On the evening of 14 May, many of our sisters and brothers in Consecrated life gathered at the Polish War Memorial Church in Marayong for a celebration, which included Mass and a shared meal.
This year, it was an added joy to welcome 18 sisters from the international leadership group of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth (CSFN). The visiting sisters represented all the countries where the Holy Family Sisters are present. They were in Australia for their General Conference.
Sisters from the international leadership group of the congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth CSFN during the Diocesan gathering for those in Consecrated Life at Our Lady of Czestochowa Queen of Poland, in Marayong in May 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Reflecting the theme of the Jubilee Year, Pilgrims of Hope, Sr Antoinette Doyle RSM, and Br Jeff Regan CFC shared ways in which the charisms of their congregations are being currently being expressed. Both the Sisters of Mercy (Parramatta) and the Congregation of Christian Brothers CFC have programs that are at the forefront of growing a deeper communion consciousness with our earth and the whole of the created world. Their works and presence offer us authentic ways to continue to walk together as Pilgrims of Hope.
A composite image of Sr Antoinette Doyle RSM from the Sisters of Mercy (Parramatta) and Br Jeff Regan CFC from the Congregation of Christian Brothers speak during the Diocesan gathering for those in Consecrated Life at Our Lady of Czestochowa Queen of Poland, in Marayong in May 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
It was a surprise gift for all of us to receive a spontaneous sharing from the Augustinian priests of Holy Spirit Parish St Clair-Erskine Park, Assistant Priests Fr Dave Austin OSA and Fr Joseph Aresseril Jacob “Fr Saju” OSA.
Both have personal experiences with our new Pope Leo XIV. They knew him through meetings and his visits to Australia and hold fond memories of times shared. We all agreed that there is nothing quite like eyewitness accounts to bridge the global gap of distance.
A composite image of Assistant Priests Fr Dave Austin OSA (left) and Fr Joseph Aresseril Jacob “Fr Saju” OSA from Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair-Erskine Park, during the Diocesan gathering for those in Consecrated Life at Our Lady of Czestochowa Queen of Poland, in Marayong in May 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
The evening concluded with an acknowledgement and words of thanks to our sisters and brothers who, this year, celebrate a significant milestone in the living of their consecrated life.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, presented each of our Jubilarians with a gift in gratitude for their fidelity to their call and generosity in mission.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta (centre left) and Sr Patty Andrew OSU (second right) with jubilarians during the Diocesan gathering for those in Consecrated Life at Our Lady of Czestochowa Queen of Poland, in Marayong in May 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Jubilarians – From left to right:
- Sr Marie Louise Petro RSM – 50 years
- Sr Vicki Maree Wilson SMSM – 25 years
- Sr Elizabeth Murray SGS – 60 years
- Br Louis Schmidt OFM Conv – 25 years
- Sr Christina Ramada CFSN – 25 years
- Fr Kevin Redmond SM – 25 years
- Sr Jeremiah Mendoza CFSN – 25 years
Also acknowledged, but unable to be present was Sr Barbara McDonough RSM – 70 years.
Sr Patty Andrew OSU is the Vicar for Consecrated Life in the Diocese of Parramatta. A member of the Ursuline Sisters of the Roman Union, she brings decades of experience in education, formation, and pastoral care, supporting religious women and men across the Diocese with wisdom, compassion, and a deep commitment to consecrated life. In 2020, she received a Pontifical Honour for her service to Catholic Education. She is Ex-Officio/Chair of the Diocese’s Council for Consecrated Life. Her online course, Synodal Spirituality is available on the Diocese of Parramatta website.
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