More than 130 years after his death, Fr Julian Tenison Woods remains a constant presence in Sr Jan’s Tranter’s life. And she is determined that others should come to know him too. Source: Maitland-Newcastle Diocese.
Fr Woods was a priest, missionary, educator and accomplished natural scientist. Together with Saint Mary MacKillop, he founded the Sisters of St Joseph, sharing a vision of religious life grounded in simplicity, prayer and service to those in need.
Sr Jan, a Sister of St Joseph Lochinvar, has published a book, Julian Tenison Woods: The Human Journey – Priest, Founder, Friend, which brings together 35 years of scholarship and reflection.
It has also inspired a special exhibition at the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s Diocesan Resource Centre, featuring geological specimens, photographs, books and historical materials.
But Sr Jan’s fascination with Fr Woods began long before she imagined writing a book about him.
A family illness brought young Jan to Lochinvar, where she became a boarder at the Sisters’ school. After completing university studies, she entered the congregation, beginning a religious life that has now spanned about 60 years.
She went on to teach in Josephite secondary schools at Lochinvar, Port Macquarie and Gateshead, but an interest in the congregation’s beginnings was already taking hold.
A photograph of Fr Woods in the school library and a science laboratory bearing his name stirred her curiosity.
That curiosity became a lifelong pursuit, eventually leading to postgraduate study, historical research and decades of writing. What emerged was a portrait of a man whose remarkable achievements were matched by his humanity.
“A strong person, very gentle. Good sense of humour, gentlemanly, courteous. And very, very gifted.”
Holding her finished book about Fr Julian for the first time was an emotional moment.
“It was like a miracle because I wanted to share what I’d had the privilege to learn, and I really owe it to my congregation because it was the spirit I picked up in the sisters that made me wonder who founded this group.”
The exhibition offers another opportunity to share his story, including his fascination with geology and the natural world. Drawing largely on Sr Jan’s own collection, it brings together objects and historical materials that offer visitors a glimpse into the life of a man whose interests extended far beyond the Church.
Julian Tenison Woods: The Human Journey – Priest, Founder, Friend is on display at the Diocesan Resource Centre until the end of 2026.
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The Josephite Sister keeping Fr Julian’s story alive (Maitland-Newcastle Diocese)
