Back
In the six decades since the Second Vatican Council, the Presentation Sisters in Victoria, Australia have negotiated change in their way of life, their understanding of who God is, and of how God calls them to be. They have renewed their understanding of their particular presence in the Church as a gift to the wider world. They have spoken of that presence, their vision and mission, in various ways. This account maps the shared Presentation conversation as it moves, not uniformly but steadily, from ‘school’, through ‘ministry’, to ‘contemplative engagement’ and ‘legacy’, woven through with a stable commitment to ‘women’ and ‘family’ and the overarching Mystery of their call.
Katharine Massam is professor of history and chair of the Academic Board at the University of Divinity, Melbourne. Her publications include A Bridge Between: Benedictine Missionary Women in Australia (shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Award in Australian History 2021) and Sacred Threads: Catholic Spirituality in Australia 1922–1962. Her work reflects long-standing research interests in monastic theology, cross-cultural encounter, the history of education and the lived experience of faith and belief.
”What a treasure this book is going to be for the future history of the lifeform, not only ‘down under’ but worldwide.”
– Professor Emeritus Sandra Schneiders IHM
Graduate Theological Union Berkeley, California.
”Here is a Paschal Mystery story of living, dying and legacy-making – all in the service of God’s mission of ‘fullness of life for all’. Those who would question women’s leadership in the Church, please take note – and have no fear.”
– Patty Fawkner sgs
Sisters of the Good Samaritan of the Order of St Benedict, Australia.
“The Promise and the Blessing is a cracker of a yarn, and a timely reminder that a vibrant Catholic imagination can negotiate postmodernism with agility and flair.”
– Francis Sullivan AO
Chair, Jesuit Social Services, Australia.
”Ambitious in design, meticulously researched, and written with clarity, this book makes a major contribution to the study of the impact of the Second Vatican Council on women religious, and on their ministries and lives.”
– Professor Deirdre Raftery
University College Dublin.
