World Day of Migrants and Refugees

Goodness in Dark Places.

Today (27 September) is the 106th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Because of what I have seen and lived, I know that the journey of refuge or migration is a dark, difficult place. Yet there is always goodness to be seen.

Let me take you there.

A refugee camp on the Thai Cambodia border. Almost two hundred thousand people are crammed into a small space sheltering under bamboo and blue plastic tarps. No running water. No electricity. Not enough food. Brutal guards. There is no ‘safe haven’ here. A woman who has just stumbled through a hole in the fence and into the camp clings to me, convulsed in sobs. A wide-eyed toddler clasps at her sarong and looks up. His mother is gasping for breath and blurting her sorrow.  Government forces suspected her husband of ‘something’. They killed him in front of her despite her screams. They snatched the baby from her arms and swung him against a tree. The little boy looking up has seen it too. He makes no sound. My tee shirt is soaked with tears. Close beside me are other Cambodian refugees. She belongs in their arms, not mine. This community that knows how to love and to heal. They will take her, hear her, show her how to stay safe, protect her. There is goodness here.

A western suburb of Melbourne. A strongly built, gentle, South Sudanese man sits at the kitchen table, stirring sugar into his mug of tea. I have known his family during the time that the youngest three of his six children were born. Usually we talk of day-to-day things. Today he is thoughtful. He glances at the crucifix on the wall.  ‘I was about 9 when my eldest sister was tortured all day by the invading Sudan soldiers … she died, and we cared for her little, little baby … then our family separated in danger … I ran north … sheltered for a while by the Salesians’. We sit silently drinking our tea. ‘Grew older … thought I was safe … dared to attend a Catholic wedding further outside the Salesian walls … imprisoned without trial … accused of being Christian…stripped and publicly whipped.’ He stands, boils the kettle again. There is nothing I can say. ‘Like Jesus’ he says. He fled to Egypt, was recognised as a refugee and now is a poorly paid security guard in outer western Melbourne, a place that our media describes as very dangerous. ‘I think this is what God wants in my life. Of course.’ he says. ’I can keep young South Sudan kids out of trouble there and protect people from racist attacks’. Again, I sense the goodness that enlarges in terrible times.

I have heard such stories time and again in the public housing towers in Melbourne where new arrivals living in poverty congregate.

By the grace of God, I do believe, an experience that tests a person to the limits can be a seedbed of human goodness.

William Butler Yeats in his poem ‘Easter 1916’ reflected on the transformation that can arise in times of suffering and sacrifice.

Image Source: Human Poverty Humanitarian Children obtained from Max Pixel. Used with permission.

Take Fresh Courage

Share the Hope.

In 1902, at the age of 60, Mary MacKillop suffered a stroke. Her mind was unaffected and her speech intelligible, but, with her right side paralysed, she had to make major adaptations to her life. She now walked with a stick and, towards the end of her life, was eventually confined to a wheelchair. She dictated letters, but also learnt to write with her left hand and took up typing – the typewriter being at the time quite a new invention. She continued to govern the Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph as Mother General and, over the next seven years, visited Sisters all over the country, opening up new works and responding to needs wherever she found them.

Certainly, we notice deterioration in significant aspects of Mary’s life as a result of the stroke. But we also notice enrichment. Having to depend more on others, she seems to speak and write words of encouragement more often. Her letters repeat what is at the core of faith and spirituality. She was in constant pain – she described it as being like a giant toothache all through her body – but she found deeper meaning in suffering as displaying in her own body the cross of Christ for our time (cf. Colossians 1: 24).

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Triumph of the Cross Feast Day

Even in the midst of our pain, there is God.

It is hard to find anything triumphant in these days of a global pandemic, and yet, even in the death of Jesus on the cross, there indeed is something to celebrate.

Why does the Church even have a Feast Day (14 September 2020) to celebrate the “Triumph of the Cross”? Does the feast celebrate an event which Fr. Robin Ryan, the author of God and the Mystery of Human Suffering would describe as “a cruel form of execution”? The death of Jesus was painful and there was nothing triumphant in that.  It is Jesus giving of himself, in love, for the world, and that’s the redemptive part. The triumph of God’s love and self-sacrifice over evil and sin. The cross became transformed by the saving love of God.

