United in the Spirit

The Provincial Gathering held from 6th to 8th June 2025 was a time of deep reflection, spiritual renewal, and community bonding for the Sisters of the Holy Spirit Province.

The topic of Forgiveness and Love, as prompted by the opening talk By Fr Geofrey Plant was seen as spiritually and intellectually stimulating and setting a tone for the entire gathering.

Many Sisters deeply valued the opportunity to be together, share openly, and feel a sense of unity and love. This included meeting Sisters from other houses and feeling being part of a larger community. Some common phrases stated that sisters appreciated: “Being together with love and understanding each other”, as well as, having a “Chance to be with the bigger community, meeting sisters from other houses.”

The pilgrimage to St John Paul II Shrine in Gosford was described as prayerful, peaceful, and spiritually enriching. It also provided a relaxed and reflective environment. Some sisters stated that the pilgrimage could be an annual event in the life of the Province, giving everyone a chance to spend some quality time together, especially with the sisters from the houses which are geographically distanced to most of the community convents.

The opportunity to share thoughts, feelings, and visions for the future of the Congregation was seen as empowering and healing, especially in the context of the upcoming change of the Provincial Administration by the end of this year. One of the Sisters said: “It was a good opportunity to share our reflections and vision of our Province and Congregation.” Someone else mentioned: “We were listening and sharing our thoughts with each other.”

The peaceful, prayerful, and well-organised nature of the gathering contributed to a positive experience, allowing for statements which were describing that “Everything was calm and clear. All seemed happy.” And yes, indeed, Sisters were grateful and happy and appreciative of everything  and everyone who contributed to those few days.

As the gathering came to an end, Sisters expressed their gratitude to Sr Margaret Kozub, Provincial leader and her council, for preparing  and leading the weekend which, in this Jubilee year, brought us together in the spirit of Love , Healing and Forgiveness.