In July 1916, in the midst of World War I, the visionary young women who founded the League found their ideals voiced and developed by Father William Lockington S.J. in two key lectures entitled The Church and Women and Women's Work in the World. "You have unlimited power," he told the vast congregation of women in St Patrick's Cathedral. He also spoke of the crying need for the influence of Catholicity in the affairs of the stricken world.

Fr Lockington became the first Spiritual Director of the League in 1916 and led their first retreat at the Sacred Heart Convent, Malvern. He was actively involved in the League's early campaigns to improve the appalling industrial conditions of women workers. He lent to the League the weight of his eloquence and personality, particularly during some of the big strikes of the period. His accusations of 'sweat labour' in confectioners' establishments led to debate in the Legislative Assembly.

Fr Lockington was also Dr Mary Glowrey's Spiritual Director.

Lockington was described by a colleague as 'the best platform orator in Australia'. His topics covered religion, temperance, education and the plight of working people; many of his addresses were published. In 1921, the town of Lockington was named after 'the noted author, preacher and lecturer'.

You can learn more about Fr Lockington by going to the online edition of the Australian Dictionary of Biography at:

https://adbonline.anu.edu.au/biogs/A100118b.htm