A scholarly work entitled Julian Tenison Woods, The Human Journey: Priest, Founder, Friend written by Sr Jan Tranter rsj was launched on 31 May 2026 by Bishop Michael Kennedy in the Diocesan Resource Centre which was filled to capacity for the event.
St Patricia McCarthy welcomed Bishop Michael Kennedy, Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart from North Sydney, Mr Hilary Regan, the publisher, and Jan’s friends, colleagues and her local Josephite Sisters, as well as people interested in Fr Woods’ connections with the Hunter Valley. All gladly took the opportunity to acknowledge the many years Jan has spent in researching and writing about the life and accomplishments a truly remarkable man. A number of speakers provided insights into both the subject, Fr Woods, and the author.
Sr Lauretta Baker traced the origins of Jan’s work back to the Second Vatican Council where religious congregations were encouraged to return to their roots – to their founders and their dreams for spreading the Gospel. From that time, Jan devoted her energies into researching the lives of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and especially Fr Julian Tenison Woods.
Sr Carmel Moore read two well-chosen extracts from the book: a description of his pastoral ministry in the huge parish of Penola, SA, and his impressions when he first came into the safety of the Newcastle harbour after a rough voyage from Sydney. The view over the river to the mountains in the distance was, he noted, was one of singular variety and beauty.
When Jan addressed the gathering and explained that the book is a collection of her articles written over many years, it became clear that the work was a labour of love. Her desire was to bring Julian out of the shadows and allow him to take his rightful place as co-founder of the Josephite Congregations – the place where St Mary always wanted him to be.
Bishop Michael Kennedy spoke of the human journey of a man whose life was marked by ‘extraordinary energy, deep faith, profound suffering, enduring friendships, and unwavering devotion to the mission of the Church’. He was a dedicated priest who ‘lived his vocation not simply at the altar, but on the dusty roads of rural Australia’, where he encountered the ‘spiritual desolation’ of children deprived of religious education. It was there that the seed of a new religious congregation took root”.
A strong and lengthy round of applause sounded when Bishop Michael cut the ribbon on the box of books to launch, Julian Tenison Woods, The Human Journey: Priest, Founder, Friend. The Bishop then moved to pray a blessing over all present, concluding with the words:
Open our ears to hear your living Word
in the words of this book lovingly written and compiled by Jan.
Open our hearts to be inspired by the human journey of a good man
whose life was shaped in all its blessings and challenges
by a vision for your Kingdom.
and a deep abiding love for your people and creation.
May your Holy Spirit continue to inspire writers and publishers,
librarians and educators, scientists and poets, musicians and artists.
People stayed on enjoying light refreshments, catching up with old friends and with Jan’s book in their hands, eager to read and meet this remarkable man, priest, founder and friend.
For photos see https://bit.ly/JTW-BookLaunch