Faith and Mission
From the Mission and Identity Team
Journeying with Mary Ward - Mulwith and Ripley Hall Reflection
While on pilgrimage, with members of the Loreto Network last term, we visited Mulwith where Mary Ward was born and Ripley Hall, where Mary Ward visited as child, both pictured below. It struck me while I was there that Mary Ward really did live a life of privilege, a life that many Catholic families at the time would not have had. Mary Ward was born into an affluent English Catholic family during a time of severe religious persecution. Her privileged background provided her with access to education and resources that were denied to many, especially women. Instead of retreating into the comfort her status afforded and what many in her position did, she used her advantage to challenge societal norms and advocate for women's active roles in the Church and in education.
Mary Ward’s journey was not without challenges and opposition. The Church opposed her ideas as radical and dangerous. Despite facing imprisonment and suppression, Mary Ward's resilience and unwavering faith drove her life's mission. Her ability to navigate these obstacles was aided by her privileged upbringing, which had equipped her with the confidence, education, and networks necessary to pursue her goals.
Reflecting on Mary Ward's life, it becomes evident that privilege, when paired with a deep sense of purpose and justice, can be a powerful catalyst for positive change. Mary Ward's legacy is a testament to how personal advantage can be transformed into action. Her life encourages us to consider how we might similarly use our own privilege to advocate for and support the marginalised and underrepresented in our society.
Inspiring Loreto Women!
We were lucky to have Sr Anne Kelly ibvm, who is an Old Scholar from Marryatville, visit us last week. Sr Anne has done many wonderful things including time as a principal at Loreto Coorparoo and Loreto Kirribilli. But it is her work with Social Advocacy that was an inspiration for our students. Sr Anne engaged our SRC and Justice reps about the work she has done as a Loreto Sister following in the footsteps of Mary Ward. Sr Anne spoke about her time in Northern Uganda when she worked with Sudanese refugees. This was a highlight for our girls as they learned that not everything goes smoothly and that it is always important to learn peoples’ stories before you make decisions, putting the Catholic Social Teaching of Subsidiarity and Participation into action.
Social Justice Captain Alyssia T said: “As a Social Justice Captain, hearing Sr Anne Kelly speak strengthened my desire to participate in social activism, whether it’s on a small or large scale. Further, witnessing fellow leaders, especially the younger Justice Representatives and SRC, listen in awe as she spoke of the social change she has achieved in our community and beyond was inspiring! Sr Anne has inspired me and, I believe, all of our Justice Representatives and SRCs. I am confident that through her inspiring words we can pass on the wise words and impact of Sr Anne to the rest of the girls at school and spread the passion for social justice”.
Service Learning at Loreto Marryatville
As the autumn temperatures start to change and the days get darker and colder, our Year 12 students are trying to make other peoples' days a little brighter. Every Thursday our students attend a morning tea where they provide a ‘cuppa and a chat’ to people in the community. Service learning provides students with opportunities to engage with people with various backgrounds and challenges students in developmentally appropriate ways to think and act in ways that reflect values that are consistent with the Gospel.
Our Liturgical Life
Week four saw the celebration of Chapel Mass with Year 9 hosting, and Fr Chris Jenkins SJ presiding. The theme for this Mass was ‘Laudato Si’. Currently we are in Laudato Si’ week and during Laudato Si' Week, the Year 9 Mass highlighted themes of ecological justice and care for our common home. The Mass emphasised the Catholic Social Teaching of Stewardship of the Earth, inspired by Pope Francis' encyclical, and the girls and teachers reflected on how they could live simply. Prayers and homilies focused on environmental protection, sustainability, and solidarity with the poor and vulnerable affected by climate change. The girls also prayed for the work of the Loreto sisters and the Loreto Justice Network in the work that they do promoting sustainable practices and highlighting the impact that we have on our planet.
Reconciliation Week
National Sorry Day - 26th May
On May 26, 1997, a report was presented entitled “Bringing them Home”. Prepared by the National Enquiry into the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, it included sad and painful stories of the removal of thousands of Indigenous children from their families. The report recommended that a
Sorry Day should be held. This day is a National Day of Healing Day and takes place each year the day before the commencement of National Reconciliation Week.
To learn more about the work of the Loreto Justice Network and the Loreto Sisters with responding to their call to advocate to First Nations Peoples: https://www.loreto.org.au/justice/rights-of-first-nations-peoples/
Ms Martina O'Connell
Assistant Principal: Mission and Identity