The Loreto Sisters of Australia and South-East Asia have announced the death of former institute and province leader, Sr Mary Wright IBVM.
Sr Mary died peacefully on March 29 at Caritas Christi Hospice in Kew, Victoria, after a period of illness, leaving an extraordinary legacy of leadership, intellect, and service.
Born and raised in Melbourne, and educated at Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak, Sr Mary entered the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto Sisters) in 1965. She was a gifted educator who inspired generations of students in Loreto schools across Australia and later served as principal of Loreto Mary’s Mount Ballarat.
With a doctorate in canon law from the University of St Paul in Ottawa, Sr Mary worked in Rome at the Vatican Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life. She played a key role in shaping the governance of religious life, particularly through her work with Public Juridic Persons across Australia, Canada, and the US.
Elected institute leader in 1998, Sr Mary led the international Loreto community through a time of renewal and global outreach. Her “Courage to Move” initiative led to new missions in Timor-Leste, South Sudan, Ghana, and beyond – many still active today.
Known for her formidable intellect, deep faith, and practical compassion, Sr Mary was a sought-after advisor and facilitator, working with countless congregations during critical moments in their history.
She was reappointed as province leader in 2023, a role she held until stepping down in January due to ill health.
“Sr Mary Wright was a true Mary Ward woman – wise, generous, courageous, and grounded in faith,” said Loreto’s first consultor, Sr Helen Maguire.
“Her contribution to the Loreto mission and the wider Church is immeasurable, and she will be deeply missed.”
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In Loving Memory of Sr Mary Wright IBVM (Loreto Sisters)
