An oasis of peace dedicated to the Holy Family

By Catherine Sheehan

A little oasis of peace has been established in the courtyard of the Archdiocese of Hobart’s Church Office in New Town, with the creation of the Holy Family Garden.

On 23 May Archbishop Julian blessed statues of the Holy Family that have been erected in a corner of the courtyard surrounded by white flowers. A wooden pew has been placed in front of the statues making it a quiet space for reflection.

Archbishop Julian said the Holy Family exemplified “love, obedience, faith and resilience” serving as “inspiration for all families to strive for an ever-closer relationship with God”.

“Catholic Social Teaching defines the family as a community of love and solidarity, uniquely suited to teach and transmit cultural, ethical, social, spiritual and religious values, essential for the development and well-being of its own members and of society,” he said.

The Holy Family was a reminder, Archbishop Julian said, of the mission of the Archdiocese through its various agencies, in particular the works of CatholicCare, St Joseph Affordable Homes and Catholic Education Tasmania.

“When you think of the work of the Church in all its dimensions, all its agencies, family is at the heart of it. So having this image here is very appropriate.”

Archbishop Julian said he hoped that workers at the Church Office would find the Holy Family Garden a peaceful place for reflection.

“As we bless this statue today, it’s a way of encapsulating many of the things we’re about here in the Archdiocese of Hobart.

 “I hope as you look at the statues at different times when you come out here for a cup of coffee or your lunch break, that you look over there and think, yes, that’s what we’re doing in our work here in the Archdiocese, seeking to nurture, nourish and inspire family life.”

Archdiocesan Executive Director Chris Ryan thanked all those involved in the establishment of the Holy Family Garden, in particular Billy Gardner and staff from St Joseph Affordable Homes.

“I hope everyone finds this Holy Family Garden a nice addition to our Archdiocesan centre,” Mr Ryan said. “And I hope that you can come here whenever you need somewhere peaceful and calm.”