Sisters' Stories
Interview with Sister Barbara - Spiritual Director
An opener for anyone who might not know you: Tell us your name and what you do.
I'm Barbara Matthews - Sister of St John of God. My main ministry is spiritual direction
The Sisters of St. John of God have defined themselves as being Apostolic. In other words, ministry is an essential part of your life. There seems to be a diversity of ministries now and lifestyles which support them. Where is your ministry and lifestyle reflected in the Sisters' corporate vision or mission?
These aspects of the Sisters' Vision find a home in my ministry
and my life: 'Immersed in God's love and compassion .
. . we enter more deeply into the mystery of divine love.'
Spiritual direction makes real the ideal of the vision, to 'Journey
with others to find sacred presence.'
What is the most life-giving aspect of what you do - your ministry?
Seeing God at work in the lives of other people. It is very humbling and a privilege to be part of another's inner journey.
What is the biggest challenge?
One of the challenges is to encourage people to seek spiritual guidance, to enter into the inner, spiritual journey
Mobility is an aspect of apostolic life. Where do you live at present?
Ballarat, at present. I have been traveling to Melbourne on a regular basis to see people there.
What do you like best about living there?
The beauty of the place, nature, experiencing the four seasons. The colour of the trees shrubs and flowers.
What do you like least?
The cold, cold weather and the grey dreary skies in winter.
Along with the changes in their ministries many sisters have developed a vibrant spirituality. What has been the most significant change in your spiritual practice?
Praying, relating to God in a very personal way, rather than a more rigid prescriptive way. I like the idea of integrating daily prayer into daily life.
Which of your (spiritual) books has the most worn cover?
Choosing Christ in the World by Tetlow.S.J. I use this book when directing retreats in daily life.
How does your spiritual life affect your ministry?
That's a hard question. I hope my spiritual life helps me to accept others as they are, to know that others, no matter who they are, are loved by God.
How does your community life affect your spirituality?
Gives me support in a spiritual sense.
If you had a magic wand and power to change anything, what would you like to change about the way we are now?
To free people more, to allow them to be truly who they are, the person God created them to be.
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