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 Cecilia
Prest
Who am I and what do I do?
I am a Nurse by profession and have spent most of my life in Papua New
Guinea. Since my return to Australia I have undertaken training
and worked as a Pastoral Assistant. My position description is
to be a “gentle presence” among the people.
Where do I carry out my ministry?
I am appointed to work in the Aboriginal township (ex-reserve) of Woorabinda,
Central Queensland, 176 kilometres or nearly 2 hours west of Rockhampton.
This is a parish of the Rockhampton Diocese.
What Franciscan values underpin how I minister?
One of the hallmarks of our Franciscan way of life is the way we relate
to others, treating everyone with equal respect, whether prince or pauper.
I try to do this by offering hospitality to whoever comes to my door
and by listening respectfully to their stories. (I have never drunk
so much tea in all my life!)
I have always loved article 30 in our Rule under “Apostolic Life” which
exhorts us to “heal the wounded, to bind up those who are bruised, and
to reclaim the erring”. There are many people including children
in Woorabinda in need of healing in body, soul and spirit. The Energy therapies
I offer in the form of Reiki and Healing Touch are gentle ways of reaching people
and allowing God’s transforming, unconditional love and healing light to
touch them and lift them up.
We are also called the peacemakers wherever we are. Unfortunately
racism and prejudice is still prevalent in our society. I’m
often conscious of being a “bridge” between the Aboriginal
people here and the rest of society around… “outside” us.
My belief is that a lot of the racism stems from simple ignorance, misconceptions
and fear – and it works both ways.
I feel strongly that our Indigenous people will never experience healing
or be able to get on with their lives, to find their place in our society,
until there is true reconciliation on both sides. Sometimes I feel
like Francis reaching out to the Sultan, showing him the other side of
Christians!
I look for ways to bring the women together, and so we have a 2-hour
(plus!) art session together one evening a week where we share our knowledge
and no one is “boss”. I’ve recently had an offer
from a lady who teaches massage to come and teach some women so they
can help the whole community. I hope is it takes off as it will open
the door to doing more things together. I live in hope.
“An
incessant longing to work for the poor dwelt in my heart
and
was the subject of my prayers.”
Diary of Elizabeth (Mother M Ignatius)
Hayes, Foundress, P.3
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