Section Archive: Profile
Fran’s artistic and spiritual legacy

Fran’s artistic and spiritual legacy

It was only when Good Samaritan Sister, Fran Nolan died that others discovered a treasure trove of her private mandala work, writes Debra Vermeer.

Posted on: October 15, 2013

City dweller makes home in QLD outback

City dweller makes home in QLD outback

For Good Samaritan Sister Carmel Pattinson, a self-confessed extrovert who’s lived in the city for 40 years, coming to terms with the isolation of a ministry in western Queensland can...

Posted on: September 17, 2013

The importance of believing in others

The importance of believing in others

“I’ve always worked with the marginalised,” says Cate Sydes. “I’ve always been drawn to kids and young people in need.”

Posted on: August 20, 2013

Finding beauty and grace in prisons

Finding beauty and grace in prisons

Good Samaritan Sister Mary O’Shannassy has worked in prison chaplaincy for 19 years. “The men tell me I’ve got life without parole,” she laughs.

Posted on: July 16, 2013

A life of ongoing conversion

A life of ongoing conversion

While Penny Carroll’s experience of faith began in her childhood, she says it was a tragedy in her life that really led her to encounter God, writes Debra Vermeer.

Posted on: June 18, 2013

Young shoulders, big hearts

Young shoulders, big hearts

Liz Byron and Hannah White are now a long way from Christmas Island, but it’s clear that Christmas Island remains very much part of both of them, writes Evan Ellis.

Posted on: May 21, 2013

An oasis of peace, calm and spiritual nurturing

Behind the imposing brick walls of the Mount St Benedict Centre at Pennant Hills in Sydney, just a stone’s throw from traffic chaos, is a beautiful oasis of peace, calm...

Posted on: April 16, 2013

A pastoral heart

A pastoral heart

Good Samaritan Sister Mary Adams celebrated her 100th birthday on April 16. Anticipating this significant milestone, “The Good Oil” caught up with Mary at her home in Kangaroo Point, Brisbane.

Posted on: April 16, 2013

A simple ministry of presence and hospitality

A simple ministry of presence and hospitality

A year in ministry at Santa Teresa, near Alice Springs, has been a steep learning curve for Good Samaritan Sister Anita Brennan.

Posted on: March 19, 2013

A life devoted to deep listening

A life devoted to deep listening

Good Samaritan Sister Carmel Posa is rejoicing that a cochlear implant is restoring her hearing which was damaged by Meniere’s Disease – a development which is of no small significance...

Posted on: February 19, 2013

Giving people choices

Giving people choices

If Good Samaritan Sister Meg Kahler could invite any five guests to dinner, she’d choose Aung San Suu Kyi, Scholastica Gibbons, Roger Federer, Genghis Khan and Billy Connolly.

Posted on: December 11, 2012

The “defining” influences of animals and Good Sams

The “defining” influences of animals and Good Sams

Looking back on her life, Bern Nicholls can identify many people and experiences that have influenced her. But she recognises two “defining” influences: her animals and the Good Samaritan Sisters.

Posted on: November 20, 2012