World Homeless Day 2022
When the Tent City was set up in Martin Place by homeless people in 2017, I was fascinated by the attention and care that had been given to its organisation. The tents were placed at regular intervals, hot beverage tables were set up and all comers were offered free tea and coffee. The residents sat […]
Migrant and Refugee Sunday 2022
This year, we celebrate Migrant and Refugee Sunday on 25 September. The theme this year is Building the Future with Migrants and Refugees. As Josephites, this is a critical issue for us, and for our prayer and ministries. As we know, Pope Francis has proclaimed Joseph as the patron saint of refugees, and in the […]
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.
Voting for the good of the whole community
How would Mary MacKillop vote in the upcoming Federal Election? We will never know. Nevertheless, as the author Sheila McCreanor points out: …one thing is certain; her letters show that she took voting very seriously and, at a time when women had just earned the right to vote, she urged her Sisters to take it […]
A Prayer for those affected by the floods
At this time, we hold in our minds and hearts all those affected by the floods and pouring rain. Our hearts go out to those whose homes, possessions and businesses have been destroyed or damaged by floods in Queensland and New South Wales.
Being a Josephite Woman in the 21st Century
Assuming the role of a 21st century woman is daunting yet liberating. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day, Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow, encapsulates the exciting prospect of a green and just future, whilst alluding to challenges ahead in addressing such entrenched inequalities and gaps.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine
With the drums of war beating across Ukraine and indeed across the world, and the reminders of Nazism in the support of “Yes men and women”, both in Russia and in democracies in recession, we are once again struck by the courage of those standing for justice, peace, integrity and truth, even at the cost […]
More Than Migrants
This year’s International Migrants Day on 18 December comes at a critical moment in the history of our country and world. There is no doubt that COVID-19 has forced us, across all areas of our lives, to reconsider who we are and where we stand. It has surely been a momentous year for us, both […]
West Papua: Rights Ignored, Voices Silenced
It’s Human Rights Day 2021 and the people of West Papua still find little attention in Australia. When hearing the phrase “West Papua”, many people think immediately of Papua New Guinea, not realising that the Papuan provinces are considered to be part of Indonesia since the so-called 1969 “Act of Free Choice”.
Father Julian Tenison Woods – Migrants and Refugees
Pope Francis meets refugees in Lesbos, Greece 2021 (Vatican Media) Father Julian Tenison Woods understood the plight of the refugee. Strange as it may seem, many of the early immigrants to Australia were what we might call ‘forced refugees’. As criminals exported to the new colony in the eastern states, they came against their […]
16 days of Activism for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
2021 marks the 30th anniversary of the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. We all know that human trafficking and modern slavery happens here in Australia and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November) begins 16 days of prayer and action, concluding on Human Rights Day (10 December) […]
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 […]