In the world today, we wouldn’t use words like “triumphant” or “exaltation”, so we might use words like : winning, victorious, or a connection to being “proud” or feeling “pride”, or if you are into hashtags it would be #successtown.

In a recent reflection by Ron Rolheiser OMI, he describes the cross as an infallible indication of Christian Discipleship, and that joy is an infallible indication of God’s presence.

The cross is a powerful sign that can be used for suffering and life. MacKillop Catholic College, Werribee, Victoria has an imposing cross at the beginning of the driveway into their school. It stands a whopping 6.5 metres tall. The College describes its presence as acting as a beacon to the community that clearly articulates their heritage and beliefs and you can read more about this here on this PDF.

The triumph of the cross to me is also about lifting up the lowly. God lifts up the weak and lowly. Where have I seen the triumph of the cross in my life over recent times?

• In families struggling in small apartments in lockdown yet again due to COVID-19 and the immediate acts of kindness towards them.
• In the parents whose autistic son has been suspended at school for the fourth time, who again attend another school meeting to see a resolve.
• In the man seeking asylum in this country, who has been held in detention for over seven years who has friends supporting him from their own place of lockdown.
• In my nonna who when she died at the age of 106, who knew how importance of faith and family in her life.
• In my priest who nourishes us weekly with word and sacrament
• In the police, army, navy, air force personnel who during this Melbourne lockdown patrol our streets.
• In the supermarket workers, who continue to be an uplifting presence.
• In the frontline workers in hospitals.
• In all those people who are doing it tough, whom I don’t even see.

The biggest learning for me, is that none of the people above ever give up. They have courage, hope and joy.

The words of the entrance antiphon for the Feast of the Triumph of the Holy Cross are inviting and a prayer that we can use each and every day.

Rita Malavisi rsj

R U OK?

Sometimes.

Sometimes this is just the right question to ask. Sometimes it is not helpful at all. Commonly known as a ‘closed question,’ the choice of response is very narrow: ‘yes,’ ‘no,’ or something equivalent, can be a roadblock to further conversation.

Do I feel ok? If I’m feeling fine, yes is an easy answer, though I may wonder why you would need to ask me that. Maybe I’m unconsciously giving out signals that are of concern to you. I may recognize or interpret your question simply as the ‘social noise’ that is often part of a casual greeting and respond accordingly. If I’m feeling sad, angry, depressed or upset, I may have one of several responses. I may feel immensely relieved that you have noticed. Now I feel free to talk.

On the other hand, if I don’t want to reveal to you or anyone what is going on inside me, the question backs me into a corner. I may deny that anything’s wrong. It’s possible I don’t know myself what is going on and have no words to describe it. Even if I do, I won’t necessarily want to talk yet, talk at all, or talk to you. Please stay open to the possibility that I may initiate conversation with you at another time or seek out someone else.

Relationship plays a big part in all this. It’s good to consider whether you are the right person to initiate a conversation if you see someone struggling. I may not wish to be in a vulnerable position with you, especially if you can affect my life significantly, for example, my job or reputation. Whether you are family, friend or colleague, do make sure you remain supportive, genuinely caring and non-judgmental in your attitude. Let go of the illusion that you can fix another person’s problems, while not underestimating the power of your compassion and goodwill to make a difference, even if your efforts are not perfect.

At this time in our lives, trauma after trauma is building upon struggles already present in our lives. Drought, floods, fires and COVID-19 make up a very strong cocktail of pain and suffering, on top of pre-existing events, circumstances, health and vulnerabilities. It can all become too big. There may come a time when it is essential for me to seek help and essential for you to act on what you notice for the sake of my wellbeing and maybe my very life. You yourself may need advice from a professional on how to handle this situation. A trusted GP or counsellor can be a good place to start for both you and me.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide can be a tragic last resort for someone desperately depressed or hopeless. Beyond Blue is a helpful website for reliable information and assistance.

Catherine Shelton rsj

R U OK? Day (10 September 2020) website

Reflection on Mary MacKillop

Samela Harris, journalist, has described Mary MacKillop from the secular point of view that her father Max Harris expressed. Her strong character images of St Mary MacKillop depict, very poignantly, a saintliness, that describes her as a strong woman whom we can imagine in today’s world.

