1832
November 15 1832
Birth of Julian Tenison Woods
Julian Edmund Tenison Woods, co-founder of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, is born at West Square in Southwark, England to James Dominick Woods and Henrietta St Eloy Tenison.
About Us
The congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph was founded by Saint Mary MacKillop and Father Julian Tenison Woods in 1866. Its founding members were women who worked in a simple, ordinary way to bring communities a message of human dignity and Christ’s saving love.
Today, the Mary MacKillop Spirituality Ministry continues that founding mission. With Centres across Australia, we offer opportunities for everybody to experience spiritual enrichment and personal development in peaceful, spacious settings.
These Centres offer a complementary combination of functions including spirituality programs and reflective spaces, heritage centres and museums, conference and private accommodation facilities in response to emerging contemporary needs such as spiritual nourishment and ecological considerations, and in alignment with our purpose, mission, vision and values.
Our Purpose
Inspired by the Gospel and the lived experience of Saint Mary MacKillop and Father Julian Tenison Woods, we invite all to encounter the sacred at the heart of everyday life.
Our Mission
We provide opportunities that nurture hope and the flourishing of life within a safe, welcoming and respectful Josephite environment, through contemplative and faith-based formation, education, heritage, conference and pilgrimage experiences.
Our Vision
To grow a sustainable and innovative ministry that offers opportunities for transformative experiences in spirituality and mission.
Our Values
- Creative Courage
- Welcoming Hospitality
- Mutual Respect
- Conscious Compassion
- Intentional Inclusivity
Saint Mary MacKillop
Australia’s first saint, Mary MacKillop, was a trailblazer in her lifetime, leaving a culture of exemplary living for her followers to emulate.
Father Julian Tenison Woods
Father Julian Edmund Tenison Woods was a gifted missionary priest, scientist, writer, musician and popular lecturer.
History
1842
January 15 1842
Birth of Mary MacKillop
Mary MacKillop, co-founder of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, is born in Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne to Scottish immigrants Alexander and Flora MacKillop.
1866
March 19 1866
The Beginning of the Sisters of Saint Joseph
Mary MacKillop and Father Julian Tenison Woods open their first school in a stable in the South Australian town of Penola, on the Feast of Saint Joseph, marking the beginning of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
1867
May 11 1867
First Rule of the Order
Father Julian draws up the first Rule of the Order of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
Mary writes to her mother Flora on 14 May 1867: “I have such an earnest longing for the Order of Saint Joseph and know well how hard it will be to get it established here, but everything God blesses will prosper and surely His blessing attends this holy Order; non other is so fitted for the wants of this Colony.”
June 21 1867
From Penola to Adelaide
Father Julian, now Director of Catholic Education in South Australia, invites Mary to move to Adelaide to open schools and assist with teacher training. Mary leaves Penola for Adelaide with Sister Rose Cunningham. Upon arrival, the first convent-cottage opens in Grote Street, Adelaide.
On 2 July 1867, Mary and Sister Rose begin teaching at the first Adelaide Josephite school, operating in St Francis Xavier’s Hall, next to the cathedral in Wakefield Street.
1869
December 31 1869
The Sisters Arrive in Queensland
Mary, accompanied by five sisters, arrives in Brisbane from Adelaide after being invited by the Bishop of Brisbane to establish a foundation in Queensland.
1871
September 22 1871
Mary MacKillop’s Excommunication
In early 1871, tension builds between Bishop Laurence Sheil, Father Julian and some priests who are determined to destroy the fledgling Sisters of Saint Joseph. The priests present a submission to Bishop Sheil highly critical of the sisters and Father Julian. Mary writes to the Bishop explaining her position.
On 22 September, at the Franklin Street Chapel in Adelaide, South Australia, Mary is excommunicated from the Church by Bishop Sheil, with many sisters being expelled. Five months later, on 23 February 1872, a very ill and sorrowful Bishop Sheil removes the excommunication of Mary, admitting he was misled by bad advisers. He dies on 1 March 1872. The sisters are restored to their habits on 19 March.
1872
July 16 1872
The First Foundation in New South Wales
A community of sisters establish the first Josephite Foundation in New South Wales at The Vale (later renamed Perthville) near Bathurst. On this day, three sisters and a young postulant move into the sacristy of the small slab church.
This foundation leads to a branch of sisters that become a diocesan congregation, under the jurisdiction of the Bishop. This will lead to the other foundations at Lochinvar, Whanganui, Tasmania and Goulburn. They become known as the ‘Black Josephites’ because of the colour of their habit.
1873
March 28 1873
Mary MacKillop Leaves for Rome and Meets Pope Pius IX
Mary travels to Rome dressed as a widow under the name of her mother, seeking approval of the Rule written by Father Julian to establish secure foundations for the congregation. Mary has the support of Father Anderledy SJ, who helps translate documents and is also her spiritual advisor.
On 1 June 1873, Mary has a personal audience with Pope Pius IX. He insists changes have to happen — that the emphasis on poverty not be so extreme and that the sisters acquire property for financial security. This sadly leads to a rift between Mary and Father Julian, who is afraid of the implications it will have on the strict poverty he holds so dear.
1874
April 21 1874
Constitutions and Central Government of the Sisters of Saint Joseph Approved
Mary MacKillop’s Constitutions of Institute and Central Government are accepted during her time in Europe.
During the two years Mary is waiting for approval of the Constitutions, she travels to Scotland to see family and visits France, England and Ireland. On 24 December, Mary returns to Victoria, Australia with 15 Irish postulants.