The Loreto community will embark on a year-long celebration in 2025 marking 150 years since Mother Gonzaga Barry and her nine companions arrived in Melbourne, later settling in Ballarat in May 1875.
Their journey, grounded in faith and a profound sense of purpose, laid the foundation for what would become an enduring legacy of education, community, and leadership through the Loreto tradition in Australia and South East Asia.
Maureen Ryan, Loreto Ministries CEO, pictured with Grace Winoto, Loreto Province, and Loreto Sisters Sandra Perrett and Maria Bongiorno with their freshly baked Loreto Brown Bread. PHOTO: Loreto Sisters website.
When Mother Gonzaga Barry was asked why she took on the challenge of leading the group of Sisters to Australia, despite the emotional and physical toll of leaving her beloved Ireland, simply said: “If I had not agreed to go, I would have been unfaithful to grace.” These words encapsulate Mother Gonzaga Barry’s deep connection to God’s grace and her unwavering sense of mission. She saw beyond the constraints of her time, recognising the immense potential of women and the transformative power of nurturing relationships – with oneself, others, and God.
The Loreto tradition, inspired by Mother Gonzaga Barry’s vision, has grown exponentially over time, encompassing six Loreto schools, along with Bayview College in Portland and John XXIII College in Perth. To mark this significant milestone, the Loreto schools have collaborated on a travelling exhibition, which they have been busily preparing throughout the year. This exhibition will feature a diverse range of creative works, including a revised version of the centenary play written by Sr Veronica Brady, adjusted for contemporary audiences. Other artistic works are in production and will be released throughout 2025 as part of the travelling exhibition.
The celebration will be underpinned by the tagline “Being Faithful to Grace”, which is reflected in the artwork designed to mark this occasion. This artwork was designed by former Year 8 Loreto College Ballarat student, Evie Davidson, and serves as a visual representation of this theme. Evie, a proud Dja Dja Wurung woman, was inspired to create this logo after a workshop run by Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann.
Loreto Sister, Sandra Perrett ibvm, recently spoke with Evie, who said that she “chose a Eucalyptus branch with blossoms under a night sky. The final logo incorporates the blue waters of Lake Wendouree, adjacent to Loreto College Ballarat, which was integral to the traditional owners, the Wadawurrung People. The seven clusters of stars represent the seven professed sisters who accompanied Gonzaga Barry to establish Loreto”.
“Coincidentally, the first Loreto newsletter in 1890 was called the ‘Loretto Eucalyptus Blossoms’, based on the magnificent blossoms on the Eucalyptus trees in the gardens inside the grounds of Loreto, so I chose to highlight that connection in my painting. The elements are brought together by the symbolic songlines dotted with yarning circles throughout time, depicting the shared journey we are all on together”, Evie explained.
As part of this project, Evie was mentored by Lua Pelligrini, a proud Wiradjuri woman who grew up on Darug Country and is a Loreto Normanhurst alumna, who has recently completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Arts, majoring in Indigenous Studies at the University of NSW.
All are invited to join the Loreto community in next year’s celebrations in honour of 150 years of grace, growth, and faithful leadership in the Loreto tradition.
The Victorian Loreto Sisters recently gathered with the Loreto Centre staff to mark the preliminary launch of 150 Years of Loreto in Australia and South East Asia.
Sr Sandra Perrett ibvm shared a preview of the 2025 events and creative projects the Loreto Schools are bringing to life for next year’s exhibition.
As part of the celebration, several Sisters and Loreto Ministries’ team members tried their hand at baking a loaf of Loreto Brown Bread following the original recipe created by Sr Bernada ibvm.
All are invited to join the Loreto community in next year’s celebrations in honour of 150 years of grace, growth, and faithful leadership in the Loreto tradition.
This article is taken from articles published on the Loreto website and Facebook page.