Sisters of The Good Samaritan

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Saturday, January 30, was an especially happy and celebratory day for the Good Samaritan Sisters in Melbourne.  Not only did they honour Foundation Day (February 2), they welcomed their first Victorian Oblates.

Five women -- Margaret Anne Pritchard, Sharron Kotz, Helen Smith, Sheryl McInnes and Patricia Hearity (pictured, from left) -- made their oblation during Evening Prayer in the chapel at Santa Maria, Northcote.

In the midst of busy lives, the women have undergone a personal and on-going spiritual discernment process and come to know the Sisters through their presence in the communities and sharing in prayers, meals, special occasions, congregational celebrations, workshops and other events.  And the Sisters have come to know them.

“But most importantly you have sensed something of the big and deep picture of Good Samaritan life and mission, vision and spirituality,” Sr Kerin Caldwell SGS, the Victorian Counsellor, said in her reflection.

“In the midst of a society searching for spirituality and meaning, a society needing women and men of compassion and a society struggling against the web of greed, injustice, isolation, alienation and violence, you have come here today because you have a deep desire to explore and deepen your call within your life situation – to live your life guided by the values of the Rule of Benedict; nourished by daily Lectio and Liturgy of the Hours and connected in a formal way to the Good Samaritan Congregation and tradition.

“We are moved and enriched by your desire and readiness for such a commitment.”

The oblation committed the women, in a formal way but according to the capacity and vocation of their personal lives, to a stability of heart, or groundedness in Christ; obedience to the will of God and an on-going conversion of heart.

Sr Kerin said the Sisters were not unfamiliar with the radicality of that call.

“With you, we know how helpful and meaningful it is to have something to ground us, some soil where our roots can grow down deep, and a place that nurtures, nourishes, challenges and draws us forward.

“We journey with you in companionship, prayer and support.”

Good Samaritan Oblates are lay men and women who seek God through ongoing formation in Benedictine spirituality and way of life and connect where possible with local Good Samaritans and join in congregational events.  They minister in the spirit of the Gospel Good Samaritan.

The Melbourne woman joined not only 39 other Good Samaritan Oblates in Australia but a world-wide family of Benedictine Oblates.  Their oblation will be renewed annually.

 

details about an Oblate’s commitment
This section of the website also provides information about becoming a Good Samaritan Sister and that of associates

see also Who is my neighbour?