About black boots and discipleship - Helen Yiu

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 direction/counselling which she did and am grateful for. And upon the invite of Sr Paula to a meeting on a Saturday I became a friend then an associate.

Attending the Jubilee celebration in the parish dawned on me how long the Sisters have lived their mission led by Sister Frances Siedliska and how fortunate Australia has been for their ministry here. I continue to be awed by new info I gain about Marayong and what the Sisters have founded there.

I like sharing this...On one of the Sunday masses in the Hall during Covid as I bowed my head in prayer before mass in my seat my eyes caught pairs of black boots walking and I knew whose they were. After mass I said to my husband if I became a nun I would join the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth because they wear boots!

Another memorable event was being accepted into the Association of the Holy Family. I had assumed I was already an Associate when I attended the first meeting Sr Paula had invited me to attend years ago until Sr Rita corrected me and that there was a process to complete.

I highlighted on the Statutes...Ministry...to witness to Christian values of family life within one's own family, in the work place, as well as society at large...following the example of the Holy Family of Nazareth. This is an inspiration in my discipleship.

Thank you Sisters in journeying with me in my faith.

Helen Yiu

REFLECTION QUESTION: What/Who is an inspiration for you to follow Jesus?