Loreto News updates

Mary Ward Week 2026

Today, we begin a week-long celebration honouring the remarkable life and legacy of Mary Ward, whose journey inspires us to look towards the future of the Congregation of Jesus with joyful hearts. Mary Ward Week begins on 23 January, in honour of her birthday in 1585, and concludes on 30 January, the anniversary of her death in 1645.

This year’s theme emphasises Mary Ward, the risk-taker, and invites us to carry her charism in our hearts in new and emerging ways following the merger of the Congregation of Jesus and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In Loving Memory of Sr Claire Gardiner CJ

It is with sadness that the CJ Sisters (Loreto) of Australia and South-East Asia announce the peaceful death of Sr Claire Gardiner (M. Borromeo) on Thursday, 16 January at St Peter’s Residential Aged Care, Lane Cove, New South Wales.

Funeral details to follow.

In Loving Memory of Sr Thérèse Lechte CJ

It is with sadness that the CJ Sisters (Loreto) of Australia and South-East Asia announce the peaceful death of Sr Thérèse Lechte CJ on Tuesday, 6th January in St Vincent’s Aged Care Hawthorn.

Sr Thérèse’s ministry appointments over 60 plus years gave her wide scope to share her vibrant and infectious personality, love of life and delight in friendships across the country. As a teacher in Loreto schools and then an adult educator, Thérèse gave enthusiastic dedication to all she was invited to do and is fondly remembered by those whom she taught and engaged.

A Requiem Mass will be celebrated for Thérèse in St Joseph’s Chapel, Havelock Street, Hawthorn East on Tuesday 20th January at 10.30am with the burial at Springvale Cemetery at 2pm.

An Australian Christmas Carol

Christmas Blessings from Loreto Australia and South East Asia

A Loreto Christmas

Explore how the Loreto Sisters in Australia celebrated Christmas, from festive cribs and holiday hymns to heartfelt letters and seasonal retreats.

First Loreto Global Voices Exceeds Expectations

In the first event of its kind, Loreto Global Voices – London brought together Australian women working in the UK and Europe who all had one thing in common – they all went to a Loreto school in Australia!

The links of a Loreto education are so strong, and its values so unifying, that when alumnae from Loreto Ballarat, Coorparoo, Kirribilli, Marryatville, Normanhurst and Toorak joined together, it was a gathering of a true sisterhood.

Stronger Together: The Aurora Education Foundation

Mary Ward International and the Loreto Sisters are proud to announce a six-year partnership with the Aurora Education Foundation (Aurora), a First Nations organisation dedicated to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to achieve their educational and employment goals on their own terms. Aurora works alongside existing structures, placing culture and identity at the centre of learning so that students can build confidence, pursue their aspirations, and realise their full potential.

The Loreto Express: Celebrating 150 Years of Faith and Vision John XXIII College’s Journey Through Time

This year, John XXIII College marked a significant milestone: 150 years since Mother Mary Gonzaga Barry arrived in Australia, carrying with her the vision that would help to shape Catholic education across our continent. Echoing the call of the late Pope Francis to be Pilgrims of Hope in the Jubilee Year, our amalgamated community of Loreto and Jesuit traditions honoured this anniversary with the Loreto Express – an immersive journey that would bring history to life for our entire school community.

Grace Opens: A New Chapter for Loreto Coorparoo

On Thursday 4 September, Loreto College Coorparoo celebrated the official opening and blessing of Grace, a transformative new space for learning, gathering, and prayer.

Donna Orazio Loreto College Coorparoo Board Chair, described the event as “a moment that marks a new chapter for the College and for all who will be shaped by the vision and purpose it represents.” The day reflected the culmination of six years of planning, design, and collaboration between staff, board members, consultants, and the wider Loreto community.

Blessings of the Way: Principals Walk in the Footsteps of Mary Ward, Teresa Ball and Gonzaga Barry

During the recent term break, principals from Loreto schools across Australia undertook a rare and deeply meaningful pilgrimage, led by Sr Sandra Perrett. Titled Blessings of the Way, the retreat marked 150 years of Loreto education in Australia and traced the story of the Institute from Ireland to England, from the vision of Mary Ward to the mission of Teresa Ball and the courage of Gonzaga Barry.