Praying for All during this time.
The apostolate of religious continues: to pray and do penance for the members of the Church, and for the world, and to witness to God, His Holiness and His Sovereignty.
The sisters have also found practical ways to help families and friends: go to Keeping the Faith in Crisis for all.
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| Sister with baby Isaac in 2016 |
In the month of July, on the 21st, we mark the first anniversary of the death of our Sister Mary Thomas O.P. We continue to pray for her soul, and also ask that she intercede for us.
The following day, on the Feast of St Mary Magdalene (one of St Dominic's beloved patrons) we saw our new bishop, Bishop Mark Edwards OMI received as head of the diocese. Sr Mary Augustine represented us at the ceremony and Mass (which few could attend due to restrictions). Let us all pray for Bishop Edwards as he begins his important role as shepherd of our diocese.
Newly installed Bishop of Wagga Mark Edwards OMI with Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher OP (centre) and Bishop Kennedy (right) concelebrating at the Mass PHOTO: Wagga diocese, from The Catholic Weekly
LITANY
In the month of May we had the first anniversary of Father Jordan's death. This Litany of Loreto was led by Father Jordan Perry O.P. with the Emmaus Community, Perth.
Final Vows 2019 - Brides of Christ
Thank you to the many friends and family members who shared our joy on the 7th of October, when Sister Mary Dominica and Sister Mary Catherine made Perpetual Profession of Vows. Bishop Columba was the principal celebrant and many religious and priests were also present.
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| Sisters prostrate during the Litany |
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| Receiving the ring |
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| Ramsey Clan - most from Queensland! |
First Profession - Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels
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| New junior professed- for Sister Mary Annunciata O.P. |
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| Fr Terence Mary and Brother Louis, both OFM(Conv), were present for Sister's First Profession Ceremony. |
Sister Mary Thomas O.P. - Rest in Peace
On the Vigil of St Mary Magdalen, Patroness of the Dominican Order, Sister Mary Thomas died peacefully surrounded by her Sisters at the convent in Ganmain. She had been anointed and absolved by Father less than an hour before, and had received Viaticum the evening before. The Sisters will keep her body with them in chapel until shortly before the funeral.
Requiem Mass was celebrated by Fr Scot Anthony Armstrong, and many priest friends at St Brendan's Parish, Ganmain. She is buried in the Sisters' section in the Ganmain Cemetery.
Sister lived the Dominican life with great devotion and distinction for 66 years, dedicating herself to God and to his Church in an unobtrusive but very influential way. Who could count the many thousands of children have passed through her capable hands in Catholic schools and missions? How many thousand still remember her for the sound education she gave them in ‘the basics’ and most of all in the Faith. Only a few years ago did she ‘give up’ active apostolate because of her failing hearing and general strength.
She had great love for the Holy Eucharist and the Divine Office. She can be counted on to go on praying for us –even more effectively – now that she has passed to the next life and knows even more about our many needs.
Thank you for your prayers for her soul and for her community.
May she rest in peace.
Sister was born in Belfast and came to Australia to enter the Dominicans in Western Australia when she was 18 years old.
She was professed 66 years, living the past 31 years in Ganmain.
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