pathways, March 2009
Religious congregations, their associates and friends around Australia and in other parts of the world have begun a three year celebration of the life and legacy of Mary Ward(1585-1645).
From 2009 to 2011 the two worldwide branches of Mary Ward's institute, the Loreto Sisters and Congregation of Jesus, will celebrate 400 years since she set out on her work.
It is a three-year celebration to take in the founding of Mary Ward's institute in 1609 - the year that Mary received her first understanding of her life's aim - and her second foundational experience in 1611 - the year she realised she should take the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) as the model of religious life for her group of women.
Those who celebrate will rejoice in and honour the vision, courage and commitment of their founder and her legacy of sisters and schools on every continent, hundreds of thousands of students past and present, countless volunteers, colleagues and friends across the globe who through social justice and education missions serve the vulnerable, disadvantaged and voiceless around the world.
Her followers today, working in every continent, try to live by her ideals, promoting the gifts of women in "freedom, justice and sincerity", in a way of life that places emphasis on reflection and action, and to serve the gospel "wherever the need is greatest".
In Australia, Loreto and associated colleges, individuals and communities will hold events to celebrate and acknowledge Mary Ward's vision, courage and determination.
Already Loreto schools around Australia have participated in Mary Ward Connect Week (March 10-13) and a major Mary Ward International Australia funded project was launched in Panighatta, India, on March 8, International Women's Day.
Later in the year, Loreto Federation will be held in Brisbane from August 21-23, with the theme Creating Pathways and Australians will join an international pilgrimage to Rome, October 4-9.
Loreto Sisters Australia Province Leader Sr Christine Burke, said, "In 2009 we celebrate the fact that Mary Ward has inspired young women for over 400 years, and that those with her vision are in all continents and in 45 countries across the globe.
"Loreto schools offer a Catholic education which liberates, empowers and motivates students to use their individual gifts with confidence, creativity and generosity in loving and responsible service.
"This is a call to young women today to live out of their truth and maybe someone will celebrate them in 400 years time!"
Mary Ward Connect Week
During Mary Ward Connect Week up to 35 Year 10 students and six teachers from each Loreto school spent time at other Loreto colleges. During their time away students and teachers from each of the seven schools -- Loreto College, Ballarat, Coorparoo (Brisbane) and Marryatville (Adelaide); Loreto Kirribilli and Normanhurst (Sydney) and Mandeville Hall (Melbourne) and John XXIII College (Perth) -- shared their stories and experiences of being a student at a Loreto college, taking their stories of new friendships and new experiences to their home schools.
Sr Christine said this exchange program had been established to share the values and spirit of Mary Ward and how they were still relevant and inspiring. It was also an opportunity to strengthen the connections between all Loreto schools, and to enrich students and staff with the knowledge of their shared opportunities and experiences in Loreto education nationally.
Mary Ward Centenary Project: Collective Voices
The launch of the Mary Ward Centenary Project in Panighatta called Collective Voices included a gathering of more than 200 women, local government stakeholders and NGOs.
According to the Loreto Sisters Australia communications officer Sophia Ljaskevic, the goal of this project in Panighatta, in the Loreto region of Darjeeling, India, is to create a model "Woman-Youth-Child Friendly Community" whereby women, youth and children will be helped to find a voice in the planning process in their community and have access to education, health, nutrition and protection.
"It aims to create linkages with the service providers and local government institutions to ensure sustainability of the community," she said. "Community ownership through proactive partnership is key to this project.
"The programme co-ordinators' target is that in 3-5 years the community will be empowered to make its own decisions regarding its development, and access the government schemes available to participants."
International celebrations
The international celebrations began with a Mass in York Minster, England, attended by more than 2000 people.
The principal celebrant was Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor who opened his address by reading cordial greetings from Pope Benedict XVI who was himself educated by the Sisters in Bavaria. The message ended: "... His Holiness prays that, through the inspiration of their foundress, the members of the two Congregations will continue to be 'fountains of living water in the midst of a thirsting world' (Deus Caritas Est, 42)."
Provincial Superior of the English Province of the Congregation of Jesus, Sr Jane Livesey CJ, said: "The Mass at York Minster points to a major shift in the unfolding story of Mary Ward, as well as in the wider story of ecumenism.
"The bitterness of religious persecution (she lived in the time of Catholic persecution) has given way to generosity and reconciliation. Her followers have received the warmest of welcomes at the heart of the Anglican establishment.
"What is being celebrated is not just the memory of a remarkable historical figure but the enduring legacy of her vision, so far in advance of its time."
see also:
Mary Ward 400 Years Commemorative Mass York Minster:
Mary Ward reflection given by Sister Gemma Simmonds CJ
Top of page
