By Paul Dobbyn
INSPIRATIONAL singing of hymns with a Josephite connection by Nundah’s Mary MacKillop College students brought tears to the eyes of many among a large gathering of the order’s Sisters recently.
Almost 50 Josephite Sisters gathered at the college on March 19 to mark the order’s 50 years of teaching in secondary schools in Queensland.
The college’s assistant principal for religious education Cath Rodden said the gathering was also “an incredible day of celebration for St Joseph’s Day”.
“We began the morning with the Mass at the Corpus Christi Church,” she said.
“There was certainly a feeling of genuine respect and understanding present in the church.
“This was supported by the various choirs of Vocal Attack, eCCos and (Year) 11 and 12 Music Studies students.
“They led the singing beautifully and the songs certainly had a Josephite flavour.”
Ms Rodden said during the Mass the “teal blue scarves” of the Sisters blended into the sea of navy of girls’ uniforms.
“This was symbolic of the past and present existing together and sharing a common space,” she said.
“The Mass focused on the qualities of St Joseph, the connection with Mary MacKillop who chose St Joseph to be the patron of her order and, of course, the Sisters who have spread the Josephite values and the MacKillop vision.”
Following Mass the Sisters were able to catch up with staff and some past students while being entertained by eCCos.
Ms Rodden thanked Fr Bernie Gallagher and Marist Father John Begg “who presided over the Mass with their gentle and welcoming manner”.
“A special thank-you must go to Carmel and Denise, the sacristans, who with loving care, adorned the church with spectacular flowers in honour of the Sisters,” she said.
