Southern Highlands News - The hidden Mittagong sanctuary with a surprising 120-year story

“But in setting upright the cocktail glass in the aftermath of the commotion, didn’t he also exhibit an essential faith that by the smallest of one’s actions one can restore some sense of order in the world.” From “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towle Greetings from the Hermitage The observation above is from Viktor Stepanovich, a character in the bestselling novel “A Gentleman in Moscow” by American author Amor Towles. It is a beautifully written book, first published in 2016 and now a popular mini-series which you can watch on SBS or Paramount+. I would highly recommend both the book and the series, which stars Ewan McGregor as Count Alexander Rostov – the “gentleman in Moscow.” Without giving away too much of the plot, it is set in post revolution Russia. Deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal, Alexander is sentenced to house arrest indefinitely, not in some faraway gulag, but in the lavish Metropol Hotel in Moscow. And so, the story (and the fun) begins.   Continue reading at this link: June Hermitage Newsletter 2026 

Marcellin in the Age of AI: Why “Good Christians and Good Citizens” Still Matters - Br Darren Burge Reflects on Champagnat Day and Pope Leo’s Encyclical Today we observe Champagnat Day, marking the anniversary of the day that Marcellin Champagnat entered eternal life. More than two centuries later, Marcellin’s dream of forming “good Christians and good citizens” has taken on a renewed urgency. This call resonates strongly in light of Pope Leo XIV’s recent encyclical, which challenges us to safeguard what is deeply human in an era of unprecedented technological advancement. Drawing inspiration from the Holy Father’s reflection, Br Darren Burge, Provincial of Star of the Sea Province, explores how Marcellin’s vision continues to speak powerfully to our contemporary world. He reflects on what it means to form “good citizens” in an age shaped by artificial intelligence, rapid technological change, and growing social complexity. Continue Reading at this link: A Champagnat Day Message from Br Darren Burge 

Greetings from The Hermitage! May, the month of Mary and the blessings of Autumn Mary does not let us remain fallen and at times she takes us into her arms without judging us. Our converse with her consoles, frees and sanctifies us. Pope Francis. Gaudete Et Exultate #176 In the Catholic tradition, the month of May is a time dedicated to Mary. This tradition goes back to the 13th century and has more of a northern hemisphere focus as it has some alignment with the northern hemisphere seasons – the new life bursting through Spring and into Summer. However, that has never stopped us here in Australia from celebrating this universal observance. In fact, there has been, and in some cases still is, a strong devotion to Mary for many Catholics in this country which goes back to the early days of the colony. With very few priests to minister to the flock, lay people helped to keep their faith alive by gathering to pray the Rosary, thus developing a deep devotion to Mary. This practice continued for a long time – I remember as a kid myself in the 1970s being involved in ‘home rosaries’ as parishioners gathered in one another’s homes each week during May to pray the Rosary.   Continue reading at this link: May Hermitage Newsletter 2026