The Baptism of Jesus, A Story of Two Cousins
The baptism of Jesus, celebrated on 9 January, reminds us of two cousins; Jesus and John the Baptist and their mission, their relationship, their lives and their God consciousness revealed in their ministries. The relationship touchingly begins with the meeting of their pregnant mothers, Mary and Elizabeth, who were delightfully surprised by their unborn babies, […]
World Day of Peace 2022
On 1 January every year, our Church leader, the Pope, marks the World Day of Peace with a special message inviting all people to reflect on the important work of building peace. This long tradition began with St. Paul VI in 1967 and continued with St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and now with […]
Christmas from Mary MacKillop
While Covid continues to swirl around Australia, and its relative Omicron has joined in the spoiling, Australians are gaining new freedoms in time for Christmas. Borders are opening and we will be able to travel again. Families are planning to be with loved ones who have been apart for over two years.
The Gift of Sacred Scripture for all Christians
Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.Isaiah 55.1 (ESV) adapted Sacred Scripture is a gift to all denominations of the Christian religion. We know that one of the key elements uniting us as Christians is […]
A Josephite Companion reflects on the Josephite Charism and Advent
Josephite Companion, Janette Dobson, shares her insight on the recent Josephite Companions Conference and the ongoing influence it has had on her life, and reflects on the wonderful opportunity Advent gives us.
Living in Harmony: The Wellbeing of Father Julian Tenison Woods
Ill health, travel, negative media reports, lack of support and apparent failure can all have an adverse effect on our wellbeing. Julian Tenison Woods was subject to all these. Family history suggests he may have suffered a form of hereditary immune deficiency. He travelled extensively, was the subject of gossip and innuendo, appeared sensitive to […]
Mary MacKillop’s Humanity and Humour
Flesh and blood MacKillop is a woman of strength and humour who had her share of personal heartbreak. The real, very human MacKillop lies somewhere between feminist icon and humble saint. No one is the loser if you recognise her sanctity and holiness, but you don’t lift her out of the realm of human beings, […]
Supporting One Another
We are all in the gift of much older work. We are looking often by others’ eyes and we are only preparing ourselves to do something larger. [1] Visiting the beautiful country of Scotland gave me a marvellous insight into the character and background of Mary MacKillop’s parents, Alexander and Flora MacKillop. It also provided […]
ANZAC Day 2021
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.
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.
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 […]
Build on a Strong Foundation
World 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 […]