I stood where the towers once reached heaven, where steel and glass had kissed the sky, and now two waters held their silence, like tears that never learned to dry. I walked beside those solemn waters, and read the names—one after one— thousands of lives, thousands of stories, thousands of stars beneath the sun. My eyes moved slowly through the letters, searching faces I had never known, yet somehow every name felt sacred, as though I was not standing there alone. A Tue

⁠Sr Rita continues sharing the experiences of following the footsteps of Mother Foundress in the United States. This pilgrimage has been a meaningful, transformative, and Spirit-filled experience—one that I will treasure in my heart for many years to come. I am so grateful to God for this wonderful opportunity, and I sincerely thank our Province and each one of you, dear Sisters, for supporting Sr. Maureen and me in so many ways. Your prayers, encouragement, and support have

From 8 to 23 August 2026, twenty-two Sisters representing the entire Congregation are taking part in a special pilgrimage across the United States, following in the footsteps of our Foundress, Blessed Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd, Frances Siedliska. The pilgrimage takes the Sisters to Chicago, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and New York, places to which Blessed Frances sent her first daughters. For 141 years, successive generations of Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth have

Who could forget Robin Williams' unforgettable greeting in the 1987 film Good Morning, Vietnam!? For five weeks, those famous words echoed in my mind each morning at around 4:00 am as another rewarding day of teaching began. This year, I once again had the privilege of joining four dedicated teachers to present an English Language Program at St Joseph Seminary in Xuan Lộc Diocese, Long Khánh, Vietnam. What began as an invitation has become a ministry that I now eagerly antici

The memory of last year’s Jubilee celebration remains vivid in my heart, and I trust it will continue to shape me—not only as something to look back on, but as a call to move forward, living in the providence and grace of God, the source of all jubilation 150 years ago and throughout this ongoing journey of grace and gratitude. I have witnessed and experienced the joy reflected in the faces of so many people who have been, and continue to be, part of this 150-year journey, bo

It is part of my nature to be a “hands-on” person. When I think about an event like a Jubilee, my organising mode switches on and, together with those responsible and the co-opted team, I see what needs to be done, who can do it, and when it needs to be completed. The time of the Jubilee was no different. Yet, I have come to realise that being “hands-on” is not only about doing things; it is also about being deeply involved through prayer. The visible work may help prepare th

2025 was a particularly significant year for me, marked by three Jubilee celebrations: the Jubilee of the Church, the Jubilee of our Congregation, and the 25th Jubilee of Religious Life for myself and Sr Jeremiah and our Sisters in formation. It became a year of celebration in multiple dimensions, both personally and within the wider life of the Church and congregation. Across the various gatherings, pilgrimages, and celebrations in Australia and Rome, I experienced a deep se

For me the most memorable moment and experience was the Jubilee Mass, the 150 Years Video "Guided by Grace “ and the Celebration at the Hall. Everything was so meticulously planned and carried out seamlessly, naturally, and perfectly. The Mass with all the visiting Sisters, and the welcome talk by Sr Margaret was so touching and beautiful. I felt so privileged to be a part of this amazing work of the Holy Spirit, that extended and blessed the work so gloriously, begun b

The Good Shepherd Parish has been my second home since migrating to Australia 37 years ago. And it was in the 6am weekday masses when I was still working when I saw these Sisters in black and white and black boots! Yes the boots...I love boots and never have I seen any of the nuns in the Philippines wear a pair. Never enquired who they were nor what their order was. Upon recommendation of the then Parish Priest I approached Sr Lois if she could take me for spiritual directio

150 years sounds like a long time. Yet, I’ve been part of our congregation for one third of those years. When I entered, we had more members in the congregation but the distance between us was greater. Today the world seems smaller. With our ability to communicate, gain information and travel, the distance between us has lessened. During our jubilee year, I have had the opportunity to participate in congregational activities both locally and abroad. I felt the greatest impact

