The Josephite Story

The book "The Josephite Story: The Sisters of St. Joseph, their foundation and early history 1866-1893" by Marie Therese Foale provides a comprehensive historical account of the early years of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Australia. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Founding and Early History: The book delves into the origins of the Sisters of St. Joseph, focusing on the shared vision of Mary MacKillop and Fr Julian Tenison Woods in 19th century colonial Australia.
2. Educational Ministry: It highlights the Congregation's original focus on educating children in rural schools in South Australia, which eventually led to the establishment of a national Catholic school system.
3. Pastoral Ministry: The book discusses how the Sisters extended their work to simple forms of pastoral ministry among people in colonial Adelaide and beyond.
4. Leadership Structure: It covers Mary MacKillop's journey to Rome in 1873 to obtain the canonical right for the Congregation to be governed by its own central leadership.
5. Spirituality and Mission: The text explores the Josephite spirituality, emphasizing living contemplatively in a deeper awareness of God’s constant presence and responding to the cry of those made poor.

Plot Summary

The book chronicles the early years of the Sisters of St. Joseph, from their foundation in 1866 to 1893. It begins with the meeting of Mary MacKillop and Fr Julian Tenison Woods in Penola, South Australia, and their shared vision to educate the children of poor families. The narrative follows the establishment of the Congregation, its growth, and the expansion of its ministries. It details how the Sisters initially focused on rural education but soon extended their work to urban communities, including nursing, social welfare, and care for orphans and the aged.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews of Foale's book are not provided in the sources, the historical significance and detailed nature of the book are evident. The Sisters of St. Joseph have a rich history, and Foale's work is likely to be appreciated for its thoroughness and accuracy in documenting the early years of this significant religious order in Australia.

Additional Context

• Mary MacKillop's Quotes: The book includes notable quotes from Mary MacKillop, such as "Remember we are but travellers here" (1867) and "There where you are, you will find God" (1871), which reflect the Congregation's spiritual values.
• Congregational Leadership: The text mentions Mary MacKillop's decision to establish a central leadership structure for the Congregation, which was a significant step in its development.

In summary, "The Josephite Story" by Marie Therese Foale offers a detailed historical account of the early years of the Sisters of St. Joseph, highlighting their founding, educational and pastoral ministries, and spiritual values. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the Congregation's early history and its significant contributions to Australian society.