World Day of Social Justice
As we approach the World Day of Social Justice on 20 February, we are reminded of our communal duty to foster social development and equality for all. Striving for justice is not a part-time vocation and should not be realised in solitude. As the Gospel so clearly indicates to us, our faith is tested in […]
World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2023
On Sunday 24 September 2023, we celebrated the Vatican’s 109th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. In his message, Pope Francis has expressed that freedom must determine the decision to leave one’s native land. Free to leave, free to stay. World Day of Migrants and Refugees is a day to reflect and honour the resilience […]
Age is no barrier
Joelle Sassine – Eco-Hero Profile An active member of the Josephite Action Group and Josephite Justice Network, Joelle Sassine is proof that age is no barrier to being an Eco-Hero. As a recent graduate from the University of Sydney, the 22-year-old has hit the ground running, working simultaneously on a variety of social justice and […]
Crises Facing Refugees in Australia
Refugee Week in 2023 will take place from Sunday 18 June – Saturday 24 June, with the theme being ‘Finding Freedom’. Josephites are really grateful for the initiatives being taken by the Federal Government to promote permanent protection for those in temporary protection. We continue to work, however, for those on bridging visas who are […]
Josephite Justice Network Update
This year has been a significant one for many of us as Josephites. The polarisation of debate around the Voice referendum has challenged us in many different ways, and the crises in the housing market, low wages, inadequate welfare payments and the devastation facing Earth have both tested and galvanised us. We’ve been really conscious […]
Uluru Statement from the Heart: Basic Truths
It was wonderful to receive a message from Sr Denise McKay recently describing the overwhelming sense of gratitude experienced by all those who attended the historic South Australian Voice to Parliament. They witnessed the Bill pass through both Houses of Parliament, with the Governor signing the Act into law “before our eyes”. In the hopes […]
Josephite Justice Network Gathering – March 2023
The Josephite Justice Network (JJN) gathering was held at Kincumber South, New South Wales from 10-12 March 2023. Josephite Sisters, Companions as well as young Josephite volunteers from throughout Australia, were all present. The theme for the gathering was The Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37:5). We realised during the course of the weekend, that […]
JJAMM (Joseph, Julian and Mary MacKillop) 2023
And that’s a wrap on JJAMM 2023! What a fun, empowering, and faith-filled ride it was. Our Josephite student leaders journeyed across Australia and New Zealand to join forces in their collective pursuit for justice in the name of the Josephite tradition. It was a privilege to watch these gifted and insightful young leaders reinvigorate […]
St Mary MacKillop’s Human Right of Way
We commemorate Human Rights Day on 10 December 2022. The presumed inalienability of human rights continues to be at odds with the realities of its accessibility in our contemporary context. There is a false assumption that we as a collective society have achieved justice for all. Unfortunately, many marginalised voices in our community remain silenced […]
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.