ABSTRACT
In December 1914, several Mothers Superior of Loreto 1 houses gathered in Loreto Abbey Mary's Mount in Ballarat. They gathered in the spirit of farewell to their Provincial Superior, Mother Gonzaga Barry, in whom they had placed their trust for over forty years and who was now edging closer to death. Gonzaga Barry was too weak for lengthy speech, so she wrote them a letter. It ranged over many things, dwelling on what was most significant to the writer at least:
I take this opportunity, my dear Mothers, of expressing to you my heartfelt gratitude and affection for all your loyal and loving co-operation with me in any work I set before you to do for the good of our dear Institute; it is very little I could have done, only for your prompt, unhesitating obedience, and zealous efforts in the cause of God. 2
