A view of the waters of Pumicestone Channel helped to create a refreshing atmosphere when the Elizabeth Hayes Charism Education promoters invited their sisters to share in two days of reflection and community at Bribie Island in early March 2008. Elizabeth in her day was a frequent trans-Atlantic traveller so the Bribie water view served as a reminder of her view from Guernsey Island and her sailing and steamship jaunts in the nineteenth century. By the sea she once travelled between her island home and England, later to Jamaica, to France, to Italy, to France again, to the West Indies again, to New York and then many times between New York and Italy.
For thirteen sisters it was an opportunity to recall their earlier understandings of Elizabeth, to be updated with new insights and to enjoy one another’s company. Instead of just calling Elizabeth the foundress, one aim of the days was to move to a deeper appreciation of an inspiring woman who was not only an outstanding Franciscan foundress but also a committed missionary and a pioneer journalist. To achieve this, three stages of her life’s journey were chosen: Elizabeth’s early years (1823-59), her mission search (1859-72) and her mission and ministry (1872-94).
Last year Sr M. Francine wrote three new papers on these stages in Elizabeth’s life and she selected nearly 400 visuals to illustrate the story. With the assistance of Jenny Colverson at Assisi Catholic College, all illustrations were scanned in preparation for power point presentations for use with Mt Alvernia College this year. In an informal way Francine (Pauline Shaw) facilitated the sisters’ reflections through her material and was assisted by projector operator, Pauline Robinson. Feedback on the reflective days has been very positive and appreciative. Another group of sisters will gather for a three day live-in 17–19 October on the same theme of Elizabeth Hayes: Franciscan, Missionary, Foundress and Journalist.
A view of the waters of Pumicestone Channel helped to create a refreshing atmosphere when the Elizabeth Hayes Charism Education promoters invited their sisters to share in two days of reflection and community at Bribie Island in early March 2008. Elizabeth in her day was a frequent trans-Atlantic traveller so the Bribie water view served as a reminder of her view from Guernsey Island and her sailing and steamship jaunts in the nineteenth century. By the sea she once travelled between her island home and England, later to Jamaica, to France, to Italy, to France again, to the West Indies again, to New York and then many times between New York and Italy.
For thirteen sisters it was an opportunity to recall their earlier understandings of Elizabeth, to be updated with new insights and to enjoy one another’s company. Instead of just calling Elizabeth the foundress, one aim of the days was to move to a deeper appreciation of an inspiring woman who was not only an outstanding Franciscan foundress but also a committed missionary and a pioneer journalist. To achieve this, three stages of her life’s journey were chosen: Elizabeth’s early years (1823-59), her mission search (1859-72) and her mission and ministry (1872-94).
Last year Sr M. Francine wrote three new papers on these stages in Elizabeth’s life and she selected nearly 400 visuals to illustrate the story. With the assistance of Jenny Colverson at Assisi Catholic College, all illustrations were scanned in preparation for power point presentations for use with Mt Alvernia College this year. In an informal way Francine (Pauline Shaw) facilitated the sisters’ reflections through her material and was assisted by projector operator, Pauline Robinson. Feedback on the reflective days has been very positive and appreciative. Another group of sisters will gather for a three day live-in 17–19 October on the same theme of Elizabeth Hayes: Franciscan, Missionary, Foundress and Journalist.