Here it is, over half-way through the calendar, having our income taxes done, it’s cold outside, looking forward to spring and warmth, inside having a lovely yummy luncheon with our friends in VIEW Club,  and keeping warm!  Yea!

One of our own members, Sister Florence Kinsela, was our guest speaker for our July Meeting at the Ikon Restaurant at Hotel Gracelands.

Her topic theme was “Mercy and Justice”, but I think that another word would also be included as a part of her talk!  

“Love” was certainly part of her story of her life as an Australian and as a Sister of Mercy nun.  

Sister Flo became a member of the Sisters of Mercy in 1941, and during her time served in Broken Hill for 30 years.

She served as cook, chef, and in Food Service Administration.

She then was transferred to Mercy Nursing Home in Sans Souci (Sydney) until it closed in 1993.

Her next move was to Wilcannia, in 1995.  

This is where her ministry with Aboriginal peoples began.

She did home visitations, hospital visits and home care.

Then she returned to her place of birth and childhood, Parkes, in 2000.  

You may have seen her zipping around on her “Gopher”.

Sister Flo explained that during her time in various parts of the state, the main issues that she experienced were “Reconciliation”, which may be also be identified as “Mercy and Justice.”  

She pointed out that – “Reconciliation is a people’s movement; it is at the heart of our nation’s future.”

It is good to know that Parkes has a Reconciliation group, and it has been in action since 2008.  

This past week was NAIDOC Week (National Aboriginal and islander Day Observance Committee), and many local and state activities were based on this occurrence.

Here’s another quote from Sister Flo’s thoughtful talk that I found very insightful – “A vision for Australia is a united Australia, which respects this land of ours, values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, and provides justice and equity for all people of this country.”

The VIEW Club was very interested in hearing from one of our own members, especially on a topic such as the one Sister Flo discussed.

All women are welcome to join our Club, too.  

Keep a look-out for the details of our next meeting times and place, in the Champion Post.  

Each month, we have an interesting speaker, or activity.  

In September, we are looking forward to celebrating our birthday