for Our Lady of Perpetual Succour and prayed earnestly to St Anthony to search and find our lost items.
Our Laudato Si’ Journey
Josephites from around the globe are watching closely the events at the COP26 Summit this week as world leaders discuss and debate the impact of climate change and the need for critical action now.
Father Julian Tenison Woods: A Passion for Education
Into the heart of Julian Tenison Woods, God placed a passion for learning.
From his earliest years, Julain thoroughly enjoyed rambling at the seaside, in forests, over rocks or anywhere there was a discovery experience. He was reared in an environment where all lived a productive life with a strong work ethic and where knowledge led to high achievement. This ethic inspired Julian’s priestly ministry until his death.
Going where the work is – World Day of the Poor
Pope Francis initiated World Day of the Poor in 2017 with the theme “let us love, not with words but with deeds.”
Now in its fifth year, the theme for this World Day of the Poor on 14 November 2021, is from the words of Jesus at the Anointing in Bethany, “for the poor you have always with you”. Pope Francis is calling on us all to go out to meet those who are disadvantaged, vulnerable or marginalised, that we should not wait for people to come to us to ask for help.
Make Kindness a part of your Everyday
We all have the potential to show kindness, whether we use our words or actions.
With World Kindness Day approaching on Saturday 13 November 2021, we are reminded to show kindness to all – not just for one day, but every day.
Life through Lockdown in Melbourne
October 22, 2021
I was two months away from completing the Institute of Religious Formation Program in Chicago (a live experience) when the global COVID pandemic hit, and Australia closed its borders. The inevitable decision to return to Melbourne ensued, having had only one day to pack.
Having Melbourne classified as the city in the world to be in the longest lockdown, wasn’t a category that I wanted Melbourne to be in. Defining Melbourne as “the most liveable city” was a title I could cope with.
Mission – The Yearning of God to Be
In October annually, we commemorate World Mission Day, also known as World Mission Sunday.
Pope Francis says in his World Mission Day 2021 message, “to be on mission is to be willing to think as Christ does, to believe with him that those around us are also my brothers and sisters. May his compassionate love touch our hearts and make us all true missionary disciples.”
For World Mission Day this year (24 October), Sr Helen Caughley provides a poem for reflection:
Living in Harmony: The Wellbeing of Father Julian Tenison Woods
October 21, 2021
Ill health, travel, negative media reports, lack of support and apparent failure can all have an adverse effect on our wellbeing. Julian Tenison Woods was subject to all these.
Family history suggests he may have suffered a form of hereditary immune deficiency. He travelled extensively, was the subject of gossip and innuendo, appeared sensitive to real and imagined slights, and tried unsuccessfully to join several religious congregations. All this was more than enough to threaten his sense of wellbeing. So how did he remain so motivated, productive, and connected throughout most of his life?