A Word from the Principal

A Pilgrim’s Prayer 

Inspired by the spirit of Mary Aikenhead

Loving and gracious God, 

You call us to walk in the footsteps of the faithful who have gone before us. 

As we journey, like Mary Aikenhead, 

open our eyes to see You in the beauty around us, 

in the people we meet, and in the silence of our hearts.

Give us the courage to walk with purpose, 

the humility to listen deeply, 

and the faith to follow wherever You may lead. 

May each step draw us closer to Your heart 

and deepen our love for those You place on our path.

Strengthen us, as You strengthened Mary, 

to respond with compassion to the cries of the poor, 

to bring hope where there is despair, 

and to serve with joy, even when the road is hard.

Bless this journey - within and without -

and let it bear fruit in our lives, 

our communities, and in the world we seek to heal.

Amen.

Following in Her Footsteps: A Pilgrimage with Mary Aikenhead

Recently, Lynda Hudson and I were blessed to embark on a sacred journey - a pilgrimage tracing the footsteps of Mary Aikenhead, the inspiring foundress of the Sisters of Charity. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Irish countryside, this experience was not simply about travel, but transformation - a journey of the heart, of faith, and of deeper connection.

A pilgrimage is more than a visit to holy places; it is a spiritual path, one that invites reflection, prayer, and the renewing of one’s purpose. Walking where Mary Aikenhead walked, seeing the landscapes that shaped her, and being welcomed by the Sisters in Ireland, gave new life to the values and mission we carry in our hearts back home in Australia.

Mary Aikenhead’s story is one of courageous faith and radical service. Born in Cork, Ireland in 1787, she founded the Religious Sisters of Charity in 1815 with a mission to serve the poor and vulnerable. Her vision was revolutionary for its time - taking the love of Christ beyond the convent walls, into the streets, hospitals, and homes of those in most need. Her legacy continues to shine through the ministries of health, education, and outreach that the Sisters have founded and nurtured, both in Ireland and across the world.

During our time in Ireland, we were graciously welcomed by the Sisters who carry Mary’s legacy forward. Their warmth, hospitality, and deep joy were a gift in themselves. What stood out most was their genuine curiosity and love for the work happening in Australia. They listened intently to stories of our schools, our students, our hospitals and community outreach - and were deeply encouraged by the continuation of Mary’s mission in such vibrant ways.

We visited foundational sites such as Cork, where Mary was born, and Dublin, where the congregation began its ministry. At each place, we paused to reflect, pray, and listen. The rolling green fields, quiet chapels, and timeworn buildings offered not just beauty, but a sense of being part of something timeless and deeply rooted.

This pilgrimage was also a time of connection. It brought together representatives from various Australian ministries - schools, hospitals, and outreach centres - all united in the Charism of the Sisters of Charity. Sharing stories, praying together, and forming bonds across different communities strengthened our collective commitment to carry Mary Aikenhead’s vision into the future.

For each of us, the pilgrimage was a reminder that we are part of a much larger story - one that began in Ireland over two centuries ago and now continues across oceans and generations. It has deepened our appreciation of the spirit that animates our work: one of compassionate service, hope in the face of difficulty, and a faith that walks humbly and acts boldly.

As we return to our own communities, may we continue to be inspired by Mary Aikenhead’s words: "Do all you can with the means you have and leave the rest calmly to God." With renewed hearts, we take up this call - to serve, to educate, to heal - piece by piece, as Mary did, with courage and compassion.