The Missionary Sisters of Service are thrilled to announce that Monique Saywell is the successful applicant for the 2024 MSS Scholarship in honour of our 80th anniversary of foundation. This scholarship will enable Monique to undertake a Masters in Theological Studies over the next two years through the University of Divinity. She will do the bulk of her studies through the Yarra Theological Union at Box Hill.
The purpose of the scholarship is to support theological education and pastoral leadership in Australia that is consonant with the vision of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on ‘care for our common home’, addressing matters of integral ecology, ecological education and spirituality and calls all people to action on environmentalism and climate change.
Monique, who is 34 years old, and her husband Jeremy, live in Echunga which is about 40 minutes drive from Adelaide up in the Adelaide Hills. They have four children, Mason 10 years, Elspeth 8 years, Florence 4 years and Clementine 2 years. At one time, Monique was working for the Archdiocese of Adelaide and has extensive involvement in ecumenical ventures and wider community activities. MSS Congregational Leaders, Stancea Vichie MSS, caught up with Monique in Adelaide, recently. In speaking with Monique, it became apparent that ‘the wheels of connection in South Australia kept growing!’ ‘Many of us MSS have known the Leonard family on the Eyre Peninsula as well as others of Monique’s family and community links,’ said Stancea.
Monique already has a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Theology and Dance). She is very excited and so grateful for this opportunity. The MSS would like to thank Prof. Gabrielle McMullen for her part in helping bring about this great result.
This will also be lovely news for Geraldine Vytilingam, the young woman who received the scholarship late last year in honour of Fr John’s 90th ordination anniversary. Geraldine has done very well in her first year of the Master’s program through Catholic Theological College, as well as continuing her work at Mary MacKillop College in Swan Hill.
It is very hopeful to see two young women with such passion for the vision of the gospel being given the opportunity to further their studies for the now and the future.
Let’s rejoice!