‘A moment of grace’: Sr Mary Joseph’s solemn profession

By Wendy Shaw

The solemn profession of Sr Mary Joseph of the Sacred Heart, OCD, at the Carmelite Monastery in Launceston was a day of peace, thanksgiving and joy.

It was not only the culmination of a lifelong yearning to become a nun, but also a day of deep gratitude as Sr Mary Joseph continues her recovery from cancer.

Sr Mary Joseph, 39, explained: “Around this time last year, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer which made the day of my solemn profession suddenly became uncertain.

“So, I just want to express my gratitude to God for the gift of life, as I am now recovering well.”

Prioress Mother Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, OCD, said Sr Mary Joseph was a great inspiration to all, and a testimony to the power of prayer.

“Sr Mary Joseph’s courage and surrender to the mysterious designs of God’s providence in her life over this last year as she has endured major surgery and radiation treatment for cancer has been a great inspiration to us and to many people who have supported her in prayer and is a powerful testimony to the power of prayer at work in a Carmelite’s life; and it is to this same life of prayer that Sr Mary Joseph has now committed herself for the sake of the Church in Tasmania,” she said.

Archbishop Julian Porteous was the chief celebrant at the Mass and solemn profession on 11 February. The chapel was filled to capacity as priests and monks from the archdiocese, together with priests from Sr Mary Joseph’s family, concelebrated Mass.

“As a bishop I say ‘thank you’, firstly, for giving your life in seeking a more intimate union with our Lord, Jesus Christ, and secondly, for devoting your life to pray in intercession for the Church and the world,” Archbishop Julian said during his homily.

Mother Teresa Benedicta said a solemn profession was a time of deep joy for a contemplative community, in welcoming another Sister into ‘full membership’.

“It is deeply affirming for us that another young woman, who could have easily had a successful career using her many gifts for the good of others in the world, has chosen this path of hidden prayer and sacrifice, in response to the Lord’s claim on her life, and has found in our Carmel a place where she can flourish humanly and spiritually,” Mother Teresa Benedicta said.

“Joy and thanksgiving sum up our reactions to this moment of grace!”

Sr Mary Joseph was born in the Philippines, the eighth of ten children, and moved to Australia in 2009 where she worked as a registered nurse, first in Darwin and then in the intensive care unit of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney.

“Since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a nun,” Sr Mary Joseph explained.

“I was drawn to prayer since I was a child. I continued to discern the will of God in my life and remained open to whatever was His will for me as I pursued my nursing career. About 2015 I started to feel more drawn to prayer and quiet time with God.”

Sister explained that she would rush to Mass at a nearby Catholic church after completing 12-hour night shifts in ICU. She attended a vocation retreat in 2016 where Prof Sr M. Isabell Naumann ISSM, spoke of the Carmelite Community in Launceston. After much prayer, Sr Mary Joseph contacted the Prioress and eventually entered Carmel on 2 February, 2017.

Sr Mary Joseph was drawn to the Carmelite life focused on prayer, silence and solitude; and the practice of charity between the Sisters.

“The silence within the monastery walls as we do our work in silence, except in times of recreation, fosters a disposition of living constantly in the presence of God,” she said.

“Not having the distraction of noise allows me to be in constant conversation with God in everything that I do and grow in intimate relationship with Him; having the strong conviction that as I offer everything that I am to God, He will in turn help the Church and the people in the world in the way He knows.”

Family and friends travelled from the Philippines, USA, Canada, Sydney and Darwin to attend the solemn profession. This included Sr Mary Joseph’s parents, Libredo and Eva Durango, her three sisters and their families, and five relatives who are priests – two brothers, two uncles and one cousin.

Sr Mary Joseph of the Sacred Heart explained her religious name. Her family has a deep devotion to St Joseph and she admires his silent work. The Sacred Heart “speaks of the truth of God’s love and mercy for mankind”.

“This resonates well with me as I love helping people. My love for God drives me on to offer everything to draw souls to God.”

Sr Mary Joseph reflected that the sung Mass and rite of solemn profession, on the Feast of Our lady of Lourdes, was a day filled with peace and gratitude.

“It was a very moving experience for me that I will cherish for the rest of my life,” she said.

“I felt very strongly the unity of the Church as we all gathered together, with the clergy, the religious community and all the laity as my witnesses and to join me in prayer as I consecrate myself to God.”

Sr Mary Joseph thanked: her Prioress and Carmelite community and her family for their love, care and support; people in Australia and abroad for their sustaining prayers; Archbishop Julian and priests for prayerful support; and friends of the community. She also thanked Dr Joe Tempone, Dr Fiona Lee, Dr Owen Pointon and Dr Joanne Campbell; the staff at St Vincent’s Hospital and Royal Hobart Hospital; her sisters and brothers in the Carmelite Order; and all who attended her solemn profession.

“I felt very much loved by everyone on that day,” she added. “Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I do for you.”