The Holy Spirit Parish Fiesta 2025 opened in a truly grace-filled and inspiring way with a Marian Talk by Sr Olivia Łukaszewicz, a Schoenstatt Sister of Mary, on the theme “Mary, Our Mother and Educator.”
Held in the church on the evening of Wednesday 8 October, the session gathered parishioners and the Augustinians who serve the parish for an evening of reflection, learning, and prayer — a fitting beginning to the parish’s much-loved annual Marian celebration.
A reflective and heartfelt start
Sr Olivia’s talk set a deeply spiritual tone for the parish’s Marian Fiesta. Known for her warmth and depth, she drew from Scripture, Church tradition, and her own personal journey to invite everyone to see Mary not as a distant figure, but as a mother who walks beside us — teaching, guiding, and forming us in faith.
Her presentation explored how Mary’s life, though simple and hidden, was filled with lessons for every believer. Sr Olivia centred her reflection on three enduring qualities of Mary’s life:
- Mary’s faithfulness — her unwavering trust in God’s plan, even when she did not understand it. From her humble “yes” at the Annunciation to her silent endurance at the foot of the Cross, Mary’s faithfulness revealed a courage deeply rooted in love.
- Mary’s selfless love — a life poured out for God and others. Sr Olivia reflected on Mary’s readiness to serve: running in haste to Elizabeth, interceding at Cana, and standing beside her Son in His suffering — all expressions of love that gives without counting the cost.
- Mary’s profound love for each of her children — a mother’s love that continues to embrace all who turn to her. Sr Olivia reminded the assembly that Mary’s maternal heart knows our struggles and joys; she accompanies us tenderly and prays for us unceasingly.
“Mary is both Mother and Educator,” Sr Olivia said. “She teaches us that the heart of faith is not found in extraordinary events, but in ordinary love — in saying yes to God again and again, every day.”
Sr Mary Olivia Łukaszewicz, a Schoenstatt Sister of Mary, speaks during a presentation as part of the Marian fiesta celebrations at Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair-Erskine Park. Image: Supplied
Enriching the life of faith
Parishioners who attended were visibly moved and grateful for the opportunity to deepen their relationship with Mary. Many described the talk as both heartfelt and eye-opening, offering new insights into how Mary continues to form and inspire her children today.
Sue, coordinator of the Readers ministry, shared: “I was so looking forward to listening to Sr Olivia’s talk on Mary, Our Mother and Educator, as I had heard her speak before at a women’s retreat at Mt Schoenstatt.
“I was not disappointed — she is such a spiritual woman and an amazing speaker. I felt so touched and blessed to hear her personal story and reflection on Mary.”
She added, “What touches me most is the connection between Mary and Jesus — her continual trust in God and her willingness to do whatever He asked of her.”
“She supported and educated Jesus in so many ways, even when she didn’t understand everything that was happening. Listening to Sr Olivia gave me a deeper understanding of Mary’s role in my life and inspired me to pray the rosary more often, care for others more, and forgive quickly.”
For Sue, the talk also had a practical impact on her ministry.
“It made me think about my role in the sacramental team, as an educator and teacher for the children receiving the sacraments.
“Reading more about Mary and asking her to help me connect more deeply with the children and their parents — that’s something I will take to heart.”
Faith made practical and relatable
Danny, another parishioner, found Sr Olivia’s presentation not only spiritually rich but also very down-to-earth.
“I thought Sr Olivia’s talk on Mary, Our Mother and Educator was informative, reflective, instructive, and practical. She was engaging and held our attention for almost an hour!” he said.
“Two things stood out for me: first, that as a mother, Mary taught Jesus the simple skills of life and the faith of her people; and second, that Mary’s own faith was a maturing one — she didn’t always understand her Son fully, but she trusted Him completely.”
He added with a smile, “Sr Olivia’s honesty about her spiritual journey was relatable, especially when she shared how [before becoming a sister], she sometimes found praying the Rosary boring.”
“Don’t we all feel that way sometimes? It was comforting to hear that even the saints struggled in prayer too.”
Sr M. Olivia had shared in her talk that despite these feelings in her young life, this changed.
“Ever since becoming a sister, and even a good couple of years beforehand, I developed a real love for praying the rosary mostly because of my deep encounter with its power,” she said.
A talk that touched minds and hearts
Peter, a member of the Parish Pastoral Council, reflected on the realism and humanity of the presentation.
“It was an interesting choice of topic — Mary as Mother, dealing with all the realities of raising a child, the mess and chaos of family life, and then facing the agony of seeing her own Son tortured and crucified.
“Sr Olivia’s talk was sincere, heartfelt, and well-researched. It was fascinating to listen to her story — the journey of a contemporary, successful Australian woman towards a consecrated life, and her growing realisation of her deep need for relationship with the Lord.”
Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary Sr Mary Olivia Łukaszewicz (left) and Sr Mary Elizabeth Foley during a presentation as part of the Marian fiesta celebrations at Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair-Erskine Park. Image: Supplied
Becoming truly Marian
Sr Olivia concluded her reflection with a practical challenge: to let Mary’s example shape our daily living. She proposed concrete ways to become truly Marian — not only to admire Mary, but to imitate her.
Indeed, Mary does not call us only to look at her but to live like her — to allow her virtues to take root in our hearts, so that Christ may grow in us as He once grew in her.
Communion in faith and fellowship
The evening concluded with a joyful fellowship, where everyone lingered longer — nourishing friendships, sharing insights, and deeply connecting with one another. It was a living sign of the community that Mary continues to nurture among her children.
The fellowship was as meaningful as the talk itself — a celebration not only of learning but of belonging. It reminded everyone that faith grows best in community, where hearts are shared, stories are told, and friendships are renewed.
A blessed beginning to the fiesta
The Marian Talk was more than an event; it was a pilgrimage of the heart — a communal act of faith that invited everyone to begin the parish fiesta with reflection and gratitude. It reminded us that Mary continues to accompany us in our joys and struggles, teaching us to say “yes” to God in all circumstances.
As one participant expressed, “It was not just a talk — it was a renewed encounter with Mary, who leads us ever closer to her Son.”
Indeed, the opening night of the Holy Spirit Parish Fiesta 2025 was a moment of grace — a beginning that beautifully reflected the parish’s spirit: faith-filled, family-centred, and deeply Marian.
This initiative underpins the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Prayer and Community, and the objective to be a Church renewed in Spirit and Prayer. Visit Synodality to learn more.
Fr Percival Sevare OSA is the Parish Moderator of Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair-Erskine Park.
