It’s no surprise that St Joseph Convent in Western Sydney would hold a special place in the hearts of the Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia, and for many women discerning their vocation. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
“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,” said Sr Cecilia Joseph, superior of the Sydney Convent in Regents Park.
“The footprint of visitors to our convent over these years is a testimony to God’s Grace and his enduring call,”
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 Sydney Archdiocese.
The Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia, originally from Nashville, in the US, then moved into St Joseph Convent, which is part of the Berala parish.
It was 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,” Sr Cecilia Joseph said.
“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,” she said.
The convent chapel is also in need of new windows and screens for natural ventilation and a new air conditioning unit.
If you would like to donate to the renovations online, click here.
FULL STORY
Dominican Sisters appeal for help with their chapel (By Darren Ally, The Catholic Weekly)