It was a profound privilege to be part of the Australian contingent from the Province of the Holy Spirit in Marayong, travelling to Rome to celebrate the 150th Jubilee of the Congregation. This experience stands as my most memorable moment. During our time in Rome, we had the opportunity to reside at the Sisters’ house on Via Nazareth, in the heart of the city. Sharing this space with Sisters from across the world created a deeply enriching and joyful atmosphere. Over eight d

The most memorable moment was being at the service in Santa Maria Maggiore. To be inside a Papal Basilica and to see hundreds of the congregation, and its supporters from around the world, come together to celebrate the 150th anniversary was amazing. As non-religious people it was a fabulous ceremony of the history of the congregation and recognition of the contributions you have made around the world. It was lovely to see Sisters from around the world come together as memb

For all of us, Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth throughout the world, 2025 was truly a significant year — a time marked by prayer, reflection, study, and joyful celebration. Yet the real meaning of such a year cannot be measured only by the events themselves, but by the lasting fruits they continue to bear in our personal lives and within our communities. The Jubilee celebrations offered a beautiful opportunity to introduce the spirituality and legacy of our Mother Foun

Opening the door in our church was deeply meaningful to me. It means far more than simply stepping into a new moment—it symbolises Jesus welcoming me into an entirely new era of life, faith, and purpose. It is a sacred invitation to leave behind what is old, burdensome, or broken, and to enter a season of spiritual renewal and deeper communion with God. Through this open door, I am called to a conversion of heart: to turn away from fear, sin, doubt, and complacency, and to em

The whole year of celebrating this milestone was filled with touching moments that are still alive in my heart and continue to bring joy and gratitude. Our main 150th Jubilee celebrations, both in Australia and in Rome, were deeply meaningful experiences. It was a joy to celebrate together with the Sisters, our friends, and all those close to us, sharing faith, gratitude, and a strong sense of community. Nevertheless, the most memorable moment for me was meeting Pope Francis

It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of our Congregation. This is why we invited our Sisters and Associates to reflect on last year's events. Over the next few weeks, we are going to share with you individual stories and the reflection questions these stories invite us to consider. Stay with us. Journey with us. Let’s journey together. Below is a glimpse of the thoughts shared - a poem written by Sr Rita Apura, our Provincial Leader. Carryi

We keep what love cannot let go— a photograph worn thin by years, a treasured name passed down in hope, a token held through joy and tears. So too the Christ whose heart burned bright, not bound by time nor earthly span, left not a memory, but Himself— the God who dwells with every man. The Host we lift in reverent hands, the Lord we follow through the street, the One concealed in golden doors is Love made present, whole, complete. And here behind these prison walls, wh

On the weekend of 2–3 May 2026, we, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, were deeply grateful to welcome Bishop Robert Chrząszcz during his pastoral visit to the Polish Catholic community in Sydney. These days of prayer, encounter, and celebration unfolded in Marayong, a place where we have been privileged to live and serve for over seven decades, accompanying families, the elderly, and the Polish community with faith and hope. An Encounter with the Sisters of the Holy

Faith is often passed on quietly—through family life, shared prayer, and lived witness. This was beautifully evident in the Confirmation journey of Anastassia Emilia Doulas, the thirteen‑year‑old daughter of one of our Nazareth Associates in Perth, whose story reflects the living spirit of Nazareth continued across generations. Introducing herself, Anastassia shares with joyful simplicity: “My name is Anastassia Emilia Doulas. I am thirteen years old and I am one of five girl

Two days ago, I marked my time, With grateful heart and joy sublime. A birthday blessed, my forty-seven, A quiet glimpse of earthly heaven. With sisters dear, both near and far, Each one of them my guiding star. Their laughter, love, their warm embrace, Filled every corner of that space. The prayers, the wishes softly said, Like gentle light around me spread. From family, friends, and those beside, Who walk this journey as my guide. My heart is full, it overflows, With every