On Sunday, 29 October 2017 the Strathfield community of the Sister Disciples of the Divine Master, warmly welcomed the members of the Pauline Family (Society of St Paul and Daughters of St Paul) for the celebration of the Solemnity of Jesus the Divine Master.

We had the privilege of having the Superior of the Society of St Paul, Fr Michael Goonan as the presider of the Eucharistic Celebration, together with Fr Andrew Pudessery and Fr Thomas Manimalayil both of the Society of St Paul, who concelebrated.

Our celebration was rich with the representation of different cultures during the liturgy, which made our feastday very meaningful and prayerful. The Samoan culture was represented in the enthronement of the Word of God. Tonga was represented with the presentation of four beautiful leis; one for the Word of God, one for the presider, one for the
Superior of the Daughters of St Paul and one for our own dear sister and pioneer to Australia, Sr M Ilaria Oyama.

The Prayers of the Faithful were prayed in different languages also – English, Tongan, Samoan, African dialect, Portuguese, Tagalog and Hindi.

As we spent a few moments of reflection following Holy Communion, our two Tongan sisters gave angelic voice to lift up our thoughts and spirits by a beautiful Tongan hymn.

Time was spent in the preparation of our Chapel by flags representing the countries of the members of the Pauline Family who minister in Australia.

After the celebration of the Eucharist, we had the change of greeting and meeting our brothers and sisters of the Pauline Family by partaking of fellowship and refreshments together of homemade sandwiches and sweets. As we approached the back hall where these refreshments were set out we were greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed Italian coffee which helped us to enjoy the company of each other.

As the saying goes “all good things come to an end” and we farewelled our dear brothers and sisters until our next Pauline celebration.

Lastly, our community came together for an hour of Eucharistic Adoration which was concluded with the Prayer of the Church, bringing a conclusion to our celebration of the Solemnity of Jesus the Divine Master.

It was truly a beautiful day for each sister of the community here in Strathfield.

Sr Maria Stefanina. Saina pddm