More than 55 years ago, Adrienne Burns’ connection with Jesuit Mission Australia began when her late husband, Brendan, attended a talk at St Ignatius Norwood Parish. There, he heard Fr Lou Lachal SJ, one of the pioneering Australian Jesuits to serve in Hazaribag, India, speak about his mission.
Inspired to raise money to support Jesuit Mission’s work, for ten years Adrienne and Brendan organised and hosted elegant Dinner Dance Fundraisers in Adelaide, often with up to 500 people attending.
“I think we were very brave because we didn’t know much about doing it!” she laughs, remembering those days in the 70s and 80s. The couple’s selfless giving did not stop there.
Adrienne devoted many years to teaching music to refugees, while Brendan, who sadly passed away last September, left a powerful legacy through a gift in his Will to Jesuit Mission—empowering children in Timor-Leste with access to education.
If you are considering leaving a Gift in your Will to Jesuit Mission, please contact our Supporter Relations Manager Susan Vaz at susan.vaz@jesuitmission.org.au
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This story featured in our Reflections Winter #635 – 2025. Download Reflections.
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