This book traces the contribution of the Sisters of Mercy and the Loreto Sisters to Ballarat from 1950 to 1980. The nuns' commitment to education from the 1870s provided access for generations of Catholics and non-Catholics to kindergarten, boarding schools, a commercial college, a teachers' college, parish schools and music education. By 1980, they were arguably the most educated cohort of women in the city. Their renewal of religious life, resulting from Vatican ll, and emergence from the 1980s as professional women in new apostolic work, came from their deep spirituality and commitment to social justice. The tireless work of nuns has provided Ballarat with educational infrastructure, a visible manifestation of their contribution to the whole community. Their leadership is a story largely untold, but one that should be celebrated by anyone interested in the history of the city, and of women's contribution to education and social justice.