In our final episode for 2024, we unpack the evolving story of GSE and the journey regarding changes to the governance structure that will come into effect in 2025. Moira Najdecki, Jane Comensoli and Biljana Apostolova join host Gabrielle Sinclair for this important conversation.

Moira, Jane and Biljana share with us the journey of discernment to more clearly articulate and structure the civil identity of Good Samaritan Education to ensure clarity for the community and, importantly, civil regulators. This has resulted in moving to a sole-member model, making necessary changes to the GSE standardised company constitution and reporting mechanisms, and deepening and clarifying our ways of relating to ensure communio.

Prophetic Voices, our student voices forum returned in 2024. Host Gabrielle Sinclair is in conversation with some of GSE students reflecting on their experiences and unpack their final statements. This year the students investigated the topics:

• Integral Ecology: In a Culture of Consumerism
• Towards a Future of Non-Violence: Domestic and Family Violence
• Reconciliation: Beyond the ‘No’ Vote

Students were guided by the topic experts: Jacqui Remond from Australian Catholic University, Alice Dunlop from Naturally Connected, Erin and Nardine from the Good Samaritan Inn, and Nina Ross from Reconciliation Australia.  

You can find more information on Prophetic Voices and the final student statements on our website: https://goodsameducation.org.au/prophetic-voices/ 

In this special episode, Gabrielle Sinclair is joined in conversation with Sister Teresa Jackson OSB, the prioress of the Centre for Benedictine Life at the Monastery of St Gertrude in Cottonwood, Idaho.

Sister Teresa, with wit, strength and vulnerability, shares her faith journey and the steps of transformation she and her community are evolving in their expression of Benedictine life and ministry.

This dynamic conversation has many interesting insights for all communities who are nuancing who they are called to be for the realities of this moment.  Sister Teresa will be the keynote speaker for the upcoming Good Samaritan Oblate Community Gathering, breaking open the theme The Spirit Unfolding: Who Are We Now?

In this episode of Communio Calling we talk with a well-known face in Good Samaritan circles and beyond, Monica Dutton, taking a look at cross-cultural immersion programs and their significance within the GSE community.

Based on the knowledge gained through Monica's experience and academic thesis, she shares the key components to foster transformative outcomes, for individuals, school communities and visiting communities alike.

This powerful conversation and a must-listen for those preparing for upcoming immersions, particularly as GSE's Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa) and the Philippines immersions approach. 

Monica Dutton's current role is working directly with the Sisters of the Good Samaritan as their Spirituality and Mission Animation Leader.

Catherine McCahill sgs, Sisters of the Good Samaritan Congregational Leader, sits down with host Gabrielle Sinclair to unpack their Statement of Directions for 2023-2029. Discerned at last year’s Chapter, the statement gives shape and direction to the Sisters of the Good Samaritan's lives and ministries.

In conversation, Catherine shares with us her own journey and stories of the audacious women she’s met along the way.

In this episode, we hear Sister Antonia Curtis OSB share with us the journey behind her new book ‘I Give You My Word’. A practical guide in Lectio Divina. Written with educators, parishes and lay people in mind, I Give You My Word is a culmination of Antonia’s learnings and experience of sharing and teaching Lectio Divina.  It is a remarkable gift to the world. You can purchase your copy at the link below: https://www.jamberooabbey.org.au/shop/ 

Special guest Dr Carmel Bendon, academic, author, and presenter, sits down with host Gabrielle Sinclair to discuss the life and legacy of 13th-century Benedictine abbess, Hildegard of Bingen.

Hildegard’s vast knowledge, mystical teachings, and body of works has made her an inspirational model of holy audacity, she is one of the four female ‘Doctors of the Church’. Carmel’s expertise and profound insights has made her a leading expert in Medieval Mystics. Wanting to provide a way into these amazing stories and lives has resulted in her latest book ‘The Mystics Who Came to Dinner’.

You can find Carmel’s works on her website:

https://carmelbendon.com/

You can also find Hildegard’s artworks and music in the links below:

https://www.wikiart.org/en/hildegard-of-bingen

https://www.arthistoryproject.com/artists/hildegard-von-bingen/

 https://youtu.be/5zdUZ9WEyfM?si=74Fh5dlRYCRZ-ZQs

In this episode, GSE shares the special presentation ‘Liturgy of the Hours and the Psalms’ by Sisters Elizabeth Brennan sgs and Elizabeth Murray sgs. Originally presented at the Mission Leaders Conference, this powerful session provides insights into the Prayer of the Church, the communal prayer that plays a vital role in the spiritual life of Benedictines and many others.

The presentation launches ‘The Psalm Project’ developed by Gabrielle Sinclair and Elizabeth Brennan as another tool of communio, that we may sing in one voice.

For our first episode of 2024, we are in captivating dialogue with Sr Aquinata Böckmann OSB. With our host Gabrielle Sinclair, Aquinata graciously shares her compelling narrative and profound insights. Together they reflect on the essence of Holy Audacity, with a specific focus on the themes of Hospitality and Peace.

Aquinata Böckmann OSB, a distinguished member of the Benedictine Missionary Order of the Sisters of Tutzing, stands as an esteemed academic, author, and educator. Notably, she achieved the milestone of becoming the first female professor at Sant’ Anselmo in Rome, Italy. 

In our final episode of Communio Calling for 2023, GSE delegates discuss their whirlwind South American adventure to this year’s BENet Conference and visit to Chile's lay Benedictine Manquehue Community.

Hosted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in October,  about 180 representatives from 16 countries gathered to share their insights as educators in the Benedictine tradition 

On route to Rio, the GSE group spent time with the Manquehue community in Santiago, Chile, forming deep connections while exploring another expression of Benedictine education and community.