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Loreto in Australia, by Mary Ryllis Clark, has been launched in Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Ballarat.

Loreto in Australia, published by UNSW Press, is a story of women of great strength, charm and deep spirituality who work towards Mary Ward's dream that 'women in time to come will do great matters'.

At each event a 'notable' woman had been asked to launch the book: one familiar with Loreto and who embodied the values and spirit of Mary Ward in some way.

In each state the audiences were captured by the thoughtful and beautiful speeches. Author Mary Ryllis Clark said, "Every aspect of my work with the Loreto Sisters over the past few years has been notable for the extraordinary trust and generosity of all those associated with this project... it has been a privilege and an inspiration for me to write their story".

Pictured above at the Brisbane launch L-R: Loreto Provincial Christine Burke ibvm, author Mary Ryllis Clark, The Hon Justice Ann Lyons, Chair Loreto History Committee Jane Kelly ibvm.

When a small group of Irish nuns arrived in Ballarat in 1875, with their charismatic leader Mother Gonzaga Barry, who could have imagined the influence they would have on Catholic education in Australia?

Above: Julia Gillard with Loreto Toorak student Sarah Vanderkley

Loreto nuns in Australia have not only founded their own schools, but have run parish schools on a shoestring, worked in indigenous and other disadvantaged communities, taught in universities and held prominent positions in public life. Their commitment to a life of contemplation in action emerged out of Mary Ward's vision for a different sort of life for nuns.

'..The characters, ambitions, disputes and sheer drama involved in the Australian Loretos' evolution offers both stunning surprise and inspiration.' - Geraldine Doogue

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View state by state book launch program