175 years ago, black lives mattered to John Bede Polding
In the spirit of Polding, may we pray for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples and take action to address discrimination against any group of people, writes Sister Patty Fawkner.
A wise leader uses 'different strokes for different folks'
Within the Rule of Benedict, the contemporary relevance of wisdom for leaders is as impressive as the Rule’s longevity, writes Sister Patty Fawkner in an open letter to President Trump.
Voices of the oppressed must be heard to make positive social change
Stories create an emotional connection and can inspire us to act to overcome bigotry and racism, writes Patty Fawkner. Stories, rather than statistics or angry tweets, can change the world.
Embracing life’s givens with solidarity and compassion
In the face of searing unfairness, we embrace injustice by working for justice, we embrace the painful realities of life by digging deeper for hope, writes Sister Patty Fawkner SGS.
Women – seen and not seen during a pandemic
When the gifts of women and men, equally made in God’s image and likeness, are brought together it is possible for great outcomes to be achieved, writes Sister Patty Fawkner....
Jean Vanier abuse reveals patriarchy and pedestals are a toxic combination
For decades Jean Vanier was seen as a ‘spiritual superstar’. On learning of his abusive relationships with women, my response was one of disillusion and overarching sadness, writes Patty Fawkner....
Fires, floods and the season of Lent are inextricably linked
For the sake of humanity and our planet, we cannot allow personally, communally, nationally or globally, to return to situation normal, writes Patty Fawkner. It was early February 1984. The...
The Feast for the Frayed and Fatigued
Christmas is the feast for the fatigued and the frayed, writes Patty Fawkner, because God is with us in the actual reality, not the fairy tale version, of our lives.
Stages
In response to the tragedy of institutional child sexual abuse, Sister Patty Fawkner considers the distinct ‘stages’ currently being journeyed through by the Church.
Show me what it looks like
What does loving God look like? asks Sister Patty Fawkner. She finds it is not in some other-worldly realm, but grounded in the here and now with each and every...
Following the ‘clues’ to our vocation
For many, finding one’s vocation can be a slow-burning realisation, even a trial and error exercise, writes Sister Patty Fawkner.
The Church – to include or not to include?
If I include myself in any critique I make of the Church… I will be taking a step in “fostering ecclesial community”.