Caroline was born in England in 1808 and raised in an Anglican family. Even as a child, she was very interested in immigration and felt drawn to help the less fortunate. When Caroline was 22, Archibald Chisholm, a faithful Catholic and a Captain in the East India Army company, asked her to marry him. Caroline agreed on one condition: that he would support her in helping those in need, as she understood that to be a special calling for her. Archibald agreed. Caroline soon converted to Catholicism, and the two raised their family in the Church. While living in Madras, Caroline opened the Female School of Industry, a school for orphaned girls, illegitimate daughters of British soldiers, and local women.

In 1838, Archibald’s health was failing, so Caroline and her family moved to Sydney, Australia in hopes that a more temperate climate would help Archibald feel better. Caroline was appalled by the poor treatment of the migrant women living in Sydney. She went to work immediately, advocating to get the women jobs, better working conditions, and shelter. Three years later, she founded the Female Emigrant’s Home, where women found shelter and assistance finding jobs.

In her first seven years in Australia, Caroline helped over 11,000 immigrants. Her compassion and love for the poor and lonely arriving in Australia is so well-known and respected that her picture is on Australia’s original $5 bill. Caroline continued to advocate, write, and speak on immigration rights until she became bedridden the last few years of her life. Caroline died at the age of 68, and her husband Archibald died five months later.

•In what way does God “dwell” with us?

•Jesus says that the Holy Spirit is a teacher and a reminder. What would you like the Holy Spirit to teach you? What are some things you want to be reminded of by the Holy Spirit?

•What is the difference between the peace of the world vs. the peace of Jesus?

•Servant of God Caroline Jones Chisholm knew God had called her to serve those in need. How did her vocation to marriage help her do that?

Celebrate the vocation to marriage of Servant of God Caroline Jones Chisholm and her husband, Archibald, by decorating some mini-wedding cakes today using this frosting.

Take the time to let someone know you care, even if they are not physically with you.

Write a letter to a relative, friend, neighbor, or someone from your parish asking them how they are doing, letting them know how you are, and offering to pray for them.

You can add drawings, prayer cards, or pictures before mailing it to them.

Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary

The Holy Spirit is particularly present in the Joyful Mysteries.

Recite a rosary together as a family, meditating on the Joyful Mysteries.

To find the prayers of the rosary and the Joyful Mysteries, please visit: https://www.usccb.org/how-to-pray-the-rosary

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