On the eve of her 87th birthday, Maureen Punch reflects on a lifetime of service to Jesuit Mission, a journey that began as a Loreto Kirribilli schoolgirl volunteering at one of the first Jesuit Mission Bazaars at Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview.
For more than six decades, Maureen and her family have been at the heart of Jesuit Mission’s fundraising efforts, with the Bazaar serving as a constant thread connecting generations of service.
Inspired by meeting her father’s cousin, the pioneering missionary Fr Lou Lachal SJ, Maureen says she was “hooked for life”.
“He seemed to have an aura around him which drew you and others to help,” she recalls. “I have been blessed to have done whatever I could and proud to be a co-missionary.”
Maureen has witnessed firsthand the impact of Jesuit Mission’s outreach and development programs.
“Visiting Hazaribag and seeing what has been achieved was incredibly inspiring,” she says. “If only more young people could go there, they could not fail to be inspired.”
Back in Australia as a mother of five, Maureen coordinated the much-loved Bazaar cake stall, where dozens of mothers produced thousands of lamingtons before the annual event. Later, she established the Bazaar Boutique and spent decades raising funds through local markets. For her daughter Caroline Loneragan, volunteering was simply part of growing up.
Bazaar Boutique stall in 2022.
“Mum and Dad have always been on committees, running events and assisting as volunteers,” she says. “Their example, I automatically continued as I grew up.”
Today, Caroline carries on the family’s commitment through the annual Jesuit Mission Bazaar.
Looking to the future, Caroline hopes younger generations embrace the spirit of service.
“Walking the walk and talking the talk, telling stories and being an example is very important,” she says.
Find out more about our 75 years of faith in action
This story comes from Reflections Winter 2026.
Contents include:
- A legacy continued, India
- Dreaming beyond borders, Myanmar
- A future once thought impossible, Cambodia
- Where seeds of hope take root, Timor-Leste
- Helping children find their voice, Myanmar
- Plus more from our 75th anniversary celebrations, including stories from long-time supporter sand volunteers
