A Loreto Christmas
Explore how the Loreto Sisters in Australia celebrated Christmas, from festive cribs and holiday hymns to heartfelt letters and seasonal retreats.
Becoming One: Congregatio Jesu and IBVM Merge into One Congregation
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.
Loreto Sisters Join Mary McKillop Hawthorn Residents to Celebrate 50 Years of NAIDOC Week
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.
In Loving Memory of Sr Mary Wright IBVM
It is with great sadness that the Loreto Sisters of Australia and South East Asia announce the death of Sr Mary Wright IBVM, former Province Leader and Institute Leader, on 29 March 2025.
Mary was a remarkable woman, known both nationally and internationally as an educator, leader, canon lawyer, writer, facilitator and board director. As a Loreto sister, she was at various times, Principal of Loreto Schools, Province Consultor, Province Bursar, Province Leader, Delegate to Chapters and Congregations, and Institute Leader.
Sr Mary Baulderstone ibvm retires after a decade of service with ACRATH
Sr Mary Baulderstone ibvm has retired after almost 10 years at the ACRATH National Office in Melbourne. The ACRATH team are grateful for her service and said Mary ‘kept the wheels turning with grace and good humour.’ Christine Carolan, outgoing ACRATH Executive Officer, praised Mary’s quiet strength and enduring contribution.
Vale Sr Margaret Manion ibvm
Loreto Sister and Professor Emerita Margaret Manion IBVM, AO died on 3rd September 2024. As an internationally renowned medievalist, art historian, curator and teacher she made an enormous contribution to the development of art history.
Seeking Applicants for Governance Positions
(July 25, 2024) The Province Leader and Council of the IBVM Province of Australia and South East Asia invite expressions of interest from suitably experienced and qualified people from a range of backgrounds for board positions in their education and development ministries.
Sr. Susan Daily ibvm Unveils Collection of Religious Cards: A Spiritual Journey in Art
Sr. Susan Daily, an accomplished artist with a lifelong dedication to her craft, has recently introduced a captivating collection of religious cards, including a set for Christmas, offering a profound artistic expression aimed at connecting individuals with their spirituality.
Seeking Truth Doing Justice: It’s In Our DNA
Seeking Truth and Doing Justice: It’s In our DNA… after a quick search as a non-science teacher and finding that DNA is deoxyribonucleic acid which is the molecule that carries genetic information for the development and functioning of an organism, I realised how truly apt the title of our combined Toorak and Ballarat Loreto Staff Retreat Day really was. Our knowledge and understanding of what it means to be seekers of truth and doers of justice is paramount in our life and work as members of the Loreto community. We truly are the DNA that will continue to allow this organisation to continue to be what it is in the future…
Sr Rosalina Belo’s First Profession in the IBVM
(August 15, 2023) Timor-Leste is the ‘Courage to Move’ mission of the Australian Province. Rosalina Belo is the first Timorese professed in the IBVM. A number of sisters over the years have contributed to this mission in Timor and Rosalina’s response to God’s call to become a Mary Ward woman, was influenced by the witness of the lives of these sisters and friends of Loreto.