Julian’s Day 2021: Let’s learn to live in harmony with nature!
To celebrate the 7 October anniversary of the death of Fr Julian Tenison Woods, co-founder of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, this year we have done something special. Fr Julian was a man of many talents: an environmentalist, scientist, priest, explorer, campaigner for social justice and the rights of Indigenous people, among many others. To […]
What Did Julian Tenison Woods Say About Indigenous Australians?
When the ordained ministry of Julian Tenison Woods began in Penola in 1855 he soon saw the conditions under which the local Aboriginal people lived. What he observed raised concerns that remained with him for the rest of his life. Several times, on his various journeys, he wrote about the Aboriginal people he encountered.
What Would Fr Julian Say About Climate Change?
What would Fr Julian Tenison Woods have to say about climate change? Sr Josephine Mitchell imagines an interview with the scientist, priest and Josephite co-founder on the “MJ Media Network”… Interviewer: It is my great pleasure today to welcome to the program, a remarkable man who needs very little introduction, Father Julian Tenison Woods. A […]
The Compassion of Father Woods
Perhaps because of the circumstances in which Julian Tenison Woods constantly found himself, he developed throughout his life a deep sense of compassion for those in need of any kind. Losing his mother at an early age, his long road to priesthood and subsequent rejection by Bishops, his separation from the Sisters and his broken […]
The Two Mothers of Julian Tenison Woods
Julian Tenison Woods had a dream at age six of a heavenly mother. At age 15 he suffered the death of his earthly mother. These two mothers held a special place in Julian’s life: Mary, whom he described as “my darling, sweet mother”, and Henrietta Marie St Eloy Tenison, his quiet, gentle and kindly mother […]
A Fair Go
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 […]
St Joseph – Fr Julian’s Example and Guide
In his last circular to the Sisters of Saint Joseph two years before his death, Fr Julian Tenison Woods affectionately reminded the sisters about what was essential for their Josephite lives. Julian exhorts the sisters to follow the example of their patron, St Joseph. We are to try to teach [others] by the example of […]
Julian Tenison Woods: A Life – Chapters 27th to 35th
Chapters 27th to 35th There was great joy among the Sisters in Brisbane when, on 5th January [1872] their dear Father Founder arrived; yet they were saddened by his worn and haggard appearance.….The following day, he began a retreat for the Sisters, which occupied five days….[1] The Holy See commissioned two prelates to enquire into […]
Julian Tenison Woods: A Life – Chapters 24th to 26th
Chapters 24th, 25th & 26th Father Woods wrote to Sister Mary: Bathurst 19.8.71 Here I am arrived at Bathurst, after a very tiresome journey… The Bishop is most kind, too kind in fact, and has a fine lot of work for me to do…[i]
Birth of Fr Julian Tenison Woods
From Southwark, England to Southport, Tasmania. On 15 November 1832 in Southwark, England, Henrietta St Eloy Tenison, wife of James Dominick Woods, gave birth to a son, Julian Edmund Tenison Woods. As in any family the birth of a child is received with great joy and perhaps even wonder at what this child might do […]
Julian Tenison Woods: A Life – Chapters 21st to 23rd
Chapters 21st, 22nd and 23rd This year [1870] the schools were not so successful and complaints were many.[i] About this time Father Woods had a sudden attack of illness. The Doctor recommended absolute quiet and rest. But it was not easy to follow this prescription.[ii]
Julian Tenison Woods: A Life – Chapters 19th & 20th
Chapters 19th and 20th On Friday, 4th December, the Bishop arrived from Europe, bringing some priests and a community of Dominican Nuns, who would take up the higher education. The Inspector intended the new Institute of St Joseph for parochial schools, and schools for the children of the poorer classes who were often neglected in […]