Mother Francis Xavier Williams travelled far by sea to live a long life of obedient service to those that lived on the periphery of society. She worked with the most marginalised of people: women in prison, the poor and the sick. Her work in education empowered people to have a better life.

The values and spirit of the House: strength, resilience and persistence are evident in all we do. Students and staff are committed to making a positive difference and cherish the opportunity to go support our established links with the Refugee and Asylum Seeking community of Sydney. Students have worked closely with the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre, The Refugee Council of Australia and The Jesuit Refugee Service on St Vincent’s Day.

Like the Jesuit St Francis Xavier, our Patron travelled far to serve faithfully those at the margins:
convicts - especially women;
children – especially orphans;
& the poor – especially through education.
In our journey through life, may we draw strength from her courage; resilience from her persistence & inspiration from her selflessness.
Urged on by the love of Christ, may we seek to serve where the need is greatest.
May we have the caring spirit, the persistence and the selflessness that marked the life of our patron’ Mother Francis Xavier Williams.
Amen.

Williams House Patron:

Sr M Francis Xavier Williams

Sr M Francis Xavier, was born Elizabeth Williams on 12 July 1800. She was a Novice at the time of the arrival in NSW and was the first religious woman to take vows in Australia at Parramatta on 9 April 1839. Williams appears from her letters as an open and affectionate person, on good terms with her sisters. She is one of the three Sisters who went to Hobart in 1847, where she visited gaols, hospitals and the homes of the poor. Sr. Xavier died in Hobart at the age of 92.