SOCIAL JUSTICE
Loreto Sisters Celebrate Jubilees Marking Milestones in Religious Life
Each year the Loreto Sisters in Melbourne gather during Mary Ward Week (23-30 January). These dates mark the anniversaries, both of the birth of our foundress, Mary Ward, in 1585 and her death in 1645. During the Mass the Sisters solemnly, and with one voice, recommit to their vows and also name those who celebrate Jubilees in the current year. For the past few years I have had the privilege of being present to witness these celebrations as a musician for Mass. The Sisters Profession of Vows is a very moving expression of lifetimes of faith and trust in God. In 2020, the following Loreto sisters celebrate milestones in their religious life: Sr Kathleen Brennan ibvm (Mother Benedicta) – 75 Years Born in Western Australia, Sr Kathleen completed her schooling at Loreto Convent Claremont and entered Loreto on 11 February 1945. She lived and worked at Loreto Toorak in the following years - 1947-1954, 1977, 1980-1985, but also was part of communities in Western Australia, Ballarat, Albert Park and South Australia. Sr Kathleen is currently living in Western Australia. Sr Roberta Hakendorf ibvm (Mother Roberta) – 70 Years Sr Roberta was born in Melbourne but attended school at Loreto Marryatville. She entered Loreto on the 11 February 1950. Sr Roberta has worked and lived in Portland, Albert Park, Normanhurst, St Mary’s Hall, Marryatville, Coorparoo and Kirribilli. She currently resides in Melbourne. Above: Therese Lechte and Margaret Burchell with communion veils. Below (L-R): Kathleen Brennan, Roberta Hakendorf, Christopher Neil, Patricia Ziebarth.
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Sr Roberta has been a proponent of reform in the Church, as well an activist in justice issues. She was part of the Pine Gap protest in 1983.
