Sister Disciples of  the Divine Master 
(
PDDM)
Australia - New Zealand

Story


      
    
In 1956, two sisters waved goodbye to their community and homeland and left from Naples on a ship bound for Sydney, Australia. They were to be the first missionaries to this continent, placing all their trust in the Lord in faith following the desire of the Founder to extend our mission to “promising Oceania”. 
     
     One of those first sisters, Sr. M. Annunziata, is still with us living now in our community of Camberwell, Victoria, still active and full of zeal as she continues to witness with enthusiasm the spirit she received from the Founder. 
 


Sr. M Annunziata Stanizzi (in the middle) with sisters and friends
PDDM Community, Sydney

        The two sisters settled in Strathfield NSW and eventually had their own little convent. Within ten years, the community comprised five sisters, 1 italian, 1 maltese, 2 japanese and 1 spanish. The first liturgical centre was opened in Sydney and the first Australian lady joined them. 

       In 1972 at the request of the Archbishop of Melbourne, the sisters extended their roots from NSW to Victoria and commenced the first house dedicated to the sick and elderly priests of the Archdiocese. 

      In 1974, the Bishop of Auckland invited the sisters to go to New Zealand, specifically for our mission of Eucharistic Adoration in the Cathedral. Four sisters set off to begin a little community there and the Lord has continued to bless this endeavour with the growing apostolate.          


PDDM Sisters in Auckland posing with Bishop


For more information
 please write or contact