Best known for her work with the Vatican II Council, Mary Luke Tobin was one of 15 women auditors and one of only 3 women who served on commissions to write conciliar documents for the Council. As a Loretto Sister, Tobin worked as a classroom educator and principal for over 20 years in both grade schools and high schools. Shortly thereafter, she became the president of the Loretto Community and worked to update and remodel religious life in the light of the Vatican Council. She was a leader in ecumenical and interfaith endeavors and served as director of Church Women United. She worked closely with Thomas Merton and was co-founder of the International Thomas Merton Society. She was well-known as someone who worked for justice and peace by traveling, protesting, negotiating, and creating greater understanding.
