'Being faithful to grace' comes to Loreto Kirribilli

The theme to celebrate this milestone, ‘ Being Faithful to Grace’ , is a phrase used by Mother Gonzaga Barry in response to being told she was to leave her home and family in Ireland and travel by ship to Australia, a treacherous journey taking several months. By being faithful to Grace, Mother Gonzaga Barry meant being trusting of God and God’s plan, especially in times of uncertainty.

In May, Loreto Kirribilli celebrated 150 Years of Being Faithful to Grace by holding a special evening event where we were joined by more than 300 members (past of present) of our school community. This event comprised many exciting components including a travelling exhibition, a play and an archival display. The travelling exhibition showcased all Loreto schools in Australia through imposing three-metre-tall mannequins dressed as religious women in a traditional habit, the skirts of the mannequins had been designed by each school to reflect the school’s rich history and heritage. The play ‘Serious Business’ was also performed. This play brought to life an imaginary conversation, set in the current context, between Gonzaga Barry and a Loreto student, the dialogue was cleverly crafted using the writings of Mother Gonzaga Barry in her letters to students as published annually in the school magazine ‘Eucalyptus Blossoms’. Finally, an archival display, which showcased the history of Loreto Kirribilli, allowed visitors to learn more about our school and to view its development over time.

Below is an extract from Mother Gonzaga Barry’s diary. This extract describes her experience of leaving Ireland for Australia, for what she thought would be the last time. The sacrifice made by Mother Gonzaga Barry and her nine companions is clearly conveyed through her words. We are forever grateful that Mother Gonzaga Barry chose to be Faithful to Grace.

Dr Nicole Archard
Principal

Thursday May 20th, 1875

Wakened from our last rest in dear Loreto, Rathfarnham half past three am, as Mass was to be said at 4am for the Missioners, by our good friend Father Hanly, who wished to give us Holy Communion before Mass that our departure might be hastened.

The last Mass in the Abbey was, it is said, the saddest and most lonely scene in the whole journey, the nine poor Emigrants in the large Church. The community had been desired not to rise at so early an hour and all affectionate adieux had to be said the evening before. Mothers M. Angela, Xaveria, Conception and a few of the sisters who had permission to rise, were with us, and although some tears were shed at the moment of parting with such dear loving hearts as they had always been to us, the courage and calm joy of the Missioners surprised even the men from the Convent, who drove the cabs. They said they could not understand the Sisters being so cheerful, seeing how they often seemed so sorry to leave for other Missions near home.

Many a tearful eye looked after the cabs as they drove down the avenue. The children were in the dormitory windows waving handkerchiefs. Whilst saying the Litany of our Blessed Mother, we lost sight of Loretto, probably for ever.

The skies and trees were weeping plentiful rain-drops. At Westland Row station, we were met by several friends and relatives of the sisters. Fathers Dalton and Kelly SJ and my brother John travelled down in the train with us to Kingstown and saw us on board the steamer. There we met S. M. Aloysius’ sisters and brother, they had secured a nice little cabin for us and their kindness and attention during the passage shall ever merit a grateful remembrance.

The bell rang for departure, a hasty farewell at the cabin door, a blessing from the priests, and we went on deck to see the last glimpse of Erin, except S. M. Xaveria and myself.

From the shipboard diary of Mother Gonzaga Barry, 1875.