World Day of Social Justice
As we approach the World Day of Social Justice on 20 February, we are reminded of our communal duty to foster social development and equality for all. Striving for justice is not a part-time vocation and should not be realised in solitude. As the Gospel so clearly indicates to us, our faith is tested in […]
It’s our future – let’s make it RAD!
The Josephite Risk and Dare (RAD) Conference 2023 Mary MacKillop Place opened its doors to more than a hundred young people across Australia and New Zealand to attend this year’s Risk and Dare (RAD) Conference. We gathered as Josephites – and as social justice allies – to energetically accept our call to action and confront […]
Josephite Justice Network Update
This year has been a significant one for many of us as Josephites. The polarisation of debate around the Voice referendum has challenged us in many different ways, and the crises in the housing market, low wages, inadequate welfare payments and the devastation facing Earth have both tested and galvanised us. We’ve been really conscious […]
Josephite Justice Network Gathering – March 2023
The Josephite Justice Network (JJN) gathering was held at Kincumber South, New South Wales from 10-12 March 2023. Josephite Sisters, Companions as well as young Josephite volunteers from throughout Australia, were all present. The theme for the gathering was The Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37:5). We realised during the course of the weekend, that […]
Social Justice Sunday 2022
History says, don’t hope On this side of the grave. But then, once in a lifetime The longed-for tidal wave Of justice can rise up, And hope and history rhyme.Seamus Heaney As we watch the directions taken by the newly sworn-in Australian Government, we experience encouraging anticipation that hope and history might rhyme more closely.
Commemorating the 5th Anniversary of the Uluru Statement from the Heart
On 26 May 2022, we commemorate five years since the release of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and National Sorry Day. Additionally, from 27 May until 3 June, we commemorate National Reconciliation Week. Josephine Gabrynowicz, a member of and on behalf of the Josephite SA (South Australian) Reconciliation Circle, has provided a response to […]
Justice Now: The Peril and the Promise, Daring to Hope
Josephite Justice Network Gathering: 11-13 March 2022 At long last with Covid restrictions eased, we, the Josephite Justice Network, were able to meet face to face. Seventeen of us gathered at St Joseph’s Spirituality and Education Centre, Kincumber, New South Wales and were aware of many others who were unable to join us.
Josephite Justice through the Generations
It has been 40 years since Sr Jan Barnett asked me to don a veil and speak about Mary MacKillop’s mission. I was addressing my peers, who were seated cross-legged on the hall floor in front of me at Saint Joseph’s Girls High School, Kogarah, NSW. The 45 young leaders attending the inaugural Young […]
Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor: Social Justice Sunday 29 August
In a short space of time the peoples of planet Earth have witnessed bushfires, floods, and catastrophic environmental damage. Good people everywhere ask, “What is the right and proper way to respond?” I spoke to Olkola/Djabaguy woman Sherry Balcombe about this. “We as Aboriginal people know the Earth is the most sacred of gifts given […]
150 Days for Refugees: Josephite Justice Network Launches New Campaign
Refugee advocates and members of the Josephite Justice Network launched a new campaign, 150 Days of Action for Refugees, on 1 May for the Feast of St Joseph the Worker. The campaign is a response to Pope Francis’ declaration of 2021 as the Year of St Joseph, who was himself a refugee in Egypt and […]
The Twins
World Day of Social Justice (20 February) Four daughters of Goodness and Love sped through the night. Faith held the reins, guiding the horses with sure grip. Constancy and Patience were in the lead, ever responsive to her firm touch. The coach gathered speed, for there was not a moment to lose. Faith and Peace […]
Training Weekend for JAG Leaders
Josephite Action Group (JAG) Training Weekend – November 2020 Saturday (29 November) saw many veteran JAG volunteers and some new volunteers meet at St Joseph’s Spirituality Centre at Baulkham Hills to develop skills to host refugee families on a weekend away at Telford Recreational Centre at The Royal National Park in 2021. We began with […]