The people there worked hard, played hard, and were very friendly and welcoming. It was in Broken Hill I realised that people are basically the same where ever we are. Then it was 200 kilometres away to the Aboriginal community of Wilcannia, where I stayed for the next 8 years. I was initially shocked at the stark poverty and oppression of the people – a contrast to the life I had known until then. I learnt much from the Aboriginal people–about patience, forgiveness, understanding and appreciating the environment. My time in Wilcannia ended when the Sisters of Compassion withdrew from there, and the apostolate was continued by the Mercy Sisters. I would like to acknowledge the contribution of the Compassion Sisters who went before me. Their impact on that community showed in the esteem and acceptance given to those who followed, including myself. Next stop: Chanel Home of Compassion, Fiji where I was treasurer for 10 years. It was refreshing to now be with people who had pride and confidence in themselves. This made for a happy community and a lively social atmosphere. I endeavoured to learn the language, a great doorway into the Fijian culture. I enjoyed the richness of life and social events. Village life was simple, but in relationships, there was richness and abundance. It was a happy time, and difficult for me to leave Fiji; some of my heart is still there. Since 1999 I have been the archivist for the Sisters of Compassion, happily working towards the canonisation of Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert.
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Sister Josefa Tikoisolomone
Sister Josefa wrote in 2017… I left home in 1964, and after 50 years as a Sister of Compassion, I can only acknowledge and thank God for my humble beginning.
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Sister Helena
Following her Religious Profession Sister Helena completed her nursing and maternity training, and afterward applied her skills to surgical nursing for a period of time in our hospital...
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Sister Anne Galvin
Moya Josephine Galvin, daughter of Eustace Galvin and Margaret Jane (nee Lenihan) was born in Wellington on 12 November, 1929. She had two older brothers, Brian and Paul, and a younger brother, Bernard. She entered Our Lady’s Home of Compassion on 15 February, 1949, and made her First Profession on 15 September, 1951...