Commissioning and Commitment: something deeper stirring within

When a new leader assumes responsibility, an organisation is provided with the opportunity to reflect on the core of its mission and to celebrate its distinctive nature. This was particularly evident at the Commissioning of the 26th Principal of Loreto Normanhurst, Marina Ugonotti, in mid February. Members of Marina’s family gathered with the Loreto Normanhurst community and friends from across the Loreto network to celebrate the Eucharist and bless Marina with prayer, song, oil, symbols from our tradition and affirmation.

In the Commissioning Ceremony Marina articulated a powerful Pledge of Commitment, which outlined her vision for the College and her aspirations as a Loreto leader in a long line of exemplary Normanhurst principals. Her pledge was grounded in a deep love of Jesus, commitment to the Gospel and the charism of Mary Ward – that distinctive spirit which is our inheritance. At a fraught time in our Australian Catholic context, Marina pledged to build a strong sense of Christian community, offering a genuine experience of what Church is and can be, within the context of the wider Church.

At a Reception after the Eucharist Marina thanked all those who had called her into the ministry of leadership, and outlined the hopes and questions burning within her. In many ways Marina’s stance echoed the eagerness of our Mary Ward statue: And I know my hands and feet are ready because I know that there is something deeper stirring within and that I venture forth into this vocation buoyed by the hope central to the vibrancy of youth and the spirit of Mary Ward, and inspired by the visionary leadership of you my colleagues and friends.

As her colleagues and friends, we wish Marina God’s blessing and assurance of our prayerful and practical support in the days and years to come. You may like to meet Marina in person via her Principal’s Welcome in the video here.