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.
It is with sadness that the CJ Sisters (Loreto) of Australia and South-East Asia announce the peaceful death of Sr Anne McPhee CJ (Sr Magdalen) on Monday, 20th April, 2026 in St Vincent’s Aged Care Hawthorn. Anne’s keen intellect, broad interests and sharp wit with generous peals of enjoyment, brought lightness and laughter, reminding all who knew her that joy and kindness are vital acts of faith.
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.
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.
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.
Christmas Blessings from Loreto Australia and South East Asia
Explore how the Loreto Sisters in Australia celebrated Christmas, from festive cribs and holiday hymns to heartfelt letters and seasonal retreats.
Following prayer, reflection and engagement of members, the two congregations of apostolic women religious, Congregatio Jesu (CJ) and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM- Loreto) merged today. The merged Congregatio Jesu, approximately 1,800 sisters worldwide, will continue to honour the legacy and charism of its foundress Venerable Mary Ward. The merger of the two congregations became a canonical and legal reality at 12:00 PM CET (Rome time) on 4 November 2025.
NAIDOC Week 2025 – was celebrated from Sunday 6th July – 13th July. This year was the 50th Anniversary of this wonderful week. NAIDOC Week is a very important soul-deep celebration for our First Nations People. It is a time to feast on the joy and pride of culture and to connect with the wider Australian Community. Even in years marked by hardship and upheaval, it has always been a powerful reminder of survival, resilience and the ongoing achievements of First Nations Peoples.
It is with great sadness that the Loreto Sisters of Australia and South East Asia announce the death of Sr Margaret Noone IBVM AM. Margaret was a member of the Victorian Community; she died peacefully on Friday 3rd January 2025 with many of our Sisters by her side.
Sr Margaret devoted her life to serving others, dedicating thirty years to various teaching, educational leadership and pastoral care roles across Australia. For over 40 years, Margaret was the heart and soul of Very Special Kids and after retiring in 2002, she remained very active in her role as patron.
