Connecting with the Loreto Story
Ballarat turned on the kind of weather for which it is renowned as 12 staff from Loreto Ministries, Mary Ward International Australia and Loreto Australia and South East Asia gathered at Loreto College, Ballarat, to experience a Loreto Induction Day! The cool temperature was negated by the warm welcome from Michelle Brodrick, College Principal, and Felicity Knobel, Assistant Principal Faith & Identity, who ensured we had a wonderful day learning more about the Loreto tradition and the broader Loreto family.
Those who attended the Induction Day commenced working with a branch of the Loreto Network since 2018, however, the interruptions of COVID meant that most were yet to visit the place of the first Loreto community in Australia. It was a pleasure to lead this day with Robin Scott, Province Archivist, and Sr Natalie Houlihan ibvm. The day afforded us the opportunity to further get to know one another and to hear how various staff have connected with the Loreto story, what has most inspired them and how they are associated with the legacies of Mary Ward and Gonzaga Barry. We explored the lessons to be learned from the life, vision, and faith of Mary Ward, visited the Province Archives Centre, and toured the school to gain some insight into the educational mission of Loreto in Australia. Our day concluded with a visit to the College Chapel and a beautiful experience of the Examen, led by Sr Natalie.
Many thanks to Michelle, Felicity, Robin, and Natalie for their support on the day, and to all staff who travelled to Ballarat for an important formation experience. Below, several staff members reflect on their experience:
“The induction day was a wonderfully fulfilling experience. Not only was it lovely to see so many colleagues in person, but it was also inspiring and motivating to be surrounded by the rich history of Loreto and all the members of the Loreto Ballarat community. I feel privileged for the opportunity to gather as a team and immerse ourselves in what it means to be a part of the Loreto story.”
“It was a wonderful opportunity to gather with colleagues and further understand the story of the Loreto women with whom I work every day. This historical context enriches my relationship with the Loreto Sisters.”
Jacqueline Shady | Victorian Health & Aged Care Coordinator, Loreto Australia and South East Asia
“The induction day was a truly reflective day; it was wonderful to acquire a deeper understanding of the Loreto mission and rich history. It truly made me proud to be associated with Loreto.”
Fiza Khosla | Community Engagement Coordinator, Mary Ward International Australia
Author: Carolyn Young, Director of Mission & Identity, Loreto Ministries
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