Mary Ward Archives

Mary Ward Week 2026

Today, we begin a week-long celebration honouring the remarkable life and legacy of Mary Ward, whose journey inspires us to look towards the future of the Congregation of Jesus with joyful hearts. Mary Ward Week begins on 23 January, in honour of her birthday in 1585, and concludes on 30 January, the anniversary of her death in 1645.

This year’s theme emphasises Mary Ward, the risk-taker, and invites us to carry her charism in our hearts in new and emerging ways following the merger of the Congregation of Jesus and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Becoming One: Congregatio Jesu and IBVM Merge into One Congregation

Following prayer, reflection and engagement of members, the two congregations of apostolic women religious, Congregatio Jesu (CJ) and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM- Loreto) merged today. The merged Congregatio Jesu, approximately 1,800 sisters worldwide, will continue to honour the legacy and charism of its foundress Venerable Mary Ward. The merger of the two congregations became a canonical and legal reality at 12:00 PM CET (Rome time) on 4 November 2025.

Making Connections (Loreto Centre Staff visit to THE LUME)

A visit to the Connection exhibition at THE LUME Melbourne was a beautiful way for the staff of the Loreto Centre to begin our exploration of the Uluru Statement From the Heart. This immersive exhibition begins with a powerful Acknowledgment of Country that washes over you with its sights and the smells of smoke and eucalyptus. Then nearly 650 works from 110 visual and musical artists present the story of this country’s rich and enduring cultural history.