About Us
We are an international congregation of sisters, spread over four continents. We were founded in 1609 by Mary Ward. Our Ignatian spirituality invites us to be apostolic women in the Church – contemplatives in action.
Who we are
We are an international congregation of about 1400 sisters in twenty-four countries spread over four continents. Our international centre is in Rome. We were founded by the Englishwoman, the Venerable Mary Ward, in 1609 as an institute of unenclosed apostolic religious women. Our Ignatian spirituality calls us to be: apostolic women in the Church promoters
Charism and Spirituality
Spirituality is essentially about how we see, experience, and respond to the world in which we live, and to God’s presence in it. Every religious congregation has a spirituality that reflects the spirituality of its founder, and this is known as its charism. Mary Ward, a woman close to God, wished to found an apostolic
General Leadership
The present General Superior and her team were elected in September 2022 at General Congregation held in Nemi (Italy) General Superior Sr Veronica Fuhrmann CJ (Middle European Province) Vicar General Sr Estela Clara Grignola CJ (Amerindia Province) General Assistants Sr Pratima Pinto CJ (Delhi Province/India) Sr Helena Kang CJ (Korean
Vocation
“Vocation” – a word that tastes of MORE, of what Saint Ignatius of Loyola called “THE MAGIS”: Longing, meaning, fullness of life, a task and the experience of being needed. It sounds like someone who is calling me personally and with whom I can give my life a unique shape. If you are looking for
Publications and Talks
If you want to find out more about Mary Ward and her charism and about our spiritual and theological approach, you can find relevant information in these publications and talks. To read each article please click on the icon.
Partners and Links
The CJ is connected to other religious orders and Catholic institutions. Find out more about our partners.

#PrayTogether
9 April, 2020
One of our missions is prayer. Learn more about our common prayers.

COVID-19: AN INVITATION TO SPIRITUAL AWAKENING
15 September, 2020
As the whole world, we face the covid crises. Our sisters respond to it in many different ways. Learn more about their efforts.

Mary Ward Week 2021
23 January, 2021
Find out more about Mary Ward Week and the meaning Mary Wards spirituality has for us today.