Our History
Since her first companions gathered in 1609, Mary Ward’s vision has inspired women from every continent to join together to serve where “the need is greatest” across 43 countries. Today the two branches, Congregation of Jesus and Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM)-Loreto, work increasingly closely, educating women and men so that they might live their particular call from God and contribute to a better world. In the 19th Century Teresa Ball brought Mary Ward’s vision to Ireland and in 1875 under the leadership of Gonzaga Barry the Loreto Sisters came to Australia to establish schools.
Image above from the Painted Life of Mary Ward series.