160 Years of Joseph’s Influence. This year’s feast of St Joseph (19 March) marks the 160th anniversary of the day when Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods laid the foundations of the Sisterhood of St Joseph in Penola, South Australia. Why did they choose St Joseph as the patron of this venture? Any knowledge we have of St Joseph comes from the Prologues of the Gospels of St Matthew and St Luke. This session will examine what the first Christians understood in the symbolism presented by the figure of Joseph in these prologues and link it to its interpretation by Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods.
Facilitator: Mary Cresp rsj
Mary Cresp rsj is a Sister of St Joseph who has ministered in primary and secondary schools, in parishes and as lecturer/tutor at St Francis Xavier’s Seminary (Adelaide College of Divinity) before being elected Congregational Leader for the Sisters of St Joseph in 1989. Since then she has been Executive Director of the Conference of Australian Religious, Congregational Leader for the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, and has authored a number of books and articles on spirituality and history. Mary continues to write and to give Spiritual Direction, retreats and staff days.