Vietnamese Sisters find new home in Granton

By Josh Low

The three Sisters belonging to the Congregation of the Lovers of the Holy Cross Quinhon recently moved from their residence in New Norfolk to their new home in Granton.

Sr Magdalene, Sr Mary and Sr Maria now live on the property which was gifted to the Archdiocese by the Croatian Catholic community and their chaplain, the late Fr Berislav Hunski, in 2020.

Archbishop Julian explained that the relocation of the Sisters was to ensure they had the necessary facilities for their ministry.

“One of the things I was conscious of was that it would be better if they were in a convent,” he said.

“This was previously a presbytery, which was suitable for us to now have as a convent.

“There are larger grounds, there are facilities suitable for the Sisters and the church (Our Lady Queen of Croatia and Queen of Peace) here on the property as well, so it really opens up more opportunities and possibilities for their ministry, especially with the Vietnamese community.

Sr Magdalene said the news of the move to Granton came as a happy surprise.

She added that they have already encountered many opportunities for ministry, not just with the Vietnamese community, but the Croatians who come to visit the cemetery on the grounds of the property.

“We are very happy to now be here – when we got the news that His Grace wanted us to come here, we were very surprised but also happy.

“We consider it God’s will for us to be here, just like how God called Abraham to another place, he just obeyed and was open to God’s will for him.

“So that is how we see it. We feel called to do the same, to live here and continue our mission,” she said.