From the Principal

I wrote in last week’s Newsletter of my intention to reference one of our Founders, Mary Ward, in this week’s Newsletter, given it was Mary Ward’s Feast Day on 30 January and 2025 marks 150 years of Loreto in Australia. For the benefit of those who are new to our community, John XXIII College is blessed to have three Founders, St Pope John XXIII, St Ignatius of Loyola and Mary Ward. 

Given 2025 is a Jubilee Year and has been designated by Pope Francis as a time to renew ourselves as Pilgrims of Hope, it seems particularly fitting to explore the legacy of Mary Ward as a true pilgrim of hope and celebrate her spirit which continues to inspire those who seek to transform the world with courage and conviction. 

Mary Ward was born in 1585, in the heart of England during a time when religious tensions ran high. At that point in history, the Catholic faith was undergoing tremendous persecution, but Mary Ward’s vision was not bound by the limitations of her time.

What made Mary Ward extraordinary was her ability to see beyond the present reality and imagine a very different future both for her Church and society more generally. Her journey, however, was not an easy one and like any true pilgrim of hope, she faced immense challenges and was often misunderstood and rejected by Church authorities, whose structures did not welcome her progressive vision. She was even imprisoned for a time, not once but twice!

Mary Ward’s legacy is a testimony to the power of perseverance. It was through her life and the community she established, that an indelible mark of love, strength, and transformation was left. 

Fast forward to 1875 when Mother Gonzaga Barry and her companions established the first Loreto school in Victoria Australia, and fast forward again to 2024 where we see the powerful legacy of Mary Ward continue in the thoughtful words of senior student leaders of Loreto schools across Australia in their writing of the Verity prayer for 2025: 

Gracious God of truth and love,

You call us to live and lead with verity. May we be seekers of truth,

always seizing opportunities to be of service to those in need. Guide us to uncover our potential,

that we may empower others to share their unique gifts. May we embrace daily endeavours wholeheartedly,

and live the example of Mary Ward - acting not out of fear, but solely from love.

This is our verity, to do what we have to do well.

We make this prayer through Jesus and the Holy Spirit: Let us dare to be true.

Amen.

Daniel Mahon

Principal