Sister Helen Lombard

Sr Helen Lombard was born at Iron Knob, South Australia, on 12 October 1936 to David and Nell Lombard, née O’Callaghan. Helen was the eldest of three girls. Her sisters Noelene and Moira live in Brisbane. Helen received her initial education from the Sisters of the Good Samaritan in Whyalla and completed her secondary schooling at Presentation Convent, Windsor. She attended Melbourne University from 1956 to 1959, graduating with a BA, Dip Ed., and from 1959 to 1961, studying part time for her B Ed. She taught in the government education system before entering the Sisters of the Good Samaritan novitiate at Pennant Hills, NSW, on 2 February, 1961.

Following her profession on 7 January 1964, Helen taught secondary students at St Scholastica’s College, Glebe Point, and from 1969 to 1976 was first teacher and then Principal at St Monica’s College, Epping, Victoria. While at St Monica’s, Epping, she undertook further studies, this time at Monash University, graduating with a Masters in Education in 1973. In 1976 she had a sabbatical period in Rome and during this time studied educational developments in Sweden, England and USA. She also visited religious communities in Asia, and Benedictine communities in England and USA.

She was a member of staff at Mater Christi College, Belgrave in 1978, and in 1979 was appointed superior of the community. From 1979 to 1981 she initiated and co-ordinated a Benedictine Studies renewal programme for the Congregation, being appointed by the Superior General, Sr Mary Ronayne, to develop and deepen congregational renewal. In implementing this programme she worked closely with Fr Michael Casey and Fr David Tomlins of Tarrawarra Abbey.

At the Congregational Chapter in 1981 Helen was elected Superior General for a term of six years. At the following Chapter in 1987 she was re-elected for a further six years. During her first term of office Helen was elected President of the National Council of Religious (1986–87), and in this role in 1986 she welcomed the Pope and addressed the gathering of religious men and women in the Sydney Opera House. From 1988 to 1992 she was President of the newly formed ACLRI and in this time also was the Australian delegate to UISG in Rome.

At the end of her term as Superior General in 1993, after a short period of renewal in Chicago, Helen took up the position of Provost of Notre Dame University, Western Australia. She held that position for two years. Since then she has been on the Board of Governors of that University. For the last three years she has developed and co-ordinated a study programme on the Rule of Benedict and sources. This method of distance learning has attracted not only Good Samaritan Sisters but also members of other Benedictine communities from Australia, New Zealand and USA.

Helen died 5 June 2000.