By Sophia Ljaskevic

This article was published in Loreto News

This month we farewell Janet Palafox ibvm from the Mary Ward International Australia (MWIA) office, based in Melbourne, Australia. As Executive Officer, MWIA, Janet has been instrumental in moving MWIA forward with the assistance of dedicated staff and the Loreto leadership team, generous advisory and board members and the vast network of volunteers, schools, sisters and colleagues involved in MWI around the world. Janet commenced as Executive Officer in 2007 and in that time has also been actively involved as a member of the Loreto Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) committee and Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH).

Janet tells us about her next journey....

1. What lies ahead?
From November 10 to Jan 27 2012, I will be preparing for Perpetual Vows – at a Eucharist Celebration I will be making a lifetime commitment as a member of the IBVM (Loreto Sisters). I make a lifetime commitment to live the three vows (Poverty, Obedience and Celibacy) in the charism of Mary Ward.

2. What will your new role involve?
After January 28, 2012 I will have a new ministry in a more hands on, on the ground role. There is a strong possibility that this will include working in Aboriginal education in rural and remote Australia. All this is under discussion and will be clearer in a few months’ time. I will retain my involvement with ACRATH.

3. What have you enjoyed about being EO of MWIA?
I enjoyed working in partnership with the vast Loreto network in making a difference to the lives of the most marginalised people in Australia and overseas. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with the MWIA volunteers. It was a privilege to meet and get to know past students in our schools for whom social justice is not just an idea. These women were living it and where prepared to work alongside people in different cultures and social groups.

4. What will you miss?
I will definitely miss the work with the volunteers. I will also miss working with our project partners – those who are on the coal face – doing the hard and sometimes heartbreaking work.

5. What are you looking forward to in your journey ahead?
I am looking forward to working on the ground and getting my hands dirty!