Province Leadership
The Loreto Province of Australia and South East Asia is led by Sr Wendy Hildebrand CJ, who began her four-year term as Province Leader in May 2025. She is supported by Sr Mercia Richards CJ and Sr Angela Slattery CJ, who work alongside her as full-time consultors in a new model of collaborative leadership.
Together, they guide the Province with shared discernment, faith, and a commitment to the mission of Mary Ward, continuing to nurture the spiritual, educational, and social ministries that serve communities across Australia and South-East Asia.
Province Council
Sr Wendy Hildebrand CJ
Sr Wendy Hildebrand brings to the role of Province Leader a deep well of experience in education, social work, and leadership. She began her ministry teaching at Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak and Loreto Normanhurst before moving into senior roles in social service organisations, where she led programs supporting people facing marginalisation and disadvantage. Previously serving as Province Leader for six years, Wendy is known for her vision, energy and collaborative spirit.
Sr Mercia Richards CJ
Sr Mercia Richards has served as a Province Councillor, Loreto Community Leader, educator and spiritual director. Deeply grounded in the Ignatian tradition, she brings a reflective, participatory approach to leadership. Mercia draws inspiration from Mother Gonzaga Barry’s encouragement to “remain faithful to grace” – a reminder of the presence and promptings of the Spirit in times of change.
Sr Angela Slattery CJ
Sr Angela Slattery is a respected educator in pastoral and spiritual care. She has taught in several Loreto schools and spent two decades in the Kimberley region, offering adult religious education across Indigenous communities in the Diocese of Broome. Angela has also supported formation of Loreto Sisters in Australia and Vietnam, and actively participated in justice movements such as the Women’s March for Justice. Her compassionate leadership continues to reflect Mary Ward’s bold vision.
