Mother Jana Zawieja’s Visitation in Australia 2011

     Mother Jana Zawieja and her travelling companion Sister Angela Mazzeo landed at Kinsford Smith Airport in Sydney, NSW at 10:30 pm Monday, 31 October, 2011.  After leaving customs, they were warmly greeted by Sister Grazyna Roclawska, Provincial Leader and Sister Joanna Zarzyczna, Assistant Provincial.  Because there was little traffic, the four arrived at Queen of Poland Convent by midnight.  Sister Joanna drove Sister Angela Mazzeo to St. Joseph’s Convent in Quakers, where she resided during her stay in Australia.

The celebration of All Saint’s day gave the visitors the chance to tour the Australian animal zoo at Featherdale Park in Doonside.  When they returned home, Mother Jana and Sister Angela enjoyed a light dinner and retired early.

The next day, Mother Jana Zawieja and Sister Angela Mazzeo were driven to Sydney by Sister Grazyna Roclawska so that they could visit a friend who also happened to be visiting Sydney.  Upon their return from the city, the Sisters of the Sydney areal gathered to welcome Mother Jana and Sister Angela.  A scrumptious meal was served that evening.

Throughout the visitation Mother Jana Zawieja visited each convent in Holy Spirits Province.  During her visits to Queen of Poland Convent, Marayong, NSW, Mary of Nazareth Convent in Maitland, NSW, Our Lady Queen of Apostles Convent in Stafford Queensland, and Our Lady of Grace Convent in North Beach, WA ,  Mother Jana  and Sister Angela visited schools, talked to children; met with Principals, Staff and Parish Priests and celebrated the Feast of Mother Foundress in North Beach , WA.  Mother Zawieja and Sister Angela Mazzeo also visited the facilities of Holy Family Services, the Retirement Village resident, and the Polish Community. The children from Polish Saturday School in Marayong NSW presented a short performance of songs, short dialogues in Our Lady Queen of Poland Convent.  When they visited Parramatta, Maitland, Brisbane and Perth, Mother Zawieja, Sister Angela Mazzeo and Sister Grażyna Rocławska, Provincial Sup;erior, met with the Bishop of that diocese. 

Sunday 6 of November marked the Anniversary Celebrations since establishment of two groups of Associations.  The Canberra group celebrated 25 years and the Sydney group celebrated 20 years. The main celebrant of the Thanksgiving Mass was Father Robert Doohan, pastor of St. Finbar’s parish in San Souci.  Father David Scott, a resident of Holy Family Services concelebrated with Father Doohan in Holy Family Services Chapel.  A few of the Associates played Ukuleles to accompany the singing.  The new Associates:  Frances Pegrem, Steven and Tess Doulas and Danuta Lysien made their commitment to the Association  into the hands of Mother Zawieja.  After Mass, the congregation moved to John Paul II Hall for the formal proceedings and lunch.

   During her visitation to St. Michael’s Parish (Blacktown NSW) Mother Jana and Sister Angela Mazzeo and Sister Grazyna Roclawska were invited by Father Riedling, Parish Priest, to attend a concert “Beethoven Pastoral” performed by the Sydney Australian chamber Orchestra in the Sydney Opera House.  Before returning home, they visited the Sydney Botanical Gardens.The opportunity to visit Dee Why NSW came on Monday 14 November.  The weather hit temperatures around thirty degrees Celsius.  Mother Jana Zawieja, Sister Angela Mazzeo , Sister Grazyna Roclawska and Sister  Lucyna Fraczek drove to our holiday apartment for a day of sun and surf.

At the end of the Visitation, The Sisters of Our Lady Queen of Poland Convent were joined by the Sisters of Holy Family Convent to celebrate the American holiday: Thanksgiving.  Turkey and all the trimmings were on the menu.  Two days later (Wednesday 23 November, 2011, the suitcases were packed and locked.  The last goodbyes were said.  Sister Grazyna Roclawska and Joanna Zarzyczna accompanied Mather Jana Zawieja and Sister Angela Mazzeo to the airport.  They boarded their flight to the Philippines.