How to cope with constancy and intensity of bad news?
For Sister Patty Fawkner, two strategies or ways of thinking may help: to accept life’s “givens”; and to “celebrate what’s right with the world”.
The double-edged sword of loneliness
There is much we can do within our own neighbourhoods and our own hearts to use the gift of loneliness to address the pain of loneliness, writes Sister Patty Fawkner.
In gratitude for "bountiful gifts and graces"
“There is a season for everything, a time for every purpose under heaven – a time to build and expand, and now a time to hand over and take our...
Calls for change within the Church will be its salvation
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” and “The Post” have something important to say about ‘the what’ and ‘the how’ of the Church’s mission, says Sister Patty Fawkner.
Of Maya and Mary
When we see the images of Mary and her child this Christmas, may we pause and think of Maya and the countless victims of sexual exploitation, writes Sister Patty Fawkner.
The mystery of death and life
We need more help in assisted living, rather than assisted dying, writes Sister Patty Fawkner.
Lessons from my father
It will be how I fulfil my role, and the relationships I nourish with my Sisters and those beyond the congregation, rather than ‘the what’ of my role, that matters...
The pattern of all life
What do these words, Paschal Mystery, mean? What do they communicate?
Keep working on love
This year’s Social Justice Statement from Australia’s Catholic Bishops focuses on the value and dignity of older people. In her address at the launch of the Statement, Good Samaritan Sister...
Am I included or not?
There is a link between exclusive sexist language and abusive behaviour towards women, writes Good Samaritan Sister Patty Fawkner.
Is there a place for solitude in our world today?
“I say that I need and desire solitude, but do I really? I know that I resist solitude and when I have the opportunity, do I know what to do...
Vague wanting
Our lives, yours and mine, are too precious to fritter away on lukewarm commitments and half-hearted vows, writes Good Samaritan Sister Patty Fawkner.