The moment he (Max Harris) came up with that phrase (‘A Saint for all Australians’) he knew it was right and he said so. It was a simple phrase defining Mary’s egalitarian outreach which transcended the ecumenical and embraced all – from the barefooted child and the fallen woman to gentry and ecclesiastical dignitary. Max shared some of those ‘everyman’ qualities with Mary – being one of those people who connected with everybody, and who judged people not by who or what they were but by what qualities of intellect and compassion they demonstrated.

When people read of his passion for the recognition and advancement of Mary MacKillop, it was not a religious issue they perceived but the tale of an extraordinary woman whose life stood aloft. A life of exceptional merit. His love for “A Saint for All Australians” was quick to attract the attention of the Josephites.”

Max tells us Mary was” inspirational, exceptional, courageous, a woman of integrity and altruism. She was a brave feminist who stood up for what she believed, who defied an oppressive patriarchy with determination and humility. He wrote with heartfelt conviction, but also with intellectual potency and objectivity which were hallmarks of his character

And Max kept on writing about Mary, thinking about Mary, loving Mary – and delivering a steady education to the Australian public through the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

In so doing, he quietly joined the small ranks of the lay people who also had championed and helped Mary MacKillop a century before. They were an Adelaide immigrant Jew called Emanuel Solomon and a Presbyterian society queen called Joanna Barr Smith – both unlikely supporters of a young nun. But it was her social activism in the streets of Adelaide, her courage, her altruism, which inspired that support and friendship. And Max kept on writing about Mary, thinking about Mary, loving Mary – and delivering a steady education to the Australian public through the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

Samela Harris – A Love Story between Mary and Max, 10 October, 2010. ABC Religion and Ethics.

Let us reflect…

• What saintly qualities appeal to you from descriptions of Max Harris?
• What characteristics from this account of Mary’s stance for good really inspires you?
• Imagine the absolute courage Mary exhibited in her quest for justice.

Let us with Mary MacKillop pray for an extra measure of strength as we cope with the everyday happenings of life.

Michele Shipperley rsj

Candle image: Candle Flame Wax by stheaker obtained from Pixabay. Used with permission.

Mary MacKillop Today

A literacy legacy lives on.

In late January this year I had the privilege of commencing in the role of CEO of Mary MacKillop Today (MMT). In many ways, the journey to MMT had begun exactly 20 years earlier when I had landed in Timor Leste amidst the ashes of post-referendum conflict, to join those in the rebuilding efforts.

In the Nineties, I had come across the work of several Josephite Sisters in Sydney who had accompanied Timorese in exile in Australia at that difficult time. I was deeply impressed with their humility and support to that community to find strength, to advocate for change and for human rights to be restored in their yet-to-be formed tiny nation.

In my first days in Dili I came across a cupboard with some children’s books, the first to be produced in the local Tetun language with the insight and support of a few Josephite sisters who established the Mary MacKillop Institute of East Timorese Studies. These few books had survived the physical destruction of the country.

More than two decades on, Mary MacKillop Today continues to deliver and develop this program. In the past year, the Tetun Literacy Teacher Training has seen:

• Two hundred and six teachers from Manufahi, Viqueque, Dili and Ermera complete the program, meaning 3,170 children received quality education in the classroom and accessed high quality, inclusive resources.
• One hundred percent of teacher demonstrated high quality in the delivery of Tetun Literacy during monitoring
• Seventy four percent of teachers increased their knowledge on inclusive education
• Eight thousand eight hundred and eighty-seven educational resources distributed

In recent months, the MMT team in Timor Leste have a marked another milestone with the Ministry of education launching two new books for schools focusing on disability. The books help to fill the inclusive education gap in the National Curriculum and the Ministry will print these for teachers across the country.

In launching the books, the Timor Leste Vice-Minister of Education, Youth and Sport noted the importance of these resources for children to understand the rights of people living with disability. Mary MacKillop Today is the first international organisation to produce inclusive education books to support children at the pre-school and primary level. He said, “Mary Mackillop is not only for Today, but Mary MacKillop is Today, Tomorrow and Forever.”

Alongside the Tetun Literacy are health literacy programs for teachers and communities, which have recently adapted to incorporate the very important COVID-19 preventative hygiene practices.

