Feast of All Souls
Every moment in life has the potential to be a ‘God-moment’, as Mary MacKillop reminds us: “There where you are you will find God” (1871). Perhaps the most obvious of these moments are those of birth and death. Have you ever been present at either? Personally, I have yet to witness a birth, even that […]
Julian Tenison Woods – Encouraged by Saints
We celebrate the feast of All Saints on 1 November with a reflection by Sr Jan Tranter. Drawn to priesthood from youth and struggling to his goal, Julian Tenison Woods was encouraged by three priests who are now recognised or on the path to be recognised as saints. Venerable Ignatius Spencer, St Peter Julian Eymard […]
Awakening to the Divine in Nature
Experiencing Wonder and Awe: Connecting with Nature The entire material universe speaks of God’s love and boundless affection for us. Soil, water, mountains: everything is, as it were, a caress of God. Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, n 84 This interactive seminar will enable you to deepen your spirituality through interconnection with all of life. Includes […]
Online Advent Retreat – Welcoming God In…
The Spirituality Ministry of the Sisters of Saint Joseph presents an Online Advent Retreat: Welcoming God In… During these four Tuesdays in Advent we will ponder Mary and Joseph, their Welcoming God In… the Incarnation… Jesus as Son of God, Son of Mary… Then and Now… this is an opportunity to ponder, How am I […]
Walking in Synodality with the most vulnerable
In October 2024, we pray with Pope Francis for the prayer intention, ‘for a shared mission’. We also commemorate World Mission Day, otherwise known as World Mission Sunday, on 20 October. As Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart and according to our Chapter Statement, we realise “the potential of our charism for connecting […]
My Experience of Mary MacKillop’s Canonisation
For me the privilege of being in Rome for Mary MacKillop’s canonisation (17 October 2010) was the culmination of my Josephite journey to that point. I was educated in primary and secondary school, and then teacher’s college with the Josephites. This gave me the opportunity to come to know the values and spirit of the […]
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
Never see a need without doing something about it. Saint Mary MacKillop The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, held annually on 17 October, is a global day that raises awareness about the causes and effects of poverty, and how we can – as individuals and communities – take steps towards its eradication. According […]
Tri-diocesan Young Adults Pilgrimage to Mary MacKillop Place
A group of young adults from the Dioceses of Broken Bay, Sydney and Parramatta recently embarked on a meaningful pilgrimage to Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney. This journey was a chance to learn about the life of Australia’s first canonised saint, and an opportunity for participants to reflect on their own paths and how […]
Love of God, love of neighbour, love of common home
Joy and Suffering One of the greatest joys I have experienced through the Josephite charism is the beauty of relationship between Mary MacKillop and Father Julian Tenison Woods. Jan Williamson captured it wonderfully in her painting The Vision. But joy and suffering often go together. I remember suffering when I first learned of Mary and […]
A Visit with Fr Julian
Father Julian Tenison Woods died on 7 October 1889 in Elizabeth Street, Sydney. Since May 1887, he had been cared for by a community of women who, under the leadership of Gertrude Abbott, would later found St Margaret’s Hospital. With their help, he was able to sort out his notes and dictate them into articles […]
St Joseph’s Spirituality and Education Centre in Kincumber
St Joseph’s Spirituality and Education Centre in Kincumber on the NSW Central Coast, nestled in a natural bushland setting and a sacred place visited by Mary MacKillop, is embracing a renewed focus on providing accessible and enriching spiritual experiences through a range of shorter reflection days, workshops, events and retreats. This shift is designed to […]
Fr Julian and the forests of Tasmania – his own words
Father Julian Tenison Woods was born on 15 November 1832 in England and entered eternal life on 7 October 1889 in Sydney. A young Julian arrived in Tasmania (from England) on 30 January 1855 and was a priest there from 25 February 1874 until 15 November 1876. Let us celebrate, in his own words, Fr […]