A visit from Sister Joan Chittister

Sr Joan Chittister OSB is a globally recognised theologian, feminist, teacher and change-maker. In June, she visited Australia and, as part of her tour, conducted a unique workshop for senior students in Catholic secondary schools. A group of Loreto Toorak Year 11 students were fortunate to attend with over 200 of their peers.

The workshop led by Sr Joan focused on inspiring and motivating young people to stand up for their own faith and beliefs and contribute to the common good. She encouraged them to take up the call to be “public intellectuals” in our world.

Sr Joan Chittister is a true friend of the Loreto Sisters and an admirer of Mary Ward. When she heard our group was from Loreto Toorak, she grasped our hands with glee as shown in the photograph on the right. It was an honour and a pleasure to hear and meet Sr Joan.

Student reflections

“Sr Joan said, ‘find a topic that concerns you and by joining the conversation you are put in the middle of it’. As a young person I should find topics that are important to me and by thinking about them, learning more about them and sharing about them, change can be sparked.” Arabella

“Sr Joan said ‘Dare to discuss the undiscussable!’ Based on our spirituality and our morality we can find the courage to stand up as public intellectuals.” Zara Please enjoy the reflections below from a number of our Year 11 students.

MICHELLE MCCARTY DIRECTOR OF MISSION & STUDENT LEADERSHIP

“‘Tradition isn’t passing something down, it’s what you pass down.’ Sr Joan spoke about the importance of modernising traditions and not just doing something for the sake of it, without realising the meaning. The true values and meanings of the tradition are what is passed down not just the action.” Sophie

Pictured below: Sr Joan Chittister, with Loreto Toorak Year 11 students, and Michelle McCarty, Director of Mission & Student Leadership