Articles by: Patty Fawkner

The mystery of death and life

We need more help in assisted living, rather than assisted dying, writes Sister Patty Fawkner.

Posted on: November 15, 2017

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...

Posted on: October 18, 2017

The pattern of all life

What do these words, Paschal Mystery, mean? What do they communicate?

Posted on: March 2, 2017

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...

Posted on: September 20, 2016

Am I included or not?

There is a link between exclusive sexist language and abusive behaviour towards women, writes Good Samaritan Sister Patty Fawkner.

Posted on: August 16, 2016

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...

Posted on: May 17, 2016

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.

Posted on: February 16, 2016

On suffering and God: a response to Stephen Fry

A “burgeoning interest” in cosmology provides Good Samaritan Sister Patty Fawkner with a different ‘take’ on suffering and evil as well as new insights into the mystery of God and...

Posted on: October 20, 2015

Mary Magdalene: friend, icon, model

We have yet to balance spirituality and sexuality in the Church especially in regard to women. Women’s leadership and spiritual influence will be compromised until we do, writes Good Samaritan...

Posted on: July 21, 2015

Leading by flipping the omelette

Pope Francis’ leadership differs markedly from that of his predecessors. He models two clear principles that our political leaders and, in fact all of us who lead in some capacity,...

Posted on: March 17, 2015

“One wild and precious life”

"One wild and precious life"

Kiribati woman Claire Anterea may not be a Good Samaritan Sister anymore, but she’s “still a Good Samaritan in some way or another, no matter what”.

Posted on: December 9, 2014

Betty has dementia

Grief is a constant companion when a loved one has dementia. And so, too, is grace, writes Good Samaritan Sister Patty Fawkner.

Posted on: October 21, 2014