Spring 2017

Welcome to the Spring edition of Madonna. Spring always surprises. Our theme 'Letting God Out of the Box,' explores our relationship with God, reminding us that the healing mysteries of God's work amongst us in our world often escape our expectations.

During one day in the July school holidays of 1998, I was standing on the 1st tee at the beautiful Bonville International Golf Club just south of Coffs Harbour. I was nervously waiting to hit off with a group of players which included a retired psychiatrist, a pediatrician, and the Manager of the local private hospital.

Faith has played a part in most steps of Emma O'Brien's wonderful career and important life decisions; her own faith in the power of music to connect with people, the faith of people around her and the faith people place in her.

‘The universe unfolds in God, who fills it completely. Hence, there is a mystical meaning to be found in a leaf, on a mountain trail, in a dew drop, in a poor person’s face.’ Pope Francis. Laudato Si, n.233

For Aboriginal people, the image of God (Creator of all things) has been given to them in every aspect of creation on the land and in the heavens. They would sit around the fire and speak of all the things that they saw around them; that was the place where everything in life was discussed

There they are, the travelling pelicans skimming the surface of the lake.

When developers build apartments they usually erect a smaller scale model of the apartment to attract buyers. In it the furniture is also on a smaller scale, the paintings on the walls convey spaciousness, and outside the window is a small garden.