Farewell to St Joseph’s in Tasmania
During the last week in February, the Sisters of Saint Joseph farewelled their large community house in New Town, Tasmania. Known as St Joseph’s and situated in Thirza St, this building was blessed and opened by Archbishop Guilford Young on 19 August 1968 and operated initially as a nursing home and hostel for Sisters of […]
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 […]
Westbury Church turns 150
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.
The Traveller
Daniel de la Motte shares a narrative meditation inspired by Father Julian Tenison Woods, adapted from a formational prayer he wrote for the students of the Tenison House of MacKillop Catholic College, Mornington, Tasmania.
Recognising Father Julian Tenison Woods at MacKillop Catholic College
MacKillop Catholic College in Mornington, Tasmania was founded in 1994. At that time the Tasmanian Catholic Education Office approached the Christian Brothers and the Sisters of Saint Joseph to administer the College. In its inaugural year, the College was led by Br Tony Smith as principal, and Sr Louise Cotton. The Sisters of Saint Joseph […]
Josephite Mission and History Centre – An Oasis of Peace
To walk into this building is to walk into history. This is the view frequently expressed by visitors to the Josephite Mission and History Centre in Hobart, Tasmania. Here we acknowledge and celebrate the past to gain inspiration for the present and vitality for the future. Many people speak of an atmosphere of serenity permeating […]
Father Founder – A Tasmanian Connection
In education these days, there is a practice where a teacher may use a ‘provocation’. This is an object or artefact, a photo or a poem that is a stimulus for thought and discussion. A launching pad for learning. In writing this reflection, and thinking about Father’s Day (4 September), and the role of Julian […]
Father Julian and the Westbury Letters
Father Julian Tenison Woods had a deep connection with Tasmania over many years. As a missioner, he encouraged many young women to join both the Sisters of Saint Joseph on the mainland and the founding group of the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Aware of the needs in Tasmania, Fr Julian wrote to St Mary MacKillop […]
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 […]
Death of Sister M Francis McCarthy Anniversary
On February 12, 1940, at Sacred Heart Convent, New Town, Sister Mary Francis McCarthy, aged 90 years. Requiescat in pace. Mercury Newspaper 13.2.1940 Annie McCarthy, born in Dublin on 12 December 1849, arrived in Perthville from Ireland with eight other young women on 1 May 1875. Their destination – the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Sr […]