Mary MacKillop Today’s work continues to adapt and respond to the needs of vulnerable people far beyond Timor Leste to Papua New Guinea and Fiji and of course here in Australia. In Peru, the Sisters and partners working are currently enduring extraordinary hardship. Our support seems sometimes so slight in the face of the challenge but there is hope. Projects enhancing Women and youth leader’ participation in civil affairs in rural areas will adapt to allow program delivery in new and innovative ways and enrich local support in response to COVID impacts on women.

Working with the extraordinary MMT team with share a strong commitment to maintain the legacy of Mary, and the work of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, is a remarkable privilege. In these most difficult of times we continue, mindful of Mary’s guidance, to “Be eager in your desires but humbly patient in their accomplishment”.

Jane Woolford
CEO, Mary MacKillop Today

A Day in the Life: Mary MacKillop Today

Mary MacKillop Today.

2020 has been an eventful year across the globe with everyone heavily impacted by the disruptions of COVID-19. The most vulnerable communities in Australia and around the globe are of course, feeling the greatest impact of the pandemic upon their lives.

In our work at Mary MacKillop Today we have been blessed with an ongoing commitment from supporters who still have the means to give generously. They recognise that these are the most important times to maintain programs and staff and partnerships formed and developed over years so that we may carry on necessary works now as well as bounce back on the other side.

Sadly, COVID-19 has had a disproportionate effect on women around the world. We can see this especially in terms of economic challenges and livelihoods. With lockdowns causing widespread job losses, women have been impacted the hardest, as people who are generally earning less, saving less, and holding insecure jobs, or living close to poverty.

Another devastating outcome of the pandemic has been the increase in domestic violence against women, with increased stress levels amongst families and the effect of social isolation measures. Many women and their children have little option but to stay in unsafe homes without the ability to leave.

Peru, in particular, is suffering terribly. One of our programs, Enhancing Women’s Civil Participation Project, a joint initiative with our local partner CCAIJO, is working hard to address some of the greatest areas of need. CCAIJO’s special radio program called ‘Kuska Llank’aspa’, which means working together, has adapted by presenting programs on topics like Family Farming during Quarantine, Promoting Women’s Leadership in Compliance with Protocols at Home, while also raising awareness about family violence – including providing vital information on the resources available to deal with the effects of violence in the home. The radio program is an effective way of getting important messages to families while people are stuck and isolated in their homes and has been extended from one hour to three hours a week.

Daily we are reaching our program partners in Peru, Fiji and Papua New Guinea, to our staff  in rural New South Wales and Timor-Leste  – to ensure we adapt and find innovative ways to continue to serve those most vulnerable and in need.

So, as we seek to help women overcome enormous challenges right now, we find ourselves reflecting on one of our crucial guiding principles, ‘Women at the Heart: Inspired by a woman and led by the Sisters of Saint Joseph, women are central to our story and the communities we serve.’

We appreciate the importance of our women’s programs and of women telling their own story – particularly as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Saint Mary MacKillop’s canonisation. Mary knew too well what it meant to break down barriers in the face of adversity.

There are many stories to share, which can be found on our website where Mary MacKillop Today is reaching women and working with them to bring about real change. Women like Silvia in Timor-Leste, who was able to join our Women’s Livelihoods program and achieve financial independence by setting up her own income-generating kiosk business.

Women here in Australia too will have more opportunities to achieve financial freedom opportunities towards financial freedom – especially those most vulnerable to economic hardship who are struggling to see a way out of debt.

Mary MacKillop Today will continue to provide hope and solidarity throughout this time of the pandemic.

Jane Woolford
CEO, Mary MacKillop Today

Achieve Financial Freedom Blog Post

Silvia, Timor Leste Blog Post

Julian Tenison Woods: A Life – Chapters 16th to 18th

Chapters 16th, 17th and 18th

In addition to [Father Woods’] duties as Secretary to the Bishop, Director General of Catholic Education (a regular system of which he was expected to organise) and Inspector of Schools, he had to take charge of Port Adelaide, eight miles from the city, until another priest could be had. Dr Sheil was to go to Europe immediately after Easter, and the whole of the education arrangements were left to the new Director General…[i]

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