Wednesday 11 March 2009

As part of the international celebrations marking 400 years of Mary Ward’s institute, Loreto schools around Australia will be participating in Mary Ward Connect Week this week, 10 – 13 March. Up to 35 Year 10 students and 6 teachers from each Loreto school will be traveling to other Loreto schools in Australia and spending a week as guests in those schools.

During their time away students and teachers from each of the seven schools will share their stories and experiences of being a student at a Loreto College. They will bring back their stories of new friendships and new experiences to their home schools on their return.

Sr Christine Burke, Loreto Sisters Province Leader said, “In 2009 we celebrate the fact that Mary Ward has inspired young women for over 400 years, and that those with her vision are in all continents and in 45 countries across the globe.

“Loreto schools offer a Catholic education which liberates, empowers and motivates students to use their individual gifts with confidence, creativity and generosity in loving and responsible service. This is a call to young women today to live out of their truth and maybe someone will celebrate them in 400 years time!”

The exchange program has been established to share the values and spirit of Mary Ward and how that is still relevant and inspiring 400 years later. It is also an opportunity to strengthen the connections between all Loreto schools, and to enrich students and staff with the knowledge of their shared opportunities and experiences in Loreto education nationally.

In 2009 the Loreto Sisters worldwide will celebrate 400 years of their foundation. Founder, Mary Ward, believed that "women in time would do much." She pioneered education in England and Europe for girls and a new form of religious life for women, free form enclosure. Despite persecution her vision and values live on today.

Over a three year period the Loreto Sisters will be celebrating the vision, courage and commitment of their founder and her legacy of provinces and schools on every continent, thousands of students past and present and countless volunteers, colleagues and friends across the globe.

Events will be held across Australia and internationally. For further information about the Loreto Sisters and the Mary Ward 400 year celebrations, including a 2009 Calendar of Events, please visit www.loreto.org.au