Catholic Schools NSW honoured the important contribution of Religious women to school education and public life in Australia at its International Women’s Day Breakfast in Sydney this month.
Attendees enjoyed a networking breakfast with principals, student leaders, parents, and diocesan representatives. They also heard from a panel of religious sisters who shared their insights and experiences in education and religious life.
Panellists for the IWD Breakast (L-R) Sr Mary Walsh PBVM, Sr Libby Rogerson IBVM, Sr Cecilia Joseph OP, Sr Patty Fawkner SGS, and Ms Regina Menz, who chaired the session. PHOTO: Giovannie Portelli/Catholic Schools NSW.
The Religious women speaking on the panel were Sr Patty Fawkner SGS, Sr Cecilia Joseph OP, Sr Libby Rogerson IBVM, and Sr Mary Walsh PBVM.
“Following Christ's ultimate example of service, these religious sisters have brought faith and Justice to Catholic schools and their broader communities. We thank them and celebrate their continuation of God's work!” said Catholic Schools NSW on their website.
Sr Cecilia, who is Principal of St Peter Chanel Catholic Primary School in Regents Park, said in a video promoting the event that Catholic education has an important task in the world today.
“It's about leading young people, it's about leading families, it's about leading one another to heaven, that's the ultimate goal of Catholic education, to get to heaven,” she said.
Asked what her message would be for young women today, Sr Cecilia said: “Don't be afraid to say yes to whatever God is asking of you. Don't be afraid to explore the options that he puts before you. Spend time in prayer. Spend time in silence.”
One of the attendees, Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools, Danielle Cronin, said the International Women’s Day breakfast was inspiring.
“All of us in Catholic education (and beyond) owe a debt of gratitude to all the courageous religious women who, over many, many, generations, founded schools, served the most marginalised in our society and worked to create a more just and peaceful world,” she posted on LinkedIn.
“This International Women's Day, we honoured those religious sisters of the past and celebrated all those who continue the good work and inspire the next generation of young women in our schools.”
Regina Menz, Director of Schools for the Diocese of Armidale, chaired the panel session with the Sisters.
“What shone through was their commitment to faith, to seek truth and justice and follow through with actions. The hope they all expressed and how they work every day to inspire compassion was truly inspiring,” she said on LinkedIn..
“Sr Patty Fawkner finished with this question from Mary Oliver’s poem and encouraged us all to think about: ‘What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?’”
The Sisters also encouraged the students at the gathering to: be a neighbour to others; be faithful to Grace, and; to 'loiter with intent' as a sign of hope and assistance to those most in need.
“The girls were told that the world needs beauty, peace, justice and hope - do not be afraid to go out and create it,” said Danielle.
This article is drawn from the website of Catholic Schools NSW and LinkedIn.