Presentation Sisters Victoria have launched a new book detailing the history of their congregation in Victoria since the Second Vatican Council.
The Promise and the Blessing – Presentation Sisters in Victoria since Vatican II was written by historian Katharine Massam and launched on March 21.
Family, friends, colleagues and staff – some 140 guests – joined the Presentations Sisters in celebrating the account of these rich, varied and often challenging 60 years.
The Promise and the Blessing contributes to the vibrant conversation on the significance of the history of women religious for understanding the wider Church and the surrounding context.
The book shows how, in the six decades since the council, Presentation Sisters have negotiated change in their way of life, their understanding of who God is, and how God calls them to be.
Memorable characters to emerge in the story include Presentation Sisters Mary Eymard Temby, Shirley Macdonald and Ann Halpin. But, even more than any individual, the book shows the community’s leadership in education, in parish and community outreach and the foundational significance of the community’s shared theological reflection.
Speaking on behalf of the Presentation Sisters Victoria at the launch, Sr Helen Carboon also welcomed the focus on the spirit of the congregation:
“This history, beautifully written and thoroughly researched by Katharine Massam, has had a long period of gestation – with even Covid thrown in to interrupt the process! But it’s been worth the wait,” Sr Helen said.
“Katharine’s thoughtful and considered reflection make The Promise and the Blessing much more than a history book. It is a teasing out of the meaning and depth of our Presentation calling and commitment – through this book you meet “us” rather than only learn of all that we have done – though there’s plenty of ‘doing’ in there too.”
The Promise and the Blessing is available for purchase from Garratt Publishing.
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Presentation Sisters Victoria launch ‘The Promise and the Blessing Presentation Sisters in Victoria since Vatican II‘ (Presentation Sisters Victoria)
