Five New Associates in the Holy Spirit Province

On 19 September 2026 in Marayong, the Association of the Holy Family warmly welcomed five new members during a special acceptance ceremony. The ceremony was led by Sr Rita Apura, provincial Leader and Sr Venus Armachuelo, Director of the Association in the Holy Spirit Province. The celebration brought together many Associates and Sisters, who gathered in a spirit of faith, friendship, and gratitude. The day included Holy Mass, followed by a joyful lunch where members shared fellowship and celebrated the newest Associates joining the Holy Family community. The new members, Alma, Brenda, Geraldine, Delia, and Melchior, each bring unique experiences and a shared desire to grow spiritually through the Charism of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.

Beginnings of the journey

The journey to the Association began differently for each new member.

For Alma, the connection started when she moved into the Retirement Village nearly two years ago. Through meeting Associate Maggie, she was invited to attend an Association gathering. She also came to know Sr Rita, who encouraged her to become a member, and she soon met Sr Grace and other Sisters whom she describes as kind, compassionate, and welcoming.

Brenda has known the Sisters since the 1990s, when her children attended Holy Family Children’s Centre and she worked in the parish. Existing Associate Maria de Carlo extended the invitation that eventually led her to membership.

Geraldine has known the Sisters for more than twenty years. Her connection began through Holy Family Children’s Centre and was strengthened through her family's involvement in Catholic education. Associate Sharmali invited her to attend an Associates gathering in 2023, opening a new chapter in her relationship with the Congregation.

For Delia, everything began in August 2025 when her colleague and Scripture teacher, Maria, invited her to attend a congregational meeting. There she met Sr Rita and the Sisters for the first time. Her husband Melchior accompanied her to the meeting and began his own journey of connection with the Association.

Spiritual desire and shared mission

The decision to join the Association was rooted in a desire for belonging, spiritual growth, and shared mission.

Alma shares very honestly: I enjoy the gatherings because everyone is nice and friendly. It helps me in my spiritual life because I can attend Holy Mass and listen to the spiritual talks. I also like that we spend our time talking about good and meaningful things instead of gossiping.

Brenda describes her membership as a response to a calling. Having been blessed by the presence of Sisters from various religious congregations throughout her life, she feels enriched by the spirituality, care, and wisdom they share. For her, joining the Association is a continuation of that lifelong journey.

Geraldine's connection runs deep. Having received her education at Holy Family Convent in Sri Lanka, she has always felt linked to the spirituality of the Holy Family. I decided to be an associate member because the sisters allow lay people to share in the spiritual vision and mission of the Congregation. – she shares.

Delia recalls feeling at home from the moment she attended her first gathering: I feel I belong to this association from the first time I stepped in. Members are very welcoming and I need a group that are true and devoted to their mission. This Congregation, I’ve been looking for since I arrived in Sydney and I know I found it.  Melchior, with characteristic simplicity, shares: I love my family and my wife. I go where she goes.

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Looking forward with hope

The hopes expressed by the new Associates reflect both personal faith and a commitment to the wider mission of the Church.

·      The new Associates share a common hope of growing closer to God through prayer and service while living the values of the Holy Family.

·      They pray for the continued growth of the Association and the Congregation’s mission, for more people to come to know God, and for opportunities to support others with compassion and faith.

·      Their hopes reflect a desire to deepen their spiritual lives, serve those in need, and help ensure the Holy Family spirit continues to flourish for future generations.

The journey continues

New members’ stories remind us that the mission of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth continues to flourish through the faith, commitment, and friendship shared between Sisters and Associates. Together, they strengthen the Holy Family community in Australia and beyond and carry its mission into the future. We, Sisters are grateful for their presence and commitment.