Twenty-eight “channels of grace,” Sisters of Saint Joseph from across the congregation in Australia, have celebrated golden and diamond Jubilees, each one marking 50 or 60 years since her first profession.
Congregational Leader Sr Monica Cavanagh welcomed the jubilarians, their fellow religious sisters and guests to the celebrations held at Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney.
She invited them to renew their vows, and the touching moment was met with applause.
“Fifty and 60 years ago these sisters embarked on a journey,” Sr Cavanagh said.
“Like St Joseph, they stepped into new and unfamiliar places with courage, offering their gifts for the mission entrusted to us as Josephites. They have served generously in rural and city communities, in education, pastoral care, First Nations communities, catechetics, nursing, social work, and spirituality enrichment, living among the people amid everyday life.
“Like Mary MacKillop, they have been channels of God’s grace and love wherever they were sent. The divine spark which first called these sisters continues to shine brightly. We congratulate them – we express our appreciation for them – our golden and diamond Jubilarians.”
For the golden jubilarians, it was occasion of “overwhelming joy and gratitude.”
“It a real milestone to reach 50 years as a religious sister,” said Sr Catherine Trinh who joined the Sisters of Saint Joseph after arriving in Australia from Vietnam in 1975.
“In my ministry I am involved with two schools in Sydney helping refugee parents who have come to Australia. I feel privileged to be able to communicate with them in the schools and vice versa. I feel this is an opportunity for me to show Christ’s face and bring the Gospel to other people in my world.”
“We have always strived to share the spirit of Mary MacKillop with people everywhere we were and are, and I hope for that to continue,” said Sr Kathryn Sweeney.
“The evidence is there that Mary’s spirit is alive and well through the people with whom we engage, in schools, parishes and communities.”
That sense of community engagement and support was also a driving force in the decision of Sr Clare Koch to join the Sisters of Saint Joseph 60 years ago.
“I grew up in a family which was very community and people focussed,” said Sr Clare. “This outlook was part of my DNA and has been a motivating force throughout my religious life. It is about being amid people, being able to support where you can, and do what you can.
“We have all been faithful to six decades of responding to the call to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with God; a mission that continues today.”
Those sisters who could not attend the Jubilees were remembered, particularly the seven sisters from the Golden and Diamond Jubilee profession groups who are now resting with God.
