International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking
February 7, 2024On the feast day of St Josephine Bakhita (8 February), the patron saint of victims of modern slavery and human trafficking, is the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking.
This day was designated by Pope Francis in 2015 “following a request from Talitha Kum, the worldwide Network of Consecrated Life Against Human Trafficking.” (ACRATH) You can learn more about Talitha Kum (which includes 762 religious congregations in 97 countries) here.
For 2024, the theme is Journeying in Dignity – Listen, Dream, Act and “was chosen by an international group of young people. It is a Call to Action – becoming more aware of the existence of human trafficking and reflecting on its horror we are urged to take action to prevent this horrific crime.” (ACRATH)
Letting Go
Each month, Pope Francis asks for our prayers for a specific intention. For the month of February, the prayer intention is for the Terminally Ill. Additionally, we annually commemorate the World Day of the Sick on 11 February. For these prayer intentions, Jefferies Foale CP shares a reflection.
I follow every stroke at Australian Open tennis, and I feel myself making the same moves, full of youthful energy, as I grasp the arms of my wheelchair.
Tennis is a long way behind me now. Over the years I have done many things, exercising brain and body to the full. I am a capable person. It is true that things have changed gradually as the years have rolled by. Energy and endurance have declined, but I have shrugged off the diminishment as I have continued to find meaningful outlets for my powers. But now, suddenly, here I am sitting in a wheelchair.
Sisters Celebrate Diamond Jubilee – 60 Years of Religious Life
Over 25 Sisters of Saint Joseph from across the Congregation celebrated their Diamond Jubilee recently marking 60 years since their first profession. They were able to gather and acknowledge the event at Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney where they also celebrated with other Sisters, family and friends.
Those Sisters who were not able to attend were remembered, particularly the eight Sisters from this profession group now resting with God.
Sisters Celebrate Golden Jubilee – 50 Years of Religious Life
Sixteen Sisters of Saint Joseph from across the Congregation have celebrated their Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years since their first profession.
Sr Monica Cavanagh, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart, welcomed the Jubilarians, Sisters and guests at Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel in North Sydney.
The Sisters travelled from across Australia to acknowledge their religious life journeys and ministries in education and social justice, nursing, pastoral care, religious leadership, and working with First Nations communities in the Kimberley and Peru.
Toitu Te Tiriti o Waitangi – Behold the Treaty of Waitangi
February 6, 2024
On 6 February 1840, over 500 Māori Rangatira (chiefs) put their names to an important document called Te Tiriti of Waitangi or the Treaty of Waitangi in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This document was written in two languages, one in English and one in Māori. It was written by James Busby and Captain William Hobson. They wrote a draft version in English first, then it was translated into Māori by Henry Williams, a missionary, with help from his son Edward.
Humble dedication, quiet wisdom
February 5, 2024
We remember and give thanks for the life of Sr Marie Foale – a Sister of Saint Joseph, teacher, scholar, author and archivist.
We invite you to read more about the life of Sr Marie via the Southern Cross Newspaper (Archdiocese of Adelaide) here.
Consecrated Life – An Evolving Reality
January 30, 2024
Reflection for the World Day for Consecrated Life (2 February 2024)
Consecrated life is an evolving reality. To explore what it really means and matters for our world today, we need to engage in conversation about it.
Recently I asked some Sisters to consider these questions. These are some of the thoughts they raised. I was interested to find that they were mindful of religious life within the context of the call to everybody to live the Christian life. They were certainly conscious of classic statements about the “universal call to holiness” (Lumen Gentium, Ch 5, #39):
Appointment of Director – Spirituality Ministry
January 29, 2024
Sr Monica Cavanagh and the Congregational Leadership Team of the Sisters of Saint Joseph are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Eamonn Pollard to the newly created role of Director Spirituality Ministry.
The creation of this position supports the Congregation’s commitment to a more integrated approach to its spirituality ministry, recently evidenced by the refreshing of the Board of the Spirituality Ministry and decision to bring the various ministries under the oversight of that company.
Eamonn will, in the first instance, review the faith formation and spirituality programs available through the Spirituality and Heritage Centres and evaluate these in the light of Sisters of Saint Joseph priorities and contemporary needs. While initially under the direction of the Congregational Leadership Team, Eamonn will also work with the new Board to emerge the future vision of the Spirituality Ministry.