Foundations
Lower Hutt, New Zealand 1954
Archbishop Peter McKeefry of Wellington, New Zealand became familiar with the congregation of the Sisters of St John of God on a stop over visit to Subiaco, Western Australia. He extended an invitation to the Sisters to provide services for unmarried mothers in his diocese.
In response to his invitation a group of Sisters went to New Zealand in 1954 and cared for these women during their pregnancy. Their intention was to remain for five years, until another group could be found for the ministry.
When the Sisters of the Good Shepherd agreed to undertake this service, it was possible for the Sisters of St John of God to return to Australia. Nine Sisters of St John of God served in Lower Hutt over a period of eleven years.
