ANZAC Day 2021

Poppies by Adina Voicu.

My great grandfather Duncan was an ANZAC, served as a Sergeant-Major, and survived both World Wars. My aunty Sally fought leukemia and unfortunately did not survive, dying on ANZAC Day in 2002.

On ANZAC Day I remember them both. When they went to fight their own wars they were in their twenties – like me.

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Flora – A Woman of Faith

Peter MacKillop with mother Flora MacKillop ca 1867 [1]
Flora MacKillop (née MacDonald) was born in The Ben Nevis (Hotel) in Fort William in the Scottish Highlands in 1816. At the time her father Donald was the proprietor. She was the only girl with two brothers, Alexander and Donald. The family migrated to Melbourne in 1840 with their mother Catherine, while their father came later after he had paid off some outstanding debts at home. He eventually arrived in 1842 after the birth of his granddaughter Mary.

Their voyage was marred by tragedy, for Alexander aged 28 years, fell overboard during a fit of delirium brought on by an attack of typhoid fever. They eventually arrived in Melbourne in April 1840; however the sorrowing family had to spend two months in quarantine.

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Reflection on Mary MacKillop

Mary MacKillop.

Strong women are rising up and making their voices heard in the workplace, in society and in the home.

The Australian of the Year, Grace Tame at a recent march for justice, implored women to be united in stamping out patriarchy. She boldly reminded us that allowing to let fear stop us from doing anything enables evil to thrive in silence.

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A Fair Go

Julian Tenison Woods, 1866.

The Christian belief is that all people are equal in God’s sight.

The Christian concept of love of neighbour is starkly different from the self-seeking competitiveness we often find in today’s world. Jesus identified with the poor and marginalised people, whereas current society often highlights the rich and powerful for adulation. Jesus advocated for a society of justice, freedom and peace. It was this type of society, this concept of love of neighbour, of fairness and justice, that Julian Tenison Woods lived and promoted.

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2021 Easter Reflection from Sr Monica

“Easter reminds us to find the new life that emerges even amid such chaos.”
May Easter be a bright and joyous day.Mary MacKillop 1.4.1906

Today we celebrate the great feast of the Resurrection in our Christian Tradition. Over these past few days, we have stood at the Cross with Mary and the other women in silence and disbelief at what has taken place. We have waited at the tomb with the women grieving the loss of their friend Jesus whom they had steadfastly supported in his ministry. We have witnessed the Resurrection with Mary Magdalen and we have been sent forth to be Easter people with hearts full of joy.

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Josephite Light Shines on Peru Mission’s 40th Anniversary, Despite COVID-19

Sr Edith Prince rsj with one of the patients from her Clinic in the early days of the Peruvian mission.

For four decades the Josephite mission in Peru has maintained the spirit of St Mary MacKillop through many hardships—all of them shared with the Peruvian people.

The COVID-19 Pandemic is the latest challenge faced by the mission, which celebrated its 40th year on 1 April.

Sister Clare Conaglen spent 16 years in the mission and recently returned to Australia to take up a position on the Congregational Leadership Team. She agreed to share some of her insights about the situation in Peru and the achievements of the mission over four decades.

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Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre Farewells Respected CEO

Many Sisters and Staff gathered in the Conference Room at the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre on 3 March to thank and farewell their devoted CEO of 15 years, Garry McLean.

The guests enjoyed drinks and canapes and time to mingle prior to the formal message of acknowledgement and farewell from Sr Anne Tuck, read by Receptionist Kate Warlond in Anne’s absence.

Over the past 15 years Garry has been the passionate guardian of the story of Mary Mackillop and Julian Tenison Woods and has facilitated the spread of that story across Victoria and beyond.

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Easter Reflections 2021

Easter is a time for reflection and expressing our love for Jesus.

For this time, provided below are four reflections you can use for Passion (Palm) Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

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