On Tuesday, 10 June 2025, the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion officially transitioned the governance of their cherished ministry, Our Lady of Sion College, to Mercy Partners.
Founded in 1928 by the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion with just 15 students, the College has grown remarkably over the decades. Under the pioneering leadership of Mother Mary John, the first Director/Principal, the school navigated the challenges of the Great Depression with resilience and faith. By 1958, enrolments had risen to 238 students, and today, the College proudly educates over 950 students, supported by a dedicated team of 120 staff members.
This transition marks a significant milestone in the College’s journey. Mercy Partners is honoured to become the sole member and canonical sponsor of Our Lady of Sion College, continuing the Sisters’ rich legacy and commitment to the Sion and Catholic tradition. We look forward to nurturing a community where students are encouraged to sow seeds of hope, uncover excellence within themselves, and embrace a lifelong commitment to justice.
As part of this transition, the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion have become a Canonical Steward of Mercy Partners and an Ordinary Member of Mercy Partners Limited. We warmly welcome Sr Mary Barbuto NDS as the appointed Steward and Members’ Representative.
To formally mark this transition, a ritual was held on 13 August, celebrating the handover of governance and honouring the enduring mission and values that have shaped Our Lady of Sion College for nearly a century. Mercy Partners Chair, Ricki Jeffery, attended the ritual and represented Mercy Partners.
Sr Patricia Fox nds presented Ricki Jeffery with a gift to mark the transition of the College to Mercy Partners. The beautiful plaque expresses the centrality of the Bible and of Jerusalem in the life and vision on the congregation’s founder, Theodore Ratisbonne. The plaque was made in Jerusalem by Armenian Pottery makers.
