Saturday, 21 September, 2024, was a very special day for seven friends of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in Australia, who were officially welcomed to the Association of the Holy Family (AHF). All of them related to us for some time already and all had their personal reasons and journey to this point. Here is what we learnt about their first experiences of getting to know the sisters, staying connected, learning from us and contributing to our mission.
Anna Spiteri was introduced to the Holy Family through Maria de Carlo (our Associates for many years), which has sparked her desire to deepen her Catholic faith and strengthen her relationship with God. She expresses a sincere hope to not only enrich her spiritual life but also to influence those around her, particularly her family, encouraging them to love and pray to God more fervently. As a member of the AHF, Anna is eager to contribute by inviting others to join the community, praying for vocations within the Congregation, and promoting prayer and devotion to the Holy Family.
Fely Perez and Julie Nunez share a strong connection to the Holy Family, cultivated through friendships with some sisters and participation in past events. They aspire to deepen their devotion to the Holy Family and enhance their spiritual lives by engaging in meetings and activities that broaden their understanding of God and foster love for their neighbours. With a commitment to serving their community, they aim to support fellow members in living in accordance with gospel teachings, while also praying for the mission of the CSFN and for an increase in vocations.
Judith Teves discovered the AHF through an invitation from a friend and her acquaintance with some Sisters in Good Shepherd Parish, Plumpton. She is drawn to the charism and mission of the AHF, seeking spiritual support through prayer and a deepening of her faith, particularly in relation to the vocation of marriage and family life. Judith is dedicated to participating in the Congregation’s mission to spread God’s love, utilizing music and media as tools for outreach, and striving to exemplify an authentic Christian life in her daily actions.
Ray and Rita Francica learned about the Holy Family through information shared by Sr. Grace in the parish bulletin at St. Michael’s Blacktown South. They are motivated to become more connected with the Holy Family and aim to gain a deeper understanding of the Association. Their aspirations include introducing more members to the community, promoting the ideals of the Holy Family, and leveraging their talents to assist and support the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in their mission.
Amani Ghali’s connection to the Holy Family originates from her work at the Holy Family Early Learning Centre and her involvement in church activities. She values the spiritual meetings held every second month, appreciating the engaging topics and guest speakers that enhance her understanding of faith. Amani is focused on rebuilding her relationship with God and fostering connections with fellow Associates. She is committed to being consistent and obedient in her spiritual journey while ensuring that she keeps everyone in her prayers.
Congratulations, everyone! Thank you for your support and contribution to our Congregation. If you are reading this article and would like to know more about the Association of the Holy Family, please contact Director of the AHF, Sr Rita (ahf@csfn.org.au).
