Section Archive: News Feature

Positive signs as COVID-19 continues to impact Philippines

The Sisters of the Good Samaritan in Bacolod, the Philippines, are continuing to help people in desperate need as the community battles the effects of the Delta strain of COVID-19.

Posted on: November 17, 2021

Inclusivity – a political challenge

As we witness the Australian Government’s response to refugees and asylum seekers who are denied their most basic rights, John Haren reminds us that our best human moments are inclusive.

Posted on: November 16, 2021

‘Stand with Tosy’ campaign aims to drive action on climate change

The Sisters of the Good Samaritan are supporting a new campaign from the Edmund Rice Centre’s Pacific Calling Partnership for Australian political leaders to urgently commit to climate change action.

Posted on: October 19, 2021

Fears new rules could restrict advocacy and free speech

The Good Samaritan Foundation has joined its voice with other community organisations in expressing concern that proposed new Federal Government regulations could silence charities’ advocacy on behalf of vulnerable groups.

Posted on: July 24, 2021

Chaplains called to be a ministry of presence

Mary O’Shannassy SGS received an honorary doctorate from ACU last month in recognition of her service in prison ministry. In this issue, she reflects on the Chaplains’ ministry of presence.

Posted on: May 19, 2021

Anniversary sparks mixed emotions for Catholics in Philippines

The 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines has sparked mixed emotions among many Filipinos, including some Sisters of the Good Samaritan who spoke to Debra Vermeer.

Posted on: May 19, 2021

Sisters’ presence in the West lives on through Good Samaritan Oblates

The permanent presence of the Good Samaritan Sisters in Western Australia will come to an end next month when Sister Anna Warlow returns to the eastern states, writes Debra Vermeer.

Posted on: March 17, 2021

Sister Monica is open to God’s plans in a spirit of adventure

Sister Monica Armstrong says she has a lot to be grateful for when she reflects on her years in school Family Liaison and her previous teaching life, writes Debra Vermeer.

Posted on: December 16, 2020

Hundreds forced into destitution as crucial support withdrawn

The Government’s move to cut support to 576 refugees and asylum seekers is a further blow to an already vulnerable group in their struggle to survive, writes Sister Sarah Puls. 

Posted on: November 18, 2020

Phone ban will deprive refugees of a lifeline to the outside world

A move by the Australian Government to introduce legislation allowing the seizure of mobile phones from people held in immigration detention centres is unnecessary and cruel, according to refugee advocates.

Posted on: June 16, 2020

Funding boost for family violence services during COVID-19 crisis

With a rise in family violence due to the coronavirus crisis set to strain an already overstretched social support system, some abusers are reportedly using COVID-19 as a psychological weapon....

Posted on: April 21, 2020

What does it mean to be a Good Samaritan?

When Archbishop John Bede Polding founded the Sisters of the Good Samaritan on February 2, 1857 he chose this name because he firmly believed that their work was about being...

Posted on: February 19, 2020