Way of Life
Eliza Williams was born in 1800 in Ireland, joining the Sisters of Charity in 1836. She departed for Australia as a novice with the name Sr M. Xavier Williams, and took her first profession of vows before Bishop Polding at St Patrick's Church Parramatta on 9 April 1839. She was the first female religious to make a public profession of vows in Australia.
Image shows the handwritten vows of Sr M. Xavier Williams held in the Archives of the Sisters of Charity. The audio recording is a contemporary recreation of part of the vows taken by Sr M. Xavier Williams.
Way of Life
Each Sister of Charity was given a work apron, which was a testament to the values of hard work and frugality that a novice accepted on entering the congregation. This apron belonged to Sr Moira O’Sullivan, who became a novice at Wahroonga on 6 January 1955.
Listen to Sr Moira explain when the apron was worn.
Way of Life
This sign was on the Bethania Novitiate building at Challis Avenue, Potts Point. Bethania Noviciate received novices entering the Sisters of Charity from 1915 to 1953, when the novitiate moved to Wahroonga. Sr Maureen Walters, aged 18, entered Bethania Novitiate on 2 July 1949.
Listen to Sr Maureen talk about the community of women she lived with at Bethania.
Way of Life
Vatican II called for renewal and adaptation in the church. Religious orders responded by examining and changing their way of life, often including the clothing worn.
Listen to Sr Suzette Clark explain the impact of the call for renewal on the habit.
Way of Life
The nursing sisters at St Vincent's Hospital Sydney convent in 1984 are shown here in a simple white dress with some sisters wearing veils.
Source: St Vincent's Hospital Sydney Archives
Way of Life
This Sisters of Charity crest was worn as a badge pinned to clothing, possibly dating to the 1980s.
Way of Life
Listen to Sr Annette Cunliffe describe how a Sister of Charity continues to be recognised today.
Way of Life
Sisters of Charity wore this crucifix around the neck until the 1960s. The figure of Christ on the cross sits below the letters INRI. On the back is written the Latin phase 'In hoc signo vinces' which means 'In this sign you will conquer'.
Listen to Sr Annette Cunliffe describe receiving her crucifix on 25 January 1962.
