A new book by historian Katharine Massam, 'The Promise and the Blessing', explores the history and journey of the Presentation Sisters in Victoria since Vatican II.

“In the six decades since the Second Vatican Council, the Presentation Sisters in Victoria, Australia have negotiated change in their way of life, their understanding of who God is, and of how God calls them to be,” the publishers, Garratt Publishing say.

“They have renewed their understanding of their particular presence in the Church as a gift to the wider world. They have spoken of that presence, their vision and mission, in various ways.

“This account maps the shared Presentation conversation as it moves, not uniformly but steadily, from ‘school’, through ‘ministry’, to ‘contemplative engagement’ and ‘legacy’, woven through with a stable commitment to ‘women’ and ‘family’ and the overarching Mystery of their call.”

At the recent book launch Sr Helen Carboon, Congregation Leader of the Sisters in Victoria, said the book "captured the essence and the journey of the Sisters".

Katherine Massam is professor of history and chair of the Academic Board at the University of Divinity.

This article is drawn from information on the the website of Garratt Publishing and the Presentation Australia Facebook Page.