Sister Joan Chittister

Yesterday two of our Year 11 Living Justice leaders, Mia and Caitlin, together with Ms Carole Downie and myself, had the very special opportunity of attending an address by Sr Joan Chittister.

Sr Joan is one of the most influential religious and social leaders of our time. For over 50 years she has passionately advocated on behalf of peace, human rights, women’s issues, and monastic and church renewal. A much sought-after international speaker, Joan has been restricted from addressing Australian audiences, but not yesterday. This was the first time and possibly the only time, she would be able to address students from over 20 Catholic Schools.

Her message focussed on our student generation questioning what it is that they want to be as a person in life. She encouraged them to be advocates for the rights of others, to be “Public Intellectuals”, young people who can see beyond the controllers, (Government, social media, religious hierarchy etc) and who will be a voice for those who cannot speak.

There was also the opportunity to network with students from other schools and share their Sr Joan experience. Everyone agreed that it was an engaging experience.