Sale Diocese and Catholic Education Diocese of Sale have outlined plans for the historic Our Lady of Sion convent and grounds in the Victorian town after which the diocese is named.
The site of the former convent was part of the Sion Campus of Catholic College Sale. Stewardship of the historic building has now become the responsibility of the Sale Diocese while the land and buildings surrounding the former convent will be managed by Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd.
In a statement on Friday, Sale Bishop Greg Bennet and director of Catholic Education Sale Maria Kirkwood said the convent was “a much-loved local landmark with historical significance for Catholics, the Catholic education community, and the broader community in Sale”.
“We are committed to maintaining this location as a special place where our community can experience the love of Jesus in an enriching environment.”
A committee will be convened, chaired by the former Member for Gippsland South and parishioner of St Mary’s Cathedral, Peter Ryan. The committee will explore potential uses for the Our Lady of Sion convent, and provide recommendations on possible partnerships with organisations aligned to a broad Catholic educational vision of welfare, outreach and mission.
The committee will work with the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion, and key stakeholders. Any refurbishments to the building will comply with the heritage overlays.
In parallel to the work of the committee, Catholic Education begin a detailed planning process for the land and buildings surrounding the convent. The foremost option under consideration is the relocation of St Thomas’ Primary School to the Sion site.
FULL STORY
Our Lady of Sion Convent and Sion Campus, Sale (Sale Diocese)
RELATED COVERAGE
A new era for Sion? (Gippsland Times)
