Philippine-Australia-Saipan Province

The Pauline Family celebrates

the Close of the Year of St. Paul

Sydney

On Sunday 28 June 2009, solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, many of the members of the Pauline Family from around Australia, Pauline Cooperators, family and friends gathered in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, for the celebration of the Eucharist to mark the Close of the Year of St. Paul proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI for 29 June 2008 - 29 June 2009.

His Eminence George Cardinal Pell was the Principal celebrant and he was joined by five Pauline Priests, a Pauline deacon, and the Provincial of the Salesian Fathers & Brothers of Australia, Fr. Francis Moloney SDB. Various members of the Pauline Family took part in the liturgy through the Readings, the offertory procession, the prayers of the faithful and the music.

In his homily, Cardinal Pell expressed his gratitude for the presence of the Pauline Family in the Church, for who they are and what they do.

At the end of Mass, Fr. Nestor Candado, Regional Superior of the Society of St. Paul in Australia, gave a heartfelt vote of thanks on behalf of all the Pauline Family, and invited the congregation to stay on and partake in light refreshment.

Melbourne

On Sunday 28 June 2009, members of the Pastorelle Sisters and Sister Disciples of the Divine Master from Melbourne gathered at the Daughters of St. Paul’s house in Hawthorn for a paraliturgy.

Sr Emma FSP invited us to reflect on Scripture passages especially chosen from Paul’s letters to the Christian communities of Corinth, and selected passages from Pope Benedict’s reflections on the person and mission of Paul. “By an unforeseeable grace, Jesus Christ became the centre of St. Paul’s life on the road to Damascus. [...] Now his life had been turned upside down and he realized that a new approach was absolutely essential. This new approach, we find, expressed in his words: “The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Gal. 2:20).

The concluding hymn was the universal Pauline Family hymn based on 2Tim. 1:12 “Scio Cui Credidi”, “I know who it is that I have put my trust in”, a Pauline text which was often quoted by our Founder, blessed James Alberione.

At the end of the prayer, we enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea prepared by the Sisters.

Sr. Mary La Bruna sjbp