The University of Notre Dame Australia and the Sisters of St John of God continue to develop their unique bond, which has existed for more than 25 years, by establishing a Visiting Scholar Program on the Fremantle Campus.
To be launched in 2015, the Visiting Scholar Program is a three-year initiative that will see respected Catholic leaders and scholars assume a short-term position in Fremantle to establish faith and reflection-based initiatives for staff, students and the broader community.
Notre Dame’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Celia Hammond and Sr Isobel Moran from the St John of God Sisters, endorsed the Program on Wednesday 8 October 2014, with guests from the Sisters of St John of God and University Deans and Executive Staff joining the proceedings.
Sr Isobel said the Visiting Scholars Program hoped to showcase the grace of God to those individuals seeking wisdom about their calling for this life.
“The Sisters pray that through this collaborative venture, all involved may become more aware of their own dignity as children of God and the richness of their lived experience, leading to full participation in the great dance of life,” Sr Isobel said.
Professor Hammond said Notre Dame was grateful for the ongoing support of the Sisters of St John of God in realising the University’s Catholic mission.
“The Sisters of St John of God have been extremely influential in Western Australia, through the establishment of hospitals and, more broadly, the educating of Catholic lay people for careers in health care,” Professor Hammond said.
“The Visiting Scholars Program will provide another spiritual and reflective formation opportunity for Notre Dame staff and the wider community.
“We look forward to working with the Sisters of St John of God to make this Program a lasting success.”