The Josephite Mission and History Centre at New Town in Hobart has entered a new era as a Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre. Source: Hobart Archdiocese.
However, the centre continues to take inspiration from the charism of the Sisters of St Joseph as it shares the founders’ message of a pioneering mission of faith.
The mother house of the Sisters of St Joseph since 1907, the centre is now one of seven lay-run Josephite spirituality and heritage centres an Australia honouring the founders, St Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods, and providing opportunities to encounter the sacred at the heart of everyday life.
The new entity came about after a period of discernment.
It began on May 1, the Feast of St Joseph, with a Mass at Sacred Heart Church in New Town, a thanksgiving lunch and a livestream from the ministry’s launch in Sydney.
Sr Sue McGuinness and Sr Colleen Power were acknowledged for their efforts with the museum collection and the Josephite Centre, while Sr Jill Dance was noted for her generous work there over many years.
After nearly 40 years as a teacher with Catholic Education Tasmania, Simone McManus is the centre host at New Town. Daniel de la Motte is the education officer.
“It’s big shoes to step in to,” Ms McManus said.
“We want this to be a place where people feel that they are welcome; to honour that important legacy of hospitality; and also to provide the opportunity to look to the lives of Julian Tenison Woods and Mary MacKillop and learn from them. They were people of action, who read the signs of the times and responded to them.
“We want to honour their charism and their faith in Christ and God’s providence.
“We hope we can provide something that is needed; where people can find peace and encounter the faith.”
Mr de la Motte has worked in youth, young adult and educational ministry for 17 years.
“I visit schools and welcome community, church and school groups to the centre for learning experiences, formation for mission, prayer and tours,” he said.
“Our hope is that visitors have a transformative encounter with Christ who walks with them in everyday life as he did with St Joseph, Mary MacKillop, Julian Tenison Woods and the Sisters of St Joseph.
FULL STORY
Spirituality centre honours founders and embraces faith-filled future (By Wendy Shaw, Hobart Archdiocese)
