MOTHER GENERAL SR MORAG COLLINS VISITS FIJI (Oct. 22/09)
Sr Morag Collins, Mother General of the St Joseph de Cluny visited the School on Thursday 22 October. Excerpts from the School concert were presented to her in a kaleidoscope dance from Rotuma, Fiji, Tonga and India, and songs by the School choir that included the World Youth Day song which reaffirmed for Sister that Anne Marie’s dream lives on.
Following the dance and song was a welcome by the President of the Alumnae (refer attachment) after which Sr Morag gave a spontaneous address that was truly inspiringo all present.
In summary she said:
That all students should try to ‘embody the qualities of Anne Marie’ who showed respect for the dignity of each person at the same time acknowledging the differences in each person which she saw reflected in the dances presented by the girls `so gracefully, so elegantly and yet so differently.’
She made special reference to the Rotuman dance that depicted the boisterousness of the men and the calm and peacefulness of the women. She said that whilst women may take `a secondary role, doing things quietly and acting with respect and dignity, at the same time transforming the society in which she lives.’
She reminded the girls that many of them had come to the school ‘a little timid, shy and perhaps a little wild – the family welcomes you and helps you grow in many ways - not only academically but that growth that happens inside.’
Sister made reference to the song sung by the choir `Make me an instrument of peace’ in which she likened the scalpel as an instrument used by a surgeon but that it is the surgeon who dictates how the scalpel is to be used,. Thus it was with Blessed Anne Marie - to listen, be sensitive to the movements of the Holy Spirit desires in our hearts and by corresponding with God’s grace and will, we create peace wherever we go which she acknowledged is not easy.
She noted the headlines in the Fiji Times of that day which was `Pay back’ which she said might give momentary satisfaction but the real Christian attitude is forgiveness and love. She again referred to the role of women who influence without too much noise and who get the job done.
She asked that we `be open to the Holy Spirit for he is active and able to transform and that we should be ready when the time comes’ Sr Morag concluded with a final word of thanks and good wishes to all saying that `It is by living in Jesus Christ that we become people who contribute to society in a particular way’.
Sr Morag spent time at Waimanu Road, Hercules Street and Vanuakula and on Saturday was present at the Sacred Heart Cathedral for the vows of two novices from Papua New Guinea and the Philippines.
From Fiji she goes to New Zealand where she will also have the opportunity to meet with alumnae.
Elizabeth Reade Fong
President
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Address by Elizabeth Fong on the visit of the Mother General of the SJ de Cluny congregation on Thursday, 22 October, 2009
Sr Morag Collins, Mother General of the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny, Sr Elizabeth Brown, Provincial Head of the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny, Sr Genevieve, Sisters, Teachers, Alumnae, PTFA President, and Students, Sister Morag, it is my very great pleasure on behalf of the alumnae of the School, to welcome you to our shores.
If I may be permitted to reminisce for a moment, seeing you here brings back for me beautiful memories of my visit to the Mother House in Paris and the bicentennial celebrations for Blessed Anne Maris Javouhey, which along with my sister, I was most privileged to attend. That celebration which was a journey of her life, in the company of Cluny Sisters from houses all over the world brought home to me the greatness of the woman who has influenced so many in so many parts of the world, including our small country of Fiji and others in the Pacific.
Here at home, the alumnae is truly reflective of our multi-racial community and is confirmation that Anne Marie’s dream lives on. The alumnae of St Joseph’s totalling some 5,000 is alive here in Fiji and and throughout the world where they are successful mothers and family leaders whilst also working in a wide range of professions and as volunteers in church and civil organisations. Our golden jubilee in 2006 brought 1200 alumnae together from all parts of the world. What this reflected was the universal education that the Sisters have given to all who have passed through the school. In Fiji the alumnae of St Joseph’s are associated with women who are well-rounded in their approach to life and who have a confidence that enables them to make valuable contributions to our community. The alumnae recognize that in these challenging times that they play a major role in trying to meet these challenges and try to do this from a perspective that Blessed Anne Marie might have done and this has been the basis under which the Alumnae Executive and its members have focused their activities.
Sr Morag, I wish to convey to you our deep gratitude for the Sisters who have served in Fiji in upholding Blessed Anne Marie’s dream. We acknowledge the sacrifices that the Sisters made when they left their families and homes to come and work in Fiji. At the same time I acknowledge our local women who joined the congregation and who continue to serve us faithfully. We salute them all for their vision and commitment to us and the tenacity showed in the difficult times. We thank them for standing steadfast to ensure that our faith remains a focal and constant part of our lives which continues to be strengthened as they work with the laity to educate the `whole’ person of our young women.
Dear Sister, on behalf of the Executive and the Alumnae, I wish you God’s Blessings during your 10 day visit with the Sisters here in Fiji and a safe journey on your return to the Mother House in Paris.
