Reflections from the Sisters: September 7, 2007

Even though it was our first week in the World Youth Day Office, we had an official holiday today…We had planned a daytrip to the Blue Mountains but the forecast of temperatures between 6 and 10 degrees and rain showers led us to consider alternate plans.  After a series of plans that failed, we ended up choosing to pay a visit to North Sydney.  Even though the museum at Mary MacKillop Place was closed due to the public holiday, we hoped at least to visit and pray in the chapel.  Little did we realize the blessings in store… 

Inside the gate, we walked through the beautiful convent gardens to the chapel and directly to Mother Mary MacKillop’s tomb.  We knelt and prayed for each of the Sisters in our Congregation by name, and soon were joined by two other Josephite Sisters. The Sisters showed us extraordinary hospitality, giving us a guided tour of the chapel, showing us the building where Mother Mary lived in Sydney, and even inviting us to join them for lunch.  Saint Joseph’s intercession proved powerful beyond our expectations, and our private visit to Mother Mary’s tomb and the warm kindness of the Sisters of Saint Joseph are Sydney memories we will long cherish.