Holy habits on the Apple Isle: Dominican Sisters to visit Tasmania
By Josh Low
Next month the Archdiocese will welcome the Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia for a three-day mission in Hobart.
The Sisters’ visit is a joint initiative by the Office of Youth Evangelisation and the Office of Evangelisation and Catechesis.
Here from 2 to 6 October, the Sisters will be running a one-day women’s retreat and speaking at a youth night, as well as at a parish event held at Sandy Bay Parish to which everyone is invited.
The Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia were founded in Nashville, Tennessee, in the United States in 1860. Their ministry mixes their contemplative focus and active apostolate, paired with a strong community life and love of the Church.
Their presence in Australia began in Sydney following World Youth Day 2008 and the congregation later opened their second Australian convent in the Archdiocese of Melbourne.
Their motto is, ‘To contemplate and to give to others the fruits of our contemplation’.
Sr Cecilia Joseph OP said she and her fellow Sisters are ‘super excited’ to be coming to Tasmania next month.
“Last year, we felt the Holy Spirit prompting us to venture down for a visit.
“When we reached out to a few people to inquire, we found a beautiful invitation awaiting us – and that the Holy Spirit was at work behind the scenes.
“I am sure that the Lord has big plans for the good people of Tassie through the variety of events that will be offered over the weekend,” she said.
She added that their hope is for anyone who attends the events to come to know and experience Jesus’ love for them in a new and powerful way.
“Over the years, we have hosted many women’s retreat days in various dioceses across Australia,” she said.
“Women of all ages have found this experience a beautiful opportunity to come together, united in faith, to be formed in truth and to experience God’s love, sent out as witnesses of His love.
“A deep encounter with Jesus can happen on this retreat day and hearts are set on fire. Further, we hope to spend time with the young people to inspire them in their journey of faith.
“We will also host an evening for women on the topic of discerning God’s will for your life [and] talk about the beauty of God’s call and the gift of consecration.
“Throughout the events of the weekend, Jesus’ Eucharistic Presence will be the focus as we meet Him in Eucharistic Adoration. We hope to see many people from across Tassie at these events!” she said.