Build on a Strong Foundation
March 5, 2021World Day of Prayer 2021
The movement of the World Day of Prayer can be traced back to the 19th century where women in the United States and Canada initiated a variety of cooperative activities. It is now an ecumenical global movement where all are asked to join in prayer and action for justice and peace. Catholic Social Teaching uses these themes as well – informed prayer and prayerful action.
This year the prayer has been prepared by a group of women in Vanuatu, with its theme being “Build on a strong foundation.” [1] I remember visiting Vanuatu on a holiday in 1982, where I was warmly greeted with a hospitable people – full of colour and dance, who shared everything they had with you.
The pericope selected from Matthew 7:24-27 reminds us of the teaching of Jesus – to hear his words and put them into action. Again, echoing the World Day of Prayer motto of “informed prayer and prayerful action.” How do we see this fitting with the world today?
Josephite Justice Network – Media Statement: Aged Care
March 3, 2021Josephites join call for radical and lasting change to Aged Care Reform
Please find below a media statement from the Josephite Justice Network regarding aged care:
JJAMM 2021
JJAMM – Joseph, Julian and Mary MacKillop
Every year, around this time, I sit down to write an article to share with our Josephite community, informing you all of our JJAMM gathering. Every year I struggle for a new angle, because, quite honestly, every year is the same – inspirational, rewarding and such a valuable learning experience for our school leaders, their teachers and the facilitators. So, I thought this year, I would let the school leaders “write” the report you read.
JAG Weekend Gathering
February 22, 2021
On the first weekend of February the Josephite Action Group (JAG) met on the Central Coast at the St Joseph’s Spirituality and Education Centre at Kincumber, New South Wales.
The goal of this weekend was to meet as a group to plan future events whilst also strengthening our leadership skills and teamwork.
The Twins
February 20, 2021World 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 glanced at their two other sisters with concern. Justice and Truth were ill, their faces strained and weary, their luminous skin seeming oddly flawed. Were those marks bruises? Had the latest battles been so intense? Murder, greed, theft, rape, torture, abuse of children, cruelty to asylum seekers, political manipulation of law, secrecy concealing government crimes, the cries of ravaged earth––these and so many other wounds weighed them down like anchors.
Justice whispered to her sisters that she feared for Truth. Identical twins, it was as though one could not live without the other. Peace sighed deeply, knowing how much she depended on them both. Faith urged the horses on. Courage turned his head slightly, just for a second, and Faith was sure she saw him wink. Kindness snorted and whinnied with big teeth, and the other horses were spurred on at the thought of his great heart and future carrots.
Lent – A Time for Engaging with Difference to Make a Difference
February 17, 2021
Practise Deeper Listening to Bring About Change
Ash Wednesday occurs on 17 February to begin the season of Lent in 2021. The ritual will be a little different this year.
Due to the current global pandemic, the Vatican has advised there will be no marking of our foreheads with a cross of ashes. Instead, there will be a general call to the congregation to ‘Repent and believe in the Gospel’ or ‘Remember that you are dust and unto dust you shall return.’ Individually we will then be able to choose to remain standing in our places or to come forward for a sprinkling of ashes on our heads! [1]
There is New Light… We Need to Take a Path Not Chosen Before
February 13, 2021
Anniversary of National Apology to Stolen Generations (13 February)
As we remember the brave moment in 2008 when our Prime Minister apologised to the Stolen Generations, we can ask ourselves two questions. How can we stand in truth and continue to pronounce that Australia is not systemically racist? Are we brave enough to stand with and bear witness to the historical and ongoing trauma suffered by Australia’s First Nations People?
Reflection on Mary MacKillop
February 8, 2021
In his Apostolic Letter With a Father’s Heart (Patris Corde) Pope Francis has proclaimed this year as the Year of St Joseph.
In writing, Francis describes St Joseph “as a beloved father, a tender and loving father, an obedient father, an accepting father, a father who is creatively courageous, a working father, a father in the shadows.”
Mary MacKillop must be rejoicing and acclaiming Pope Francis from her Godly surroundings on such a profoundly wise and appropriate declaration of our patron St Joseph!