Her Cause

mw-pilgrim-statueAged about 28, Mary Ward wrote in her journal, ‘I will intend no other things hereafter in all I do, think or speak than the greater glory of God.’ The glory of God was the aim of Mary Ward’s life, from her far-reaching vision for women’s religious life, to her extraordinary efforts for the education of women and the service of the poor and persecuted. Her vision of a self-governing apostolic order for women, modelled on the Jesuits, was not acceptable in her time, but she always trusted that God, who had begun the work, would, in time, bring it to completion.

Finally recognised as the founder of the IBVM in 1909, Mary Ward was hailed as ‘that incomparable woman’ by Pope Pius XII in 1951 and declared Venerable by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009. Together, the Congregation of Jesus, the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the many companions of Mary Ward worldwide are actively promoting the cause for her beatification and canonisation.

As part of Mary Ward Week 2024, we launched the campaign ‘Mary Ward For Saint!’ The campaign includes an online petition that will be used as evidence in support the Cause. Please help us by signing and sharing the petition, and join us on social media using #MaryWardForSaint.

We invite you to join us in saying the prayer below for Mary Ward’s beatification. You can download a copy to print here.

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