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Pilgrimage to Josephite Heartland

Early on the morning of October 5th, participants of the 2011 Tasmanian Josephite Colloquium converged on Oatlands to spend the day “on pilgrimage".  Our pilgrimage journey was to honour Fr Julian Tenison Woods and the early Sisters of St Joseph and claim in our own lives the particular spiritual heritage that is their gift to us. 

The journey was led by Sisters Colleen, Carmel, Sue and Jill.

In OATLANDS we learnt the history of

• Elm Cottage (used as a Mass Centre 1845-1851 and a priests’ residence until 1854)
• St Paul’s Church  (a Pugin designed church built in 1851)
• The  former Sisters’ Convent (1893-1920)
• The former St Paul’s School (1893-1920)

and were thrilled to get extra information about the early days from some passing locals.

Fr Julian Tenison Woods gave missions in this area of Tasmania and from May – November 1876 took over as the  parish priest, following the death of Fr Keohan.

From Oatlands we travelled to TUNNACK and spent time in the church and cemetery pondering the life of the Sisters here from 1891 – 1963.

Midway between Tunnack and Colebrook there was a stopover for a time of reflection and prayer.  The spirit of Fr Julian seemed very close as we stood on the rocky hillside on a sunny still day, surrounded by the beauty of the countryside and accompanied by a chorus of birds. 

We prayed: 

Loving Father, we thank you for the memory of this gentle, joyful and forgiving priest, Julian Tenison Woods who faithfully walked in your presence in the steps of Jesus your Son.  May his life and death, his teaching and example, his love for all creation, inspire us in our time to commit ourselves to the working of bringing about your reign.

At COLEBROOK we stood outside the former Convent (1894 – 1965) on the main road and then went up the hill to St Patrick’s Church where we were met by Mr Brian Andrews who has overseen the restoration of this wonderful Pugin designed building within our Archdiocese.  Brian’s enthusiasm and knowledge helped us understand the heritage that we have been gifted with here in Tasmania.

After being fortified, in true Josephite tradition, with a cuppa and slice of fruit cake, we set off in various directions for our journey home – grateful for the sacred space and time that had encouraged us to remember who we truly are and eager to continue our  work within ministries in the Josephite spirit.