The Hope and Faith of Mary MacKillop
Why do you think that everything is hopeless, that no one can take away your own tombstones? Why do you give in to resignation and failure? Easter is the feast of tombstones taken away, rocks rolled aside. God takes away even the hardest stones against which our hopes and expectations crash: death, sin, fear, worldliness. […]
The Legacy of Julian Tenison Woods and the Earth Charter
In every generation, voices of prophets remind us that God has charged humans with the care of our common home, Earth. The examples of our first peoples, and of individuals like Francis of Assisi, Meister Eckhart and the Medieval Women Mystics come to mind. In our day, too, we cite Pope Francis in his encyclical […]
Sabbatical: Invitation to Wisdom, Mission, Conversion, Transformation
2022 Sabbatical group members. This Sabbatical held at St Joseph’s Centre, Baulkham Hills from 25 February to 8 April 2022, focuses on transitions and is for those who are at the crossroads of life and ministry. The group of nine sisters who comprise the Sabbatical membership for 2022, encountered a very wet St Joseph’s Centre […]
No ordinary Kyriale
For those with an appreciation for the story of the sung prayers of the Ordinary of the Mass, a new scholarly book is available at the Mary MacKillop Place shop in North Sydney and online. Titled The Place of the Kyriale, the Ordinary of the Mass, in Catholic History, Liturgy, And Music and written by […]
Earth Hour 2022
Recently, I viewed the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, the great space science observatory now orbiting the sun about 1 million miles from the earth. This large telescope, about the size of a tennis court, continues the work of the Hubble Telescope, which for 25 years explored the farthest depths of the Universe. […]
Fusion: A Moment of Grace
On 19 March 2012, the Sisters of Saint Joseph, Tasmania, received authorisation from the Vatican for fusion with the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart. “Fusion” is a scientific term to describe the coming together of two atoms to create something new and, in the process, releasing a huge burst of energy. The […]
Who was St Patrick?
Ireland has many saints, the stories of whom have come down to us from tradition, often wrapped in legend and myth, but Patrick is different; he tells his own story. His brief autobiography, written in old age, begins with an introduction: My name is Patrick and goes on to recount how at 16 he was […]
We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine
With the drums of war beating across Ukraine and indeed across the world, and the reminders of Nazism in the support of “Yes men and women”, both in Russia and in democracies in recession, we are once again struck by the courage of those standing for justice, peace, integrity and truth, even at the cost […]
World Day of Prayer 2022
Daily, I witness people from different religions, cultures and backgrounds who come to Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel to pray for their loved ones, to intercede for their needs, healing and consolation, or just to seek some quiet time. I sometimes encounter people who come to me and say “I do not know how to pray. […]
The Struggles and Gifts of Father Julian Tenison Woods
Bear in mind what struggles our life has come through and what opposition it has had. Julian Tenison Woods 1887 This is the instruction on the first page of the 2022 Josephite Calendar and was written by Fr Julian Tenison Woods, two years before his death. I wonder what struggles of which he had been […]
February Prayer Intention: Religious Sisters and Consecrated Women
Each month, Pope Francis asks for our prayers for a specific intention. For February, the prayer intention is for Religious Sisters and Consecrated Women. Pope Francis reminds us we are on a Synodal journey with the universal Church in communion, participation and mission, and that we are to do our part. (Letter to all Consecrated […]
Nourishing the Spirit
The Sisters of Saint Joseph’s Living Contemplatively: Retreats, Sabbaticals, Programs and other opportunities for nourishing the spiritual brochure for 2022 is now available.