Responding Together

The life of St Joseph offers me a profound model of quiet faithfulness, deep trust in God and humble, steadfast service. Although Scripture records no spoken words from him, Joseph’s actions speak with clarity: he was a man who listened attentively to God’s voice and responded with integrity, courage and love. His virtues: faith, trust, obedience, humility, bravery, compassion and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of others, have inspired countless Christians throughout history. I can see that these same qualities shaped the vision and ministry of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and Father Julian Tenison Woods, and they continue to guide Josephite Sisters and Josephite Companions today.

The Gospel describes Joseph as a “just man,” someone whose life reflected right relationship with God and neighbour. His complete trust in God is especially evident as he accepts Mary, protects the child Jesus and leads his family through moments of uncertainty and danger. Joseph listened deeply — often through dreams — and acted without hesitation. His way of being shows us all that holiness is often expressed not in dramatic gestures but in the faithful, loving service found in everyday life.

Mary MacKillop embodied these same virtues. I see her profound trust in God mirroring Joseph’s own trust. Throughout her life she faced poverty, misunderstanding and even excommunication, yet she stood firm in the conviction that God was directing her mission. Like Joseph, she acted with humility and courage, relying on Divine Providence rather than her own strength. Her commitment to serving the poor and educating children in remote communities echoed Joseph’s protective care for his family and his belief in the dignity of every person. I pray for the strength to protect my family as they did.

Father Julian Tenison Woods shared this same spirit. As a priest, educator and missionary, he recognised the great need for education and pastoral care in the remote communities of Australia. His partnership with Mary MacKillop led to the founding of the Sisters of Saint Joseph in 1866. Inspired by the example of Joseph, Fr Julian demonstrated courage, perseverance and dedication in responding to the needs of the time. Like Joseph, he listened deeply to God and worked tirelessly for the good of others, often travelling long distances to support communities and establish schools.

This heritage continues to shape the Josephite Companions. Their mission statement expresses this clearly: 

Through this mission, Josephite Companions seek to embody the qualities lived by St Joseph — simplicity, trust in God’s Providence, attentiveness to the needs of others and compassionate action rooted in the Gospel.

In our own time, I believe this commitment often requires courage and a willingness to step beyond the status quo; to be counter-cultural. The Josephite tradition invites us not just to notice need but to respond, even when doing so stretches our routines or assumptions. A contemporary example of this is the e-companioning initiative, which emerged in recent years to ensure that connection, support and spiritual companionship could continue despite physical distance. This innovative response reflects the same spirit of Josephite courage — a readiness to adapt, to risk new approaches and to prioritise care for those who might otherwise be isolated or overlooked.

In this way, the quiet yet resilient strength of Joseph continues to inspire the Josephite community. His faithful listening, humble service and courageous trust in God echo through the lives of Mary MacKillop, Julian Tenison Woods and all who continue their mission today. Through this shared legacy, the spirit of Joseph lives on, encouraging us to recognise the needs around us and respond with faith, love, creativity and action.

Helen Brown
Josephite Companions