Sisters plan new mission in Ceduna
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Plans are under way for the Sisters of the Society of St Anne-Madras to extend their mission work to Ceduna to support the local Indigenous community.
The Sisters, who already have a presence in the Aboriginal community at Davenport near Port Augusta, are preparing to establish a community in the Far West.
Superior General of the Congregation in Chennai, Sr Jacqueline Mary SSAM, visited Australia in April to meet with the local Sisters and travelled to Ceduna to see first hand the need within the community.
As she explained, the Charism of the Congregation, which has its origins in India, is to “work with the poorest of the poor”.
“We work with the women, the aged, the physically challenged, orphaned children, children with AIDS, the handicapped,” she said.
“In Australia we work with the same charism, providing pastoral care for those in need, working also with refugees and prisoners.
“Although Australia is rich in culture and facilities there is still the need for our missionary work here.”
Sr Jacqueline paid tribute to Archbishop Wilson for his “belief” in the Sisters and their mission, and his kind invitation to come to South Australia in 2008. In 2012 Bishop Greg O’Kelly SJ of the Port Pirie diocese invited the Sisters to work there, where they are engaged with Aboriginal women in Port Augusta.
Founded by Mother Thatipathri Gnanamma (Servant Of God) in 1874, the Congregation has more than 800 Sisters in 136 houses in countries across the world including India, Ghana, Spain, Italy, Germany and Australia.
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