By Olivia Bunter
The Sisters of Life will this month visit Perth to host a series of events, in conjunction with the University of Notre Dame Australia, and which are designed to help the local community to encounter God’s love and to experience a renewed sense of hope in their faith.
The Sisters’ Perth itinerary begins on Thursday 23 May with “Walking with Love”, a public forum to assist those who are struggling with unexpected pregnancy in our local community.
A “Spiritual Enrichment Evening” for young adults will be held on the evening of Friday 24 May, with a catechesis to be delivered by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB titled “The Source”.
The Sisters’ Australian visit will conclude with a “Feminine Genius Brunch”, held on Saturday 25 May at Newman Siena Centre in Doubleview, open to women of all ages.
The Sisters of Life are an active-contemplative religious community, initially founded in New York with the mission of promoting a culture of life based on the sacred dignity and uniqueness of each person.
According to their website, Emeritus Archbishop of New York John Cardinal O’Connor founded the Sisters in 1991, with the vision to protect and enhance the dignity of each human person.
Upon their commitment, the Sisters take the three traditional vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, and are consecrated under a special fourth vow to protect and enhance the sacredness of human life.
Some 80 Sisters span across the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Australia, and Spain.
An article from the New York Times explained that in the US, the Sisters serve some 1000 women who experience crisis pregnancy, seeking to provide them with both emotional and practical resources to give birth.
Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan, New York, accommodates a convent of the Sacred Heart, allowing pregnant women refuge as much as six months prior to giving birth, and up to a year afterwards.
Members of the university and wider community will have an opportunity to hear from the Sisters and interact with them. The events will be held at the University of Notre Dame Fremantle Campus and Newman Siena Centre, Doubleview.
Thursday 23 May, 6pm for a 6.15pm start – all ages
Walking with Love – ‘Power of Love’ Talk by Sr Mary Grace
Public forum on assisting those who are struggling with unexpected pregnancy.
Santa Maria Lecture Theatre, The University of Notre Dame Australia, 19 Mouat St, Fremantle
Friday 24 May, 6pm – all ages
The Source – Prayer & Music with the Sisters of Life
Night of prayer for young adults, with Archbishop Costelloe, adoration and opportunities for confession
Holy Spirit Chapel, The University of Notre Dame Australia, 38 Mouat St, Fremantle
Saturday 25 May, 10am – women all ages
Feminine Genius Brunch
Morning for women with talk by Sr Antoniana
Newman Siena Centre, 33 Williamstown Road, Doubleview
For further information visit www.notredame.edu.au/sisters-of-life or contact Campus Ministry on campusministry@nd.edu.au or on (08) 9433 0763.