“Who is this woman? Where is she going? Why is she travelling so far? Striding out, spirited and strong pursuing her dream to its end.”
These lyrics from the ‘Lead Us On, Mary Ward’ hymn, composed by Sr Deirdre Browne CJ, inspired this year’s Loreto Heritage Day theme – Striding Out, Spirited and Strong. Written in 2009 to mark the 400th anniversary of Mary Ward’s first schools, this hymn is inspired by a sculpture by Meliesa Judge depicting Mary Ward mid-stride as she boldly steps forward. This stance is both a direct reference to her extensive travels through Europe on foot, and symbolic of her strength and enduring spirit.
As we celebrated the first Loreto Heritage Day following the historic merger of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Congregation of Jesus, we reflected on the remarkable women whose faith, fortitude and vision have shaped our story and continue to guide us today.
From Mary Ward, whose bold dream of an apostolic life for women was centuries ahead of its time, to Teresa Ball, who established Loreto in Ireland, and Mother Gonzaga Barry and her nine companions, who journeyed to Australia in response to a growing need for Catholic education, each stepped forward with courage, fortitude, and faith, leaving a legacy on which others could build. Today, this legacy flourishes across Australia and around the world through Loreto ministries, schools and communities.
The Loreto Province of Australia and South East Asia shared reflections and treasures from the archives on their Facebook and Instagram pages in the lead up to Loreto Heritage Day on 19 July.
Learn more about Loreto Heritage Day:
Discover this year’s Loreto Heritage Day campaign on Facebook and Instagram.
Listen to Sr Deirdre Browne CJ’s ‘Lead Us On, Mary Ward’ hymn, sung by the Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak choir onYouTube.
Listen to Sr Deirdre Browne CJ talk about the inspiration behind the ‘Lead Us On, Mary Ward’ hymn onYouTube.
Learn more about the ten strong, spirited women who established Loreto in Australia by exploring the banners from the 150 Years travelling exhibitionHERE.
Read the digitally enhanced versions of Mother Gonzaga Barry’s travel diariesHERE.
