NINETY-FIVE-year-old Coffs Harbour resident Sister Anne Henson has written her first book, “Subjects Matter: Topics to Consider in Our Search for Meaning”.
In the easy-to-read anthology of 39 short articles, Sister Anne tackles topics including gratitude, joy, kindness, loneliness, care for the environment, ageism, courage, growing old gracefully and more.
Sister Anne has lived at the Marion Grove Retirement Village for almost 30 years.
For the past decade, she has been writing a conversational column for In Touch, the Marian Grove monthly newsletter.
The response to her wise, accessible, and often gently witty pieces, encouraged her to compile a single volume.
Early readers say the book offers solace, inspiration and quiet reflection.
Writing the book has helped to keep Sister Anne young at heart and outward-looking into her later years she said.
“It’s been a great help to me to have this to focus on every month.
“And the ideas still keep coming.”
There will be a book launch at Marian Grove Recreation Centre.
Former local police officer, Cross of Valour recipient, and best-selling author, Al Sparkes, will officially launch the book.
Sister Anne will participate in a Q&A and book signings with her work available at the Book Warehouse in Coffs Harbour.
“I’m delighted to have this book in our store,”manager Julie Holgate told News Of The Area.
“Local books always do well. And it’s especially nice to have such a positive and nurturing book to offer the community.
“It will make the perfect Christmas gift in what, for many, has been a difficult year.”
Sister Anne’s vocation has always included spiritual and pastoral care, offered formally and informally within the village community.
Born in 1930, she has served as a secondary school teacher and principal (including at St John Paul College), an adult faith educator, and a volunteer in aged care ministry.
Many in the region will remember her years of visiting residents at Mater Christi.
“I hope that readers will read Subjects Matter with positive feelings about themselves and be convinced that they can make a difference by doing what they can, when and where they can,” she said.
“This really comes down to being kind to people we meet along the way.”
By Andrea FERRARI
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