Loreto News updates

Welcoming Mary Ward Peregrina to our Schools

During the recent Loreto Ministries Stewardship & Governance Conference, Principals were each gifted a Mary Ward doll to share with their school community. Our colleagues at Instituto de Educação Beatíssima Virgem Maria (Beá), a Mary Ward school in São Paulo, Brazil kindly gifted our Province ten Mary Ward dolls as part of the Mary Ward Peregrina initiative.

As Mary Ward travels through each Loreto school community, her backpack will carry a green blanket symbolising comfort and unity of the Congregation of Jesus, along with prayers for the Beatification of Mary Ward and for those experiencing illness.

Her joyful presence in our Province serves as a reminder that although oceans may separate us geographically, our global Mary Ward family is united by our shared mission and charism.

Loreto Federation 2026 is coming to Kirribilli

Loreto Federation returns this October, bringing together our circle of friends for a weekend of connection, conversation and inspiration. Featuring more than 50 speakers and keynote presentations from Grace Brennan, founder and CEO of Buy from the Bush, and Elouise Massa, whose advocacy led to the introduction of Joe’s Law in NSW; this year’s conference promises thought-provoking discussions, meaningful connections and plenty of opportunities to celebrate the Loreto spirit.

Loreto celebrates the commissioning and blessing of Christine Shaw

On Friday 22 May, the Loreto College Ballarat community gathered for a special Eucharistic Celebration to officially commission and bless the College’s 32nd Principal, Christine Shaw. In her address, Chris reflected on Mary Ward’s vision of an “open circle of friends”, sharing that true unity is not found in sameness, but in embracing diversity and creating a strong sense of belonging for all.

Entrusted with leading Loreto College Ballarat into its next 150 years, Chris spoke of the privilege of building on the College’s rich heritage while nurturing a welcoming, faith-filled community for future generations.

Telling the story of 400 years in one hour – The Joy of Being One

The Joy of Being One event was born from a simple desire shared by Sisters Marg Finlay and Margie O’Sullivan CJ – to gather the Loreto circle of friends to celebrate the historic coming together of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Congregation of Jesus, and to better understand what this means for our future.

Past pupils, staff, parents and Sisters gathered at Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak in May for an evening of storytelling and reflection as Sr Sandra Perrett CJ and Michelle McCarty, Director of Mission & Student Leadership, traced 400 years of Mary Ward’s vision and the remarkable journey that has led us to this moment.

Striding out, spirited & strong – celebrating our heritage

On Sunday 19 July 2026, we celebrated the first Loreto Heritage Day following the historic merger of the IBVM and CJ institutes. From Mary Ward and Teresa Ball to Mother Gonzaga Barry and her nine companions, many remarkable women have boldly stepped forward in faith, laying the foundations of a legacy that continues today through Loreto schools, ministries and communities across our Province.

Student voices for justice across the Loreto network

Across the Loreto network, students are responding to the challenges of our world with creativity, compassion and a commitment to social justice. In ‘The Girl I Am; the Change I Lead’ webinar, student leaders from Loreto schools across Australia shared the initiatives they are leading in their communities to continue Mary Ward’s call to seek truth and do justice.

Choosing joy – celebrating the Year of Felicity across Loreto

Inspired by Sr Trish Franklin CJ’s reminder that “there is nothing wrong with being happy,” school communities are exploring this Mary Ward value through creative artworks and thoughtful reflection. In this issue, we explore how Loreto College Ballarat and Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak are bringing this value to life.

Legacy of connection – the story of Loreto Federation

Long before Australia became a federation, Mother Gonzaga Barry imagined a federation of another kind – a lasting connection that would unite Loreto women long after they left the classroom. Discover how Gonzaga’s vision has flourished over more than 70 years of Loreto Federation, bringing generations of alumnae and friends together and inspiring this year’s conference at Loreto Kirribilli.

In Loving Memory of Sr Leonie Peterson CJ

It is with sadness that the CJ Sisters (Loreto) of Australia and South-East Asia announce the peaceful death of Sr Leonie Peterson CJ on Sunday, 24 May 2026, aged 88. Born in Subiaco, Western Australia, on 16 February 1938, Leonie attended Loreto Convent Claremont before entering the Loreto Sisters in 1956.

Sr Veronica Fuhrmann CJ visits the Province at a significant moment

It is not often that a General Superior visits Australia, but in March Sr Veronica Fuhrmann CJ spent a month in the Province, meeting with Sisters, staff and school communities at a significant moment in our shared story. We thank Sr Veronica for her presence across the Province and hold her in prayer as she continues her leadership of the Congregation of Jesus.