The Pilgrim community is deeply saddened by the death of Sr Dr Janette Gray RSM on 24 December 2016.

Jan was an inspiring colleague whose work as a theologian and educator flowed wholeheartedly from the integrity of her life. Over 15 years, first at the United Faculty of Theology and then in the context of Pilgrim Theological College, Jan taught popular and life-changing subjects in systematic theology and Christian anthropology. We were all enriched by her creativity as a teacher and administrator, her instinctive kindness and generosity in leadership, her pastoral insight, and the humility and brilliance that marked her scholarship. We are indebted to her, and will miss her greatly.

There are discussions underway about how best to honour her ongoing legacy. An announcement will follow about a Memorial Service within the University of Divinity.

We join our prayers with all who are grieving Jan, remembering especially her family, the Sisters of Mercy in Australia and New Zealand, and colleagues around the globe. And we are reminded of words Jan drew on in her own work, used at her Melbourne Mass of Remembrance: “in the twinkling of an eye, when the last trumpet sounds…the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed as well.”  (1 Corinthians 15:52)

Share