"And the earnest thoughts within me rise.
When I behold afar
Suspended in the evening skies
The shield of that red star.
O star of strength, I see thee stand
And smile upon my pain
Thou beckonest with thy mailed hand
And I am strong again,
The star of the unconquered Will
He rises in my breast
Srence and resolute and still
And calm and self-possessed."Words by Longfellow,
remembered by Mother Gonzaga when she sees Mars. 20/6/1875
Mother Mary Gonzaga Barry
Mary Barry (1834-1915) was educated at Loreto Gorey and Rathfarnham, Ireland. In 1875, (41 years old) after being asked by the Bishop of Ballarat, she led the first group of Loreto Sisters to Australia. During this period, she founded many schools, and helped educate girls to be equal with men. Her wish of equal female education has come true, and the Loreto schools today reflect the values she brought up to do this task.