Pilgrims of Hope: A Message from the AJASS President
June 9, 2025
As President of the Association of Josephite Affiliated Secondary Schools (AJASS), I feel great anticipation as we prepare for the 2025 AJASS Principals Conference, which will be held at Mary MacKillop Place at the end of this month. This year, we gather under the Jubilee theme Pilgrims of Hope, marking 20 years of shared mission, collaboration, and commitment to the charism of Saint Mary MacKillop and Father Julian Tenison Woods.
This conference is not only a celebration of our journey, but a moment of deep reflection and renewal. We will be especially inspired by the theological and spiritual insights of Sr Catherine Mead rsj (Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart) and Sr Michele Connolly rsj (Sisters of St Joseph Lochinvar).
Pentecost 2025
June 6, 2025
As we celebrate the feast of Pentecost (8 June), we recall the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles, Mary and others gathered in the Upper Room. This event is often referred to as the birth of the Church.
In his book, Breath of Life: a Theology of the Creator Spirit, the Australian theologian Fr Denis Edwards reminds us there are other comings of the Holy Spirit. At the very beginning of creation when all was darkness and emptiness and chaos, the Spirit hovered over the waters and so began the universe story.
Jubilee 2025: Ecclesial Movements, Associations and New Communities
June 1, 2025
From 7-8 June, we are invited to celebrate Ecclesial Movement, Associations and New Communities in the Church. For this event, we feature the Josephite Companions.
Who are the Josephite Companions?
The Josephite Companions Movement (formerly Associates), stemmed from the teaching of the second Vatican Council, this Springtime of the Church, with its vision of Church and community.
Virtual Pilgrimage to mark Flora MacKillop’s Death Anniversary
May 28, 2025
To mark the anniversary of Flora MacKillop’s (Mary MacKillop’s mother) death on 30 May 1886, you are invited to join in this ‘virtual pilgrimage’ to Eden and Green Cape, New South Wales. This excerpt comes from the South-East of New South Wales Pilgrimage which traces the two journeys (1899 and 1901) of Mary MacKillop into this area.
National Reconciliation Week 2025
May 26, 2025
Bridging Now to Next: A Campfire Reflection for National Reconciliation Week 2025
National Reconciliation Week takes place from 27 May – 3 June with the theme Bridging Now to Next. For National Reconciliation Week 2025, Cassandra Gibbs-Smith shares A Campfire Reflection…
Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Laudato Si’
May 22, 2025As we commemorate a decade of Pope Francis’ prophetic encyclical on 24 May, Sr Mary-Ann Casanova PhD, Project Officer for the Josephite Laudato Si’ Action Plan Team, reflects with gratitude on this milestone.
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’ and the Laudato Si’ movement,” says Sr Mary-Ann.
“We celebrate the life and legacy of Pope Francis. His messages within Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum have become part of the growing body of Catholic Social Teaching. Through our work, we will continue Pope Francis’ commitment to care for those made poor, and care for our common home, Earth.”
Sisters of Saint Joseph Welcome Pope Leo XIV
May 14, 2025
With the words, “peace be with you all” on 8 May, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV greeted the people assembled in St Peter’s Square and all those tuning in across the world.
As Pope Leo XIV continued speaking, we resonated with his vision expressed on the day as:
Volunteering at Mary MacKillop Place
This year’s National Volunteer Week, held from 19 to 25 May, is a time to celebrate the extraordinary contribution of volunteers across Australia.
At Mary MacKillop Place, the spirit of hope lives in the quiet moments of service, kindness and connection that are made possible through the volunteers who give their time so generously to help keep the spirit and legacy of Mary MacKillop alive.
One of those volunteers is Quynh Anh, whose warm and gentle presence has touched so many at Mary MacKillop Place.