IPA Legends: Sr Anne Lane PBVM – Always Asking “Why Is It So?”

For this edition of IPA Legends, we celebrate Sr Anne Lane PBVM from Australia, a long-time advocate for justice, peace, and human dignity. Over the years, Anne has played a significant leadership role within the Presentation Society of Australia, the Wagga Wagga Congregation, and the International Presentation Association (IPA), where she currently serves as an IPA Member, helping to safeguard the organisation's mission and Charism through governance oversight and participation in key organisational decisions. Her commitment to the Presentation mission has helped shape IPA’s global vision and impact over many years.

One of the achievements Anne values most is IPA’s consultative status at the United Nations and the growing recognition of the vital connection between grassroots action and international advocacy. She believes one of IPA’s greatest strengths is helping people understand that local action has the power to influence global policies and systems.

Throughout her life and ministry, Anne has drawn inspiration from the spirit of Nano Nagle. She describes Nano as a woman of courage, creativity, and risk-taking—someone who was never afraid to try something new, learn from setbacks, and continue forward with determination. This spirit has profoundly influenced Anne’s own approach to leadership and service. The question, “What would Nano do?” has remained a guiding principle throughout her journey.

A defining moment in Anne’s understanding of justice came many years ago when she watched a film about global poverty with fellow sisters. The experience challenged her perspective and led to a question that would shape much of her life's work: “Nano did it through education—how are we called to do it today?” This reflection moved her beyond viewing poverty as an individual issue and toward understanding the broader systems and structures that create injustice.

Another question that has accompanied Anne throughout her life is a simple but powerful one: “Why is it so?” As a young sister, she became known for questioning accepted assumptions and seeking to understand the deeper causes behind inequality, conflict, and exclusion. She continues to believe that asking thoughtful questions remains essential to creating meaningful change.

Anne’s passion for justice has been shaped through her work with young people and advocacy with Indigenous communities, women, and care for the Earth. She speaks with deep concern for children affected by conflict, vulnerable communities facing ongoing challenges, and the environmental issues impacting our common home. For Anne, faith and justice are inseparable and must continually strengthen one another.

Looking toward the future, Anne remains hopeful. She sees great promise in the younger generation of leaders, staff, sisters, and partners who continue to carry forward the Presentation mission with energy, creativity, and commitment. She believes that the Presentation Charism remains as relevant today as it was in Nano’s time and that there is still much work to be done in building a more just and compassionate world.

Her advice is simple yet profound: keep asking questions, continue taking action for justice, and never assume the work is complete. There is always another step to take, another voice to listen to, and another opportunity to respond to the needs of our time.

Anne’s story is a reminder that the Presentation mission has always been about responding courageously to the needs of the time. Her life of service reflects Nano Nagle’s enduring legacy—a commitment to faith, justice, and a willingness to keep moving forward wherever the need is greatest.

Thank you, Anne, for your unwavering commitment to the Presentation mission and for continually reminding us to ask, “Why is it so?”