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Josephite Schools (AJASS) Conference 2009

The principals of 21 Josephite affiliated secondary schools from across Australia and New Zealand visited the Mary MacKillop Penola Centre on 7 and 8 May as part of their annual conference.

This ‘Journey into the Heartland’ conference, which began in Adelaide on 6 May, was organised by Pasquale Terminello of MacKillop College, Kensington, former Penola resident Richard Ralston of St Joseph’s School, Port Lincoln, and Sister Catherine Mead rsj of Caritas College, Port Augusta, who is the niece of former Penola guiding light, the late Sister Pat White rsj.

The participants viewed the exhibitions on Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods in the Interpretive Centre and were then taken on a literary and historical tour of Penola by Margaret Muller. After a lunch prepared by our volunteers, they visited the Schoolhouse.

There they reflected on ‘the art of teaching’ and Mary’s unique ‘Method’ of Josephite education, which she developed in the 19th century sociological context of Penola, and which continues to inspire contemporary Josephite education through its essential spirit: ‘In omnibus caritas’ – love in all things.

Adelaide Sisters Josie Huppatz rsj and Catherine Clarke rsj, led thought-provoking sessions over the two days here that enabled participants to share their Penola insights and also to re-consider the charism of Mary MacKillop and its challenge for Josephite affiliated Catholic educators in 2009, her centenary year.

Much-loved Penola resident, Father Paul Gardiner sj, former postulator, now vice-postulator for the cause of Mary MacKillop’s canonisation, presided at a Eucharistic celebration in St Joseph’s Church.

Participants also had ample opportunity to enjoy Coonawarra wines and Penola cuisine during their visit, which we all thoroughly enjoyed.