The Compassion of Father Woods
Perhaps because of the circumstances in which Julian Tenison Woods constantly found himself, he developed throughout his life a deep sense of compassion for those in need of any kind. Losing his mother at an early age, his long road to priesthood and subsequent rejection by Bishops, his separation from the Sisters and his broken […]
Faithful Mother Gives Her All
Flora MacKillop gave birth to eight children. Three she gave to God in the priesthood and religious life. She mourned five who were lost before they turned thirty, one while still a baby. No stranger to sorrows, Flora’s life ended suddenly in the notorious wreck of the Ly-ee-moon off the coast of Eden, on the […]
In the Spirit of Transformation – Saint Oscar Romero
Holy Cross College, Ellenbrook, Western Australia: In the Spirit of Transformation – Saint Oscar Romero If God accepts the sacrifice of my life, may my death be for the freedom of my people. A bishop will die, but the Church of God, which is the people, will never perish. I do not believe in death […]
The Wonder of Water
I have come that you may have life and have it to the full!John 10:10 These words of Jesus speak his deep desire for us, but also speak his call to us to bring about fullness of life for All. All does not just mean we, human beings, but All of Creation. As David Suzuki […]
Reflection on Mary MacKillop
In his Apostolic Letter With a Father’s Heart (Patris Corde) Pope Francis has proclaimed this year as the Year of St Joseph. In writing, Francis describes St Joseph “as a beloved father, a tender and loving father, an obedient father, an accepting father, a father who is creatively courageous, a working father, a father in […]
COVID-19: A Tumultuous Year
COVID-19: Lessons from a Tumultuous Year. As I glanced through the headlines in today’s paper (4 November), I was really struck, not for the first time, by the treasure trove that this period will be for future historians. I’ve been riveted by the debates, the diverse views, the reflections, even some of the terrifying possibilities […]
On the Spirituality of Fr Julian Tenison Woods
Spirituality: the inclination of the heart and how it is moved in God’s promptings. The following are different aspects of Father Woods’ spirituality. They are interrelated and integrated. The first is awe before God. At Penola, on Pentecost Sunday 2010, Mary’s canonisation year, Fr Paul Gardiner sj preached at Mass before the opening of Fr […]
Our Inspirational Saint Mary of the Cross
This month we pay a special tribute to Saint Mary MacKillop as we celebrate ten years since her canonisation in Rome by Pope Benedict XVI. As Australia’s first Saint we reflect anew on this woman close to our hearts who demonstrated a passion for justice, a respect for human dignity, the courage of her convictions […]
Death of Father Julian Tenison Woods
His name will be held in affectionate remembrance [i]. Mary MacKillop records the death of Fr Julian Tenison Woods. His work was nearly over now. Partial paralysis of the hands and legs had been slowly creeping onward . . . The remarkable fortitude with which he bore his sufferings, and the resignation with which he […]
Membership
A Journey of Immersion and Discernment of the Call to Josephite Life: Membership A woman considering membership in the Congregation as a Sister of Saint Joseph, after due consultation may begin a ‘journey’ which provides her with opportunities for personal discernment and immersion in Josephite spirituality, community and ministry. Discernment Guide: She is accompanied on […]
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 […]
Flora MacDonald arrived in Melbourne 1840
The Arrival of Flora MacDonald in Melbourne, Victoria. When Catherine MacDonald boarded the Government emigrant ship Glen Huntley she signed on as a widow with three adult children: Alexander, aged twenty-seven, Flora, aged twenty-three and Donald aged eighteen. Her husband, Donald ‘Drochaid’ MacDonald, boarded separately. He had been guarantor for his cousin ‘Long John’ MacDonald […]