On this International Women’s Day, we honour not only what women religious have built, but who they have been and continue to be – women of courage, faith and steadfast compassion. Their giving has not diminished them; it has multiplied hope.

At midday on International Women’s Day, pause and offer a prayer of thanks for the gift of all Women Religious.

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As the world watches the escalating conflict in the Middle East, we unite in prayer for peace. We hold in our prayer all who are suffering — families displaced from their homes, those grieving the loss of loved ones, the injured, the fearful, and all whose lives have been shattered by violence.

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As we celebrate World Day of Consecrated Life, our Province gives thanks for the gift of religious life, celebrating our mission as women of peace, listening deeply and leading gently in our service to one another, and to those we are called to serve. To mark this World Day of Consecrated Life, a short video has been compiled sharing brief stories of religious life from our Sisters, celebrating the joy we find in our mission and ministry to others.

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to make music to my God all my days.” (Psalm 92:1, adapted)

These words adapted from Psalm 92 capture well the driving force behind our dear Sister Valerie’s life. On Sunday, the 11th January, our much‑loved Sister Valerie gently slipped into the loving embrace of the One who had been her strength, her passion, and the music of her soul throughout her 101 years. For nearly eight decades she lived her vows as a Daughter of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart with fidelity, humility, and generous service.

“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks… She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” — Proverbs 31:17, 20 

These words from the book of Proverbs are a beautiful summary of our sister, Margaret’s life: a rich life of 92 years, lived with Jesus and for Jesus. On Friday 26^th December our dear sister, Margaret, gently and peacefully breathed her last breath as she surrendered to her loving God whom she had served lovingly and faithfully as a Daughter of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart for close to seven decades.

She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household … She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for the task. (Proverbs 31:15)

These beautiful words from the Book of Proverbs aptly capture the unassuming dedication and homeliness of Caterina’s life. On Thursday, October 16th, the Feast of St Margaret Mary, the Lord gently called Caterina to Himself. She was eighty-seven years of age and had been a Daughter of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart for sixty-one years. 

Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skilfully, and shout for joy. (Psalm 33:2-3)

Sister Marie Duchesne, Mary Lavin, was born to James and Mary Lavin (nee Doggett) in Sydney on 24 May 1933. She was the second of their three children and their only daughter. On Tuesday, 14 October, Duchesne realised her life’s goal when Jesus gently took her to himself. She was ninety-three years of age and in the seventy-third year of her religious profession.

The Province of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Francis. We join with the Church and the wider community in giving thanks for his life and for his leadership of our Church.

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‘I have loved you with an everlasting love. I am constant in my affection for you.'

These words from the prophet Jeremiah capture well the driving force behind our dear Sister Jo’s life, as she had absolute confidence in the one who called her into life and loved her unconditionally. At approximately 8am on Friday 24th January she gently slipped into the loving embrace of the one who had loved her with an everlasting love, throughout her 97 years.