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Pitch Your Tents on Distant Shores

A History of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in
Australia, Aotearoa/New Zealand and Tahiti
By Catherine Kovesi

Pitch Your Tents on Distant Shores is lavishly illustrated throughout the 460 pages. 270mm x 210mm. ISBN 0949 853 984

Pitch Your Tents on Distant Shores documents and analyses the work and experiences of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in Australia, Aotearoa/New Zealand and Tahiti since their arrival in Melbourne, Australia in 1863.

Here is a revealing insight into the lives of marginalised women and children during the turbulent Gold Rush
era and beyond and the support provided by the Sisters. The author details the attitudes and approach of the
Sisters across 143 years and how these changed from a stance of protection to one of integration in society for the women and girls in their care.

The current work of the Sisters includes providing assistance to families, children, women in prison, victims of
domestic and sexual assault, fair trade initiatives and working to combat the trafficking of women, as well as
imaginative solutions for those in financial distress.

Pitch Your Tents on Distant Shores was researched and written by Catherine Kovesi, an historian, author and
senior lecturer at the University of Melbourne, with the assistance of the Good Shepherd Sisters.
'Catherine has written an engaging account of the extraordinary work of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd
in Australia spanning 143 years. Detailed, yet told with intensity and energy, this book contrasts the
religious life led by the Sisters with the massive social challenges and changes experienced through the decades.
The journey, from 1863 to the present day, shows how the Sisters have radically responded to meet
the needs of our community in the 21st Century'. Peter McPhee, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic,
University of Melbourne

'Presenting the life story of the Sisters of Good Shepherd, Pitch Your Tents on Distant Shores,
fascinatingly documents the inspiring stories of the women who established the order in Australia
and later New Zealand and Tahiti. With courage and insight, it details their work from the 1860’s
to the present day, illustrating the new path of a now much smaller group of committed religious
women, as they face a post-modern society with new needs and different challenges. A great read'.
Sister Rosemary Crumlin RSM, OAM

'The rich historical association of the Abbotsford Convent and its surroundings, the architectural importance
of the buildings and the pioneering social role played by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, as portrayed in
Pitch Your Tents on Distant Shores, combine to make the Abbotsford Convent a remarkable place - a unique place that will continue to serve the community into the future'. Tony Lee, National Trust of Australia (Victoria)

Money Orders & Cheques should be made payable to the Good Shepherd Sisters Limited
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Post/fax order form and payment to Good Shepherd Sisters PO Box 182, Abbotsford, 3067.
Fax: 613 9419 4472