AUSTRALIAN UNIT
2023 has been a busy and joy-filled year for the Australian Unit of the ICDS!
It’s official!
The year began with the excitement of the ceremony being held at the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life at the Vatican, where the International Community of the Divine Savior (Lay Salvatorians) was officially recognized by the Catholic Church as an International Private Association of the Faithful, with juridical personality in Canon Law. Across the country we gathered in small groups to watch this via youtube (thanks to Bobby Pantuso, US) and feel connected with all of you across the world!
Visitation
Our chairperson, Sam DaLuz from the West coast, visited the Lay Salvatorians on the East coast and experienced the similarities and differences we encounter in our land of extremes. During her time in NSW, she went to each of the four Salvatorian parishes and gave an oppportunity for interested persons to meet, learn more and ask questions. She also ran a retreat day for the Lay Salvatorians which furthered our knowledge of our Founder and charism.
New Candidates
During her visit to NSW, Sam was able to meet with a couple who had expressed their interest in become Lay Salvatorians. Subsequently they were approved to start their formation and are continuing to meet with the local team to undergo this.
Statue
Three Lay Salvatorians from Gosford Parish, NSW donated a statue of Blessed Francis Jordan which was installed within the grounds. This parish has been in the care of the Salvatorian Fathers for 20 years and has 3 Lay Salvatorians, 2 candidates and a regular group of Salvatorian Collaborators.
Joint committee
A joint committee of Salvatorian Fathers and Lay Salvatorians has been established to allow for discussions of joint initiatives and plans. It has been invaluable to be able to share experience and resources as well as build up the sense of family that was envisioned by the Founder.
World Youth Day
The Salvatorian Fathers and Lay Salvatorians led a pilgrimage for youth from across the country to attend World Youth Day in Lisbon, travelling to Rome, Lisbon and Fatima over about 16 days, with an opportunity to not only visit significant places of our faith, but the Salvatorian Motherhouse as well. This was a wonderful group of young people who embraced the charism and have grown even deeper in their faith of God, inspiring both the pilgrimage leaders and their parishes on their return. (Also I felt very blessed that leaders of all 3 branches of our Salvatorian family took the time to send messages to our pilgrims - thank you for that!)
Retreat
Our annual retreat, organised by Sam (chairperson) was held in Currambine WA at the Salvatorian Spirituality Centre run by the Salvatorian Fathers. This gave us an opportunity to come together for fellowship and formation. We had a wonderful facilitator in Dr Pina Ford, accompanied by our spiritual director, Fr Leonard. We also had a pilgrimage to the Heritage Centre in South Perth where we learnt more about Australia's first saint, St Mary MacKillop. As our retreat fell during the visit of the Generalate to Australia, we also were blessed with the opportunity to attend Mass celebrated by Fr Adam, Fr Joe, and our Regional Superior Fr George. Thank you Sam for making this such a memorable experience.
Online: Zoom, Signal and Facebook
During the pandemic we were able to still undergo formation of candidates via Zoom. After their commitment in 2021 we have continued use of this medium to meet twice a month for a "casual catchup" in addition to our formal monthly meetings. During these casual meetings, we take time to read, reflect and discuss our Founder, with the second meeting being an opportunity to pray a rosary together. These have been a great opportunity to stay in touch and grow in our faith and our charism.
In NSW we have been using Signal for a few years as well. Despite being in one state we are geographically quite far apart and this has been a great way of keeping in touch and sharing reflections and events in our lives.
In addition, at the end of 2022 we created our first Facebook page and have used this as a way of reaching more people and sharing the message of the Gospel and who we are using more ways and means.
Foundation day
On the 8th December Salvatorians in WA and NSW gathered together to celebrate Foundation Day in Currambine and Gosford respectively. Parishioners of Salvatorian parishes were also invited. This is always a great opportunity to unite our Salvatorian family and to recommit to our charism and vocation. Of course a wonderful celebration follows in true Salvatorian hospitality!
Overall it has been a great year for the Australian Lay Salvatorians. There is still much to be done but it is with great excitement and trust in God that we enter 2024.
Blessed Francis Jordan, pray for us.
Katrina Pratt
2023 recap
Re: 2023 recap
Thanks for this very interesting information. I think this can be helpful also for other units in their process.
