New in the Library
On New Guinea Martyrs Day this year, Susan
Sherson’s new book, ‘A Daring Woman : the story of Sister Jean Henderson, MBE’
(Morning Star Publishing, 2018) was launched at St Peter’s Church, Eastern
Hill, Melbourne. This celebration of Jean’s life included short addresses
during High Mass from three people who had come to know her well.
Rowan Callick said Jean Henderson was of
that generation inspired by the New Guinea Martyrs. She took up the mission challenge
of those who were lost in martyrdom. She is an example, in the same way, for us
to re-dedicate our lives to Christ. The author herself, Susan Sherson, said
Jean knew the story of the martyrs in depth. At Aurora, where she set up a
hospital, she would hear the stories from the priests. She would keep coming
back, in particular, to the stories of May Hayman, a nurse, and Mavis
Parkinson, a teacher. It affected her very powerfully and was the cause of her
lifelong dedication.
Sister Avrill Dover CHN talked of
Popondetta. An altar dedicated to May and Mavis was built in a clearing in the
jungle and everyone would go to celebrate there in commemoration. Avrill
reminded those in attendance that St Peter’s was Jean’s spiritual home. It is
there, later in her life, that Jean and Joyce Newton started the breakfast
program for the homeless and those in need. Susan reported how Joyce Newton said
to her that Jean was always very involved in talking to everyone about their
problems, while she (Joyce) stuck to doing all the washing up. Susan likened
the relationship to Mary and Martha, Jean being the Mary and Joyce her stalwart
supporter, the Martha.
Rowan concluded by talking about Jean’s
role, when back in Melbourne, of mentoring troubled youngsters out on parole.
She would take on their troubles and it weighed heavily with her. She worked
with them at her home; she was a missionary all her life, living for others.
These glimpses into Jean Henderson’s life were
an introduction to the book, which concentrates essentially on her long life of
service in Papua New Guinea. Amongst her many other dedications, she was also
an Oblate of the Community of the Holy Name. The biography is now available to
borrow from the CHN Library, or can be purchased from the St Peter’s Bookroom
phone 9663-7487 at $29.95.
-
Philip Harvey
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