This is of course a story of how a religious order gave new expression
to its distinctive values and tradition in establishing a wider
community of lay associates. The Sisters of St Joseph from the outset
were practical, adaptable and relatively informal - focused on meeting
needs where they saw them and stretching themselves thin to do so. Mary
Cresp captures these Josephite values beautifully as she unfolds the
development of the order's Associates/Companions. But it's not a book
just about the Josephites. It's much more - a case study in how Catholic
communities in several countries have responded to the challenges of the
Second Vatican Council and to changing times. For that it's well worth a
read. Peter Cahalan PhD - formerly CEO of the History Trust of South
Australia. In her history of Josephite Associates over 40 years, Mary
Cresp rsj informs her scholarly experience and thoroughness with
documentation and contributions from more than 200 people who were
themselves involved in creating that story. She describes the evolution
of Josephite Associates to Josephite Companions as a "story of
relationships". It is a story with lessons about relationships and
formation, but also about persistence of vision, about living with
unresolved questions, about fostering the emergence of new leadership
and above all about walking together with joy in a shared baptismal
mission. Anne Benjamin, Honorary Professor, Australian Catholic
University. Consultant to Biographical Dictionary of Australian Catholic
Educators.
