Standing: Srs Jean Dunkin, Antoinette Walsh, Eilish Quirk, Margaret Gooley, Mary Daley, Mary Baker, Alma Pollard, Gemma Wheatley, Connie Cummings, Catherine Teresa Kane, Christina Tancred, Coral-Ann Flemming

Sitting:  Ita Meere, Ellen Keane, Ita Harris, Sheila Curnow, Nano Lyons

Golden Jubilarians

Back Row: Srs Catherine Thom, Alma Pollard, Gemma Wheatley, Connie Cummings, Mary Baker

Front Row:  Jean Dunkin, Mary Daley, Coral-Ann Flemming

Sr Margaret Gooley proclaimed the First Reading

After the Homily the Jubilarians renewed their vows.

Tourmaline Jubilee 75 years

Reflecting on the days, and really weeks of my Jubilee Celebrations, I realized just how fortunate I am to have received so much love and support from others   during my Religious Life. Reading the messages of Congratulation, and reminders of times lived together I felt blest to have had such good friends over the years.     I ask God to repay all in abundance, for your Prayers, messages, cards and gifts that added to the joyful Celebrations of my Jubilee. Mass was offered for your intentions. 

 Sr Catherine Teresa Kane

Diamond Jubilee   60 years

I was professed as a Sister of St Joseph in 1940 and worked in God’s service until my Platinum Jubilee – 70 years.  It was a very happy time for me to meet some of my Novitiate companions again, and to hear from those living in New Zealand, Victoria and South Australia.  My greatest joy now is that I have reached the year that our Foundress Mary MacKillop will be the first canonised Australian Saint.

Sr Ellen Keane

Diamond Jubilee   60 years

The Jubilee period provided a time to reflect back over the past.  How true are Hosea’s words, “I will betroth you to myself with faithfulness and love and you will come to know me.”  An expression of His faithfulness is the wonderful people who have been part of my life’s journey.  Their integrity, faith and gospel-lived lives have enriched and supported me.  No earthly words can express the feelings of gratitude I owe them.

Sr Antoinette Walsh

Golden Jubilee   50 years

I felt privileged to share in the formal jubilee celebrations and I’m grateful for all that was done for us.  Everything was beautiful, simple and profound.  I was proud of us all and it was good to be part of the Josephite family as well as the Wheatley family.  I now continue to celebrate quietly which is more my scene.  It is hard to put in a nutshell what this time of Jubilee means for me.  There are so many thoughts and feelings that surface but in reality it is not so much about me but aboput God’s presence amongst us over the years.

Sr Gemma Wheatley

Golden Jubilee   50 years

Jubilee was a very special time for me. When we were preparing for it I was not as excited as some of the others but when we all gathered there seemed to be an aura around us. I was so happy that everyone was able to be present at Mount St for our days together.

It was a good experience to meet as mature women and to be able to appreciate the goodness of each person. After the Golden Jubilarians had returned to their Provinces, I was able to have chats with the Diamond Jubilarians. After this followed the Province Celebration and it was a lovely time with the older sisters.

”Thanksgiving” was my theme

Sr Jean Dunkin

Golden Jubilee   50 years

Jubilee, -a ‘retreat’  to BE

on a journey of the heart

embracing a lifetime.

A time to pray, reflect, share,

laugh, cry, grow, learn,

to praise, thank, love,

to give, receive, trust, enjoy!

Time to remember, rebirth, relive, renew,

redepth, recommit, re-energise, rejoice in

a love relationship, companionship,

ever new, ever alive, everchanging

in oneness with my God and friends

whose lives are indelibly intertwined with mine -

in ongoing gratitude and celebration

for God’s fidelity, love, blessings and grace.

A unique experience of wonder

with memories to last my remaining lifetime!

Praise God!

Sr Connie Cummings