Webber House

  

Sister Barbara Webber has spent most of her life in the Wagga area since coming here at the age of six months. In 1953 Sister Barbara became a boarder at Mount Erin and after leaving school entered Mount Erin convent. Following her profession in 1961, Sister Barbara taught at Ganmain, Sydney, Urana and Henschke (then Maria Goretti) schools, but the major part of her schooling life was spent at Mount Erin where she taught what was known as the Commercial class, and for many years was in charge of the boarding school. From 1992 to 2000 Sister Barbara was Pastoral Care Co-ordinator at Mount Erin. As Sister Barbara’s students travel the world and establish themselves across its surface, she maintains her links with them. She brings to mind Nano Nagle’s desire which she expressed as being of service anywhere in the world.

 

After leaving the Mount Erin ministry Sister Barbara became manager of Micah House for about four years. “Managing” to Sister Barbara meant concern and compassion expressed in practical ways such as providing healthy, sustaining meals and always having time for listening. As she had in the boarding school, Sister Barbara established a real sense of solicitude which became a characteristic of Micah House. She personally raised awareness of the needs of the homeless and actively canvassed for funds to sustain the work of Micah House. While manager she raised the morale of the men and women who came as well as the volunteer workers. When she resigned from Micah House, Sister Barbara became involved with Sunflower House, Erin Earth, the Kairos Outside programme for women who have experienced prison life directly or indirectly, and once again pastoral care at Mount Erin boarding school.

 

Although some of Sister Barbara’s ministry involved administration, including positions of leadership within the Wagga Presentation congregation, her focus was always on forming good relationships, on concern for each individual. Her love – people; her gift – that of being able to see the divine Presence in others, to be able to respond, and to nurture that Presence. She has been an exemplary bearer of the flame lit by by Nano Nagle and Edmund Rice.

 

The symbols on the Crest are significant to Webber house and our patron Sr. Barbara Webber.

 

The background colour, Emerald Green, represents our House Colour and similarly represents the traditional Irish background of the Presentation Sisters, to whom Sister Barbara belongs.

 

The glowing Lantern represents the guiding light of Nano Nagle, founder of the Presentation Sisters. It also holds a special significance for Sr. Barbara in her life and work in Education and with the Homeless of Wagga Wagga. She draws inspiration from the ability to bring light and joy to the people of the community who need it most.

 

The contemporary representation of the cross and insignia are symbolic of the Presentation Sisters, the order from which Sr. Barbara comes. The Presentation Sisters in Wagga Wagga are especially important because of the contribution they have made to the education of young women in the Riverina for decades.

 

The final symbol of the letter with a calligraphy pen is personally significant to the work of Sr. Barbara in Academia and personalised correspondence with regional farming families and individuals. It has been suggested by many that this was one of her most significant personal attributes and one of which she is most proud of; remaining in touch and connected to regional families through letter writing and visiting