St Joseph the Worker
April 29, 2025
The celebration of Saint Joseph the Worker was instituted on 1 May 1955 by Pope Pius XII so that it would coincide with International Workers’ Day or May Day – a celebration of work and workers’ rights coming out the 19th Century industrial revolution. The Soviet Union had used this day to have massive military parades and exalt communism, so Pope Pius XII wanted to ensure that workers did not lose a Christian understanding of work.
As we reflect on the daily life of the Family of Nazareth, the Gospel specifies the work of Joseph – that of a carpenter. He was able to support his family with this trade and went on to teach Jesus the skills needed. We are reminded that after the episode in the temple, Jesus ‘went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them’. (Lk 2:51) This obedience would have implied sharing in the work of Joseph so that Jesus became known as the carpenter’s son (Matt 13:55) and a carpenter (Mark 6:3).
April Prayer Intention: For the use of the new technologies
April 23, 2025
Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our time.
Who is the patron of the internet? Is there a patron of the internet?
In 1997, Pope John Paul II named Saint Isidore of Seville as the Patron of the Internet. A prominent historian and scholar of the sixth century, Isidore possessed extensive knowledge across various fields. In his writings he sought to collect, systematise and synthesise all existing knowledge.
Death of Pope Francis
April 22, 2025
The Sisters of Saint Joseph join Catholics and people around the world to mourn the death of Pope Francis. We give thanks for his deep faith, his strong leadership, his compassionate heart and his advocacy for justice.
Pope Francis cared for the poor and those on the edge. He also had a willingness to meet with world leaders and was not afraid to speak his truth.
Uniting to Care for our Common Home
What do NSW scuba divers, Josephite Sisters and a Catholic priest have in common? A commitment to care for the environment… Robert Purdon is a health worker, lover of nature and volunteer. He writes on behalf of the Josephite Laudato Si’ Action Plan Team.
Bushrangers Bay is an aquatic reserve in Shellharbour, New South Wales (NSW). The legislation around Bushrangers Bay and Bass Point is not black and white, and certain political groups have lobbied government for a weakening of the legislation and regulation that provides protection to marine life.
Easter Message 2025
April 16, 2025Easter is a time to celebrate that the Risen Christ lives among us. We are an Easter people, and like the disciples on that first Easter morning, we continue to find God present in surprising and unexpected places.
Easter Reflections 2025
We share with you three reflections for Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday provided by Bernadette Wrafter (Josephite Affiliate), Mary Hilton (Formation for Mission Animator) and Sr Michele Shipperley rsj.
Celebrating 70, 75 and 80 Years of Religious Life
April 15, 2025
Sisters of Saint Joseph from across Australia recently celebrated their Tanzanite (80 years), Tourmaline (75 years) and Platinum (70 years) Jubilees of Religious Profession.
Four Jubilarians from this group of 14 Sisters gathered at Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney where they were welcomed by Sisters of Saint Joseph Congregational Leader, Sr Monica Cavanagh, fellow Sisters, family and friends. Father Kevin Dance cp presided at the Mass and congratulated the Jubilarians on their vowed commitment.
Palm/Passion Sunday: Journey of Hope
April 11, 2025
In a musical composition, the Prelude serves to introduce motifs that will be developed in the larger work. Similarly, as we begin the journey we call ‘Passion Week’, the liturgy of Palm Sunday acts as a Prelude, containing the themes that will develop over the days that follow. As we walk in Jesus’ footsteps starting from Bethany and ending at Calvary, we become pilgrims. During this Jubilee Year of 2025, we are urged by Pope Francis to make this journey a Pilgrimage of Hope.
The first act of Palm Sunday’s liturgy has us setting out to Jerusalem where crowds hail Jesus as Messiah, a King who comes in God’s name. In setting out on the journey of this Jubilee Year, Pope Francis reminds us, we need to meet Jesus ‘personally’ as the ‘door of our salvation’, the one who is ‘our hope’. [1] As today’s world writhes in political and social turmoil, can we confidently proclaim this hope?