Mary Ward Spirituality

Over 400 years ago Mary Ward experienced a call to an apostolic form of religious life – the beginning of the Institute. The Gospels and the experience of Ignatius and Mary Ward form the basis of the Constitutions of the Institute. These excerpts below from Volume II, revised in 2009, are inspired by Mary Ward’s spirituality.   

We rely on them for guidance and inspiration, assistance and strength in living at the service of humanity, committed to building right relations with the earth and all of creation, for the greater glory of God. [i]

Excerpt from Chapter 1 Identity and Charism 

This Ignatian tradition, 

interpreted through a woman’s eyes, 

is our graced heritage. 

In prayer, Mary Ward was led to see 

that this was the way God wanted for her Institute; 

this was the pathway to holiness 

that she and her companions were to walk.[1] 

A great love of God, and desire to do good, 

an attitude of openness to all good works, 

a freedom to refer all to God, 

and a readiness to follow the way 

of justice and sincerity in lightness of spirit: 

this is the charism that Mary Ward desired 

to shine through all our words and works.[2]

Grounded in the Gospel 

and nourished by the Bread of Life, 

we follow Mary Ward’s way of freedom and justice, 

seeking to be a prophetic voice, 

risking new ways, new paths, 

that God’s love be known. [3]
  

[1] IBVM Constitutions Volume II: Chapter 1, 1.3 

[2]  IBVM Constitutions Volume II: Chapter 1 1.11 

[3]  IBVM Constitutions Volume II: Chapter 7.3