Mercy Partners acknowledge and pay respect to the traditional owners, the Yuggera, Turrbal, Jagera and Ugarapul People, recognising Elders past and present, on whose land we walk, work and live.
Sisters of Our Lady of Sion Olive Peace Tree
The Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion (Congregation de Notre-Dame de Sion) was founded in France in 1842 by Theodore Ratisbonne and a small group of women.
Theodore Ratisbonne was born to a Jewish family in Strasbourg, France in 1802. Theodore was introduced to the teachings of Christianity during his university years by Mrs Louise Humann, who convened a gathering of students at her home in Paris, and who introduced the Christian scriptures to Theodore. He joined a group studying philosophy and slowly made a decision to become a Catholic and later a priest.
In 1890, the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion responded to a plea for help from Bishop James Corbett to set up Catholic schools across Victoria, Australia.
The Sion charism is the unique spiritual gift and mission of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion which centres on bearing witness to God’s faithful love for the Jewish people and working for justice, peace, and love among all faiths and peoples.
Our Lady of Sion College
Our Lady of Sion College was founded in 1928 by the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion with an initial enrolment of 15 students. Mother Mary John served as the first Director and Principal, leading the new school through the financial challenges of the Great Depression. Enrolment continued to grow, and by 1958 there were 238 girls studying at the College.
Today, Our Lady of Sion College educates more than 950 students, supported by approximately 120 staff members.
Our Lady of Sion College was entrusted to the care of Mercy Partners by the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion on 10 June 2025.
Mother Mary John - First Director and Principal of Our Lady of Sion
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Acknowledgement of Country
