Lead Us On, Mary Ward
MANDEVILLIAN DECEMBER 2019 VOL. 34 NO. 2
A Celebration of the Joyous Spirit of Community
Lead Us On, a book which borrows its title from the well-known hymn by Sr Deirdre Browne ibvm, is a celebration of our Loreto canine companions.
The little dog is also remembered in the bronze sculptural portrait of Mary Ward installed in the Glade, and the grounds of every Loreto School in Australia. At the base of the sculptural portrait of Mary, near her feet, little paw prints are represented; paw prints in the snow.
This book, which is now available for sale, has been created as a fundraising project, with all proceeds from the sale of the book going to the Give a Girl a Dream Bursary Fund. It is through growing this fund that we support the education of girls into the future.
More than 200 dogs were photographed on the Lead Us On photoshoot day in May, all of whom appear in the pages of this beautiful publication. Families were invited to the official Lead Us On Launch in November, where guests exclaimed excitedly as they saw their beloved dogs immortalised in print. In her address, Dr Susan Stevens thanked the families, students and staff who were involved in the initiative. This project, run and staffed by volunteers, was an example of what can be achieved when all sections of our community work together for a good cause – and in addition, quite simply, it was great fun.
Undoubtedly our dogs are very special members of our family; they promote positive health and wellbeing, facilitate social interactions and offer companionship and loyalty in abundance. Lead Us On has been a joyous project, with an overarching aim to continue building the strength of our community and another layer in the valued relationship between families and school. If we trace the story of our Foundress, Mary Ward, as she made her way across the European Alps on foot in order to meet with the Pope of the time, we find another character enter this story – that of a little dog. History tells us that Mary Ward was accompanied in her travels by this little dog for quite a way, and no doubt the companionship felt between them was very real and valued.
In this, the Loreto Year of Sincerity, we thank our school community for playing a special part in this project. Opposite: Teddy (Front Cover and p.43, Lead Us On) Above (L-R): Remy (p.65), Melbourne (p.86), Zali (p.44-45), Sophie (p.41, Lead Us On) Below: The school community gather together to celebrate the launch of Lead Us On.
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