Telling the story of 400 years in one hour – The Joy of Being One

The story of the struggle to establish women’s religious congregations within the Catholic church over four centuries is interesting enough, but multiply that sevenfold when considering the intrigue of adding political, cultural and historical forces in favour or against, such radical movements.

That women would be so audacious as to think, much less do, what was considered an exclusively spiritual task for spiritual men, was the downfall for Mary Ward as she sought to send women out in service without the security of convent walls, the guidance of the bishop or the leadership of someone outside the group, and all in ordinary dress! What on earth could they possibly do and what trouble would befall them! This was what caused Mary Ward to be labelled ‘heretic, schismatic and rebel against the Holy See’. Similarly, her companions were guilty of being Jesuitesses, galloping girls and “but women”.’

And so, with a feeling of trepidation, Michelle McCarty, Director of Mission & Student Leadership at Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak, and I set out to match the story with the context and explore the development of Mary Ward’s Institute from 1609 until the present day, through a presentation to be shared with our circle of friends. The story was told (in one hour!) at the Joy of Being One celebrated at Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak on 29 May, with past pupils, staff, parents and CJ Sisters. Sisters Marg Finlay and Margie O’Sullivan designed the evening to be one of felicity and friendship, and indeed it was a wonderful night!

As the readers of Eucalyptus Blossoms will know, our story is full of adventure and intrigue, risk and fulfilment – years of knowing and not knowing. What an extraordinary miracle though that 416 years later this little band of women has finally realised that original dream of ‘being one’.

Now there is only one group, named members of the Congregation of Jesus, with one leader and her Council at last. And with a spread across forty countries, speaking at least nine official languages, with more than two hundred educational institutions, the common desire or mission to empower women and girls through education in any number of ways and means congruous to the times, still inspires and compels.

Possibly more miraculous than finally becoming one is the story of this new century as lay colleagues, friends, past pupils and teachers make up the tens of thousands of women and men inspired by the courage and dedication of Mary Ward’s charism and their place in forwarding it for the common good.

Some of the challenges of Mary Ward’s time remain and new challenges arise but the words of Mary Ward on her deathbed continue inspiring many as we read the signs of the times and make the best response we can as seekers of truth and doers of justice. She said: No matter the who, but the what. Following Jesus by way of the Gospel message, in the spirit of Mary Ward, is a task for all of us.

Credit: Sr Sandra Perrett CJ

Published 28 July 2026