Julian’s Charism Continues Today

Julian Tenison Woods seldom looked away from nature’s realities. He appreciated and pursued unexplored fields which were opened to him during his short life span. No wonder so many Josephites have spread far and wide deeply connecting with the Whenua – ‘the womb which gives us life’.

Sr Makareta and I travelled to the far north of ‘Te Ika a Maui’ (The Fish of Maui) and visited Hokianga Harbour to explore the arrowpoint of Aotearoa’s (New Zealand) human story.

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Families hit hard by the cost-of-living crisis

Will you help families like Kerry's experiencing financial hardship and distress get the support they need?
Will you help families like Kerry’s experiencing financial hardship and distress get the support they need?

Currently, more than 50% of Australia’s population is experiencing mental distress directly linked to the cost-of-living crisis that is gripping the nation.[1] Sadly, this type of situation is becoming a reality for too many people as bills like food, electricity, housing and rent skyrocket.

It’s heartbreaking, as more people who never needed support before are finding themselves in a desperate situation.

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Feast of the Sacred Heart 2024

Greetings for the Feast of the Sacred Heart 2024 

The Feast of the Sacred Heart (7 June) marks a special day in the life of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. When seeking approval for the Institute from Rome, the Sacred Heart was part of the official title bestowed upon the new Institute.  

For us as Josephites, the symbol of the Sacred Heart, speaks of God’s great love for each one. It tells us that our God is a God who is full of compassion, tenderness, and mercy whose love is boundless. The Sisters’ Constitutions reminds us ‘that God’s compassionate love, symbolised by the Sacred Heart’ and calls us to be the compassionate face, hands and feet in our world today. 

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Webinar: ‘Voices of Hope and Faith’ featuring Sr Mary-Ann Casanova PhD

The Laudato Si’ Action Platform recently hosted a webinar titled ”Voices of Hope and Faith: Global Catholic Religious in the Heart of Climate Action” during Laudato Si’ Week where attendees learned how they are bridging faith and daily action, and gained inspiring insights for the journey toward integral ecology.

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Feast of the Visitation

Visitation painting by Therese Quinn rsj.

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.

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National Reconciliation Week 2024

National Reconciliation Week 2024 poster.

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. 

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Trinity

Icon of the Holy Trinity by Andrei Rublev via Wikimedia Commons.

On Sunday 26 May, we celebrate Trinity Sunday, otherwise known as the feast of the Holy Trinity.

God, Lord and Architect of the whole world, was something more than loving towards mankind. God was long-suffering as well. So, God has always been, still is, and ever shall be out-pouring upon us the Infinite Design, great and beyond all telling.Diognetus, Early letter to Christians.

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Westbury Church turns 150

Holy Trinity Church, Westbury in Tasmania.

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.

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