Father Julian Tenison Woods

Get to Know Julian

Father Julian Edmund Tenison Woods was a gifted missionary priest, scientist, writer, musician and popular lecturer. Born on 15 November 1832 in Southwark, England, he arrived in Tasmania in 1855 aged 23, was ordained two years later and appointed parish priest of Penola in rural South Australia. Father Woods met Mary in 1861. Sharing Mary’s commitment to education for the poor, they opened a school in 1866 in a disused stable. Together, they co-founded the religious order, the Sisters of Saint Joseph.

Julian’s Story

“All created things give us ideas and glimpses of the beauty of  the infinitely beautiful Creator.”

From his family, Julian developed a great love of learning, nature and the outdoors. As a young man, he felt a strong call to serve God. At eighteen, he joined the Passionists in England, entered their novitiate in February 1851 and was professed there in February 1852. He left this congregation in March 1853 and subsequently travelled extensively in France.

In 1855, at the age of 23, Julian arrived in Tasmania, where he worked as a chaplain to the convicts and as a teacher. After three months, he left Hobart, travelled to Adelaide, and there resumed his studies for the priesthood. He was ordained by Bishop Francis Murphy on 4 January 1857.

Julian’s first parish, Penola in South Australia, had an area of 57,000 square kilometres. In this vast landscape, the zealous young priest travelled on horseback to visit his parishioners, meeting many interesting persons en route.

One was young Mary MacKillop, who arrived just as he was struggling to obey his bishop’s command to establish schools for the Catholic children of his parish. As Catholic teachers were unavailable, he decided to establish a new religious order of teaching sisters to bring Catholic education to the children of poor families. In 1866, Mary willingly accepted his invitation to become one of its first members — and so began the Sisters of Saint Joseph.

Julian’s Legacy

The Josephite charism continues to form and influence those who live in the Josephite Spirit today. Father Julian Tenison Woods’ influence is evidenced through his spirituality, passion for the mission and ongoing commitment to the environment.

Julian was a remarkable man. As well as being a fervent priest and a deeply spiritual man who composed religious songs and poetry, he was a well-respected geologist, botanist, explorer and environmentalist. He wrote many scientific books and articles documenting the history, exploration, and geological formation of Australia. The education system he devised with Mary MacKillop also led to him being appointed the first Director of Catholic Education in South Australia.

There are several memorials named after Julian in South Australia and Queensland.

Father Woods Park

Tenison Woods Mountain

The Josephite Charism

The Sisters of Saint Joseph continue God’s mission by immersing themselves in the midst of life to empower others and bring hope. Ways to think about the charism include a story to enter, a language to speak, a group to belong to, a service to do or a way of proceeding.

Living and working within a Josephite context, we see the weaving of threads in the Josephite tapestry.

To seek first the poorest, most neglected parts of God’s vineyard.
To see education as the door to opportunity.
To give priority to those in isolated and rural situations.
To be the face of God’s compassionate love by reverencing the dignity of all with justice, equity and respect.
To live among the people in our common home, Earth, reverencing the whole of creation.
To be with people in the spiritual and human moments of life.