Dying to Die Book Launch

August 23, 2026 | Current News

We are blessed to share many joy-filled celebrations with our families, Oblates and friends here at Jamberoo Abbey and Saturday 22 August, proved to be another wonderful day enjoyed by all! The occasion was the launch of Sr Antonia Curtis’ latest book, Dying to Die. As we were not able to livestream the event, we thought we’d tell you a bit about the book, the author and the celebration!

The day was perfect weather-wise and 66 guests joined us in the Abbey church at 11.00 a.m. for the celebration. Our MC for the occasion was Julie Fisher, Publishing Coordinator for Ultimate World Publishing. Julie travelled from Melbourne for the launch accompanied by a friend, and we were delighted to have her with us as she had worked closely with Antonia during the publishing process.

The launch began with a Blessing Song followed by an Acknowledgment of Country from Dr Ed Wensing (Antonia’s brother-in-law). From there Sr Mary Barnes, our Prioress, welcomed the guests and began by telling us that Antonia did not seem to have grasped the concept of retirement! She went on to say that since retiring as Novice Mistress, she launched herself into a whole new ministry – giving online retreats, offering reflections and somewhere in the midst of it all, she discovered she is an author and hasn’t stopped writing since!

In reference to the book’s exploration of death and dying, Mary also shared the qualities which Antonia embodies not only in her writing but in her life and living: “In this book, she approaches dying with the same qualities with which she approaches life: honesty, faith, practicality, humour and a wonderful capacity to notice the natural world around her. Rather than pushing death to the edges of our consciousness, Antonia invites us to bring it into the light: to think about it, talk about it, prepare for it and, ultimately, to see dying as part of the journey of life and of faith.”

Following this introduction, Dr. Sarah Thompson, a Palliative Care Physician who contributed a chapter to the book, shared a powerfully moving reflection on dying, love, kindness, hope and the mystery of death. She noted early in her talk that her job as a palliative care physician can be challenging at times but also rich in connection and joy. Sarah noted that she relies heavily on the prayer of our community as she navigates her way through the demands of her role.

Sarah said of the book that, “Whilst Sr. Antonia and the contributors do not shy away from courageous questions about loss and suffering, which need to be asked, nor from the costliness of love, we will find hope and a certain energy and life force among the pages of the book.”

After a pause to allow the powerful words to settle within us, Srs Magdalen and Petra invited us to contemplate the mystery of God’s holy darkness with their vocal rendition of Dan Schutte’s song, Holy Darkness accompanied by Sr Mary Bernadette on the organ. It was a stunning performance.

Julie Fisher and Antonia then spoke about the book and the publishing process. Antonia began by telling us what the book is not! She said it isn’t a research based scientific study of how people die nor a theological treatise on dying and it’s certainly not an intellectual discussion of dying.

Rather, she said, “It IS a book that uses the theology of the rule of St Benedict. Benedictine theology is a heart theology, a warm theology, a Christ centred theology and a relational theology. It is not a head theology. So, despite the subject matter it is hopefully a warm book. Above all it is a spiritual book, a book that expresses an existential spirituality rooted in the everyday reality of our living and of our dying.”

Following this, Kerry Wensing, who also contributed a chapter to the book, shared a short reflection. Kerry is one of Antonia’s sisters, so this was a special and moving moment for us all.

Then once again we heard Magdalen’s magnificent voice as she sang Ave Maria followed by a haunting organ voluntary, Gabriel’s Oboe from The Mission, played by Mary Bernadette.

The whole of the launch was saturated with beauty and joy, and everyone was uplifted by the experience of hearing such wonderful reflections on dying and living and the glorious music. It was indeed a very beautiful celebration made all the more special by the fact that both Sarah and Antonia celebrated their birthdays that day as well.

A light lunch followed in the Abbey guestry along with rich conversation and much laughter. Many books were sold and guests then joined the queue seeking Antonia’s autograph which included a personal message for each one.

We congratulate Antonia on the publication and launch of Dying to Die and thank her for the time, reflection, prayer and love she poured into this exploration of a journey which each of us will take at some point in our lives.