ABOUT US

Vowed Life: Symbols

 Vowed Life| The Vows

We can be recognised in the communities where we live and work by symbols that are common signs of commitment in society today.

As a sign of our consecration
We wear the symbol of Federation
And the distinctive ring of the Congregation.
As a witness to poverty
we dress in a simple and appropriate manner,
Respecting the needs of cultural diversity and ministry.
(Constitutions p.15)

Ring

The ring given to Sisters at profession is a plain silver band.
It is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand.
It symbolises our total commitment to Jesus Christ.

Cross

A silver cross is given to a sister at first profession as a sign of membership of the Australian-New Zealand Federation of Sisters of St Joseph. The Federation Cross was designed in 1969 to mark the event of Federation. It incorporates simply some historic elements of dress.

The Monogram, 
designed by Father Julian Tenison Woods in the original rule, used to be sewn in blue woollen tape on the front of the black serge habit. It was a symbol of Mary (A for Ave and M for Maria), and of our devotion to the Holy Family: Jesus, Joseph and John the Baptist. This has been condensed into M for Mary and J for Joseph against the background of the cross of Jesus.

Dress

The dress of the sisters has developed from the ample black serge uniform, white headdress and black veil worn since 1893. This distinguished the diocesan Josephite sisters from those gathered round Mary MacKillop in Adelaide. They wore brown habits. Sisters wore rosary beads draped over a leather belt and a large crucifix secured by this belt at the front.

After Vatican II, following the directions to simplify the habit, it was altered progressively to a short black dress and a veil covering the hair. A light cream material was introduced for the Australian summer - then no veil. Finally, there was no uniformity at all - just clothing that witnesses to our simple style of life.