It’s no surprise that St Joseph Convent, Regents Park would hold a special place in the hearts of the local Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia, and for many young women discerning their vocation.
“During the 15 years that we have lived in this convent, hundreds of young women have visited for retreats, nun runs, Siena nights, afternoon tea, prayer with the sisters, or various come-and-see opportunities. The footprint of visitors to our convent over these years is a testimony to God’s Grace and His enduring call,” said Sr Cecilia Joseph, superior of the Sydney Convent.
Now the sisters are answering the call to renovate the convent chapel, the heart of their home where they gather multiple times each day to pray in common and in private.
After working for World Youth Day 2008, the congregation accepted the invitation of Cardinal George Pell and then Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Fisher, OP, to become involved in teaching and university chaplaincy in the Archdiocese of Sydney.
The Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia, originally from Nashville, Tennessee, USA, then moved into St Joseph Convent, which is part of the Berala parish. This purpose-built convent supports the living of their regular religious life, has ample space to host young women in the discernment of their vocation, and is handily located near several area schools.
This was also a special place for Cardinal Pell who officially blessed the convent and visited numerous times in the following years to celebrate Mass, pray with the sisters, and encourage young women on retreat.
“The last time we saw the cardinal was on the feast of St Dominic, 3 August 2022, when he celebrated Mass for us in his private chapel. We are humbled that the altar from his private chapel now finds its permanent home in our chapel,” said Sr Cecilia Joseph.
“The proposed refurbishments will improve the functionality of the chapel and will also blend the cardinal’s altar with the other elements to create an elegant coherence that will more deeply remind us of Christ’s presence. The sanctuary will be partially remodelled to give greater prominence to both the tabernacle and the altar,” said Sr Cecilia Joseph.
The convent chapel is also in need of new windows and screens for natural ventilation and a new air conditioning unit will be installed to suite the space.
A false ceiling and new lighting will be installed as well as a hand-crafted ambo that the sisters hope will lend reverence to the proclamation of the Word of God.
And new statues of the Blessed Mother and St Joseph, along with statues of St Dominic and St Catherine, will be integrated into the overall design with new plinths.
“With our chapel renovations, Cardinal Pell’s altar will be made to fit into the overall design of the chapel. We know that the Cardinal is interceding for Australian vocations, asking the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to His harvest in Sydney and beyond!” said Sr Cecilia Joseph.
For more information or to make a donation by direct deposit, contact Sr Cecilia Joseph at [email protected]. If you would like to donate online, please follow the link here.