Walk with us
Mary Ward never walked alone – and she let us great things to pack in the rucksack for our lives.
Mary Ward’s example and her values inspired women over 400 years ago. What is remarkable is that what Mary Ward did and said in the 17th century, and the legacy she left us, remains relevant and valid to this day. Her example, her deeds and her words continue to inspire people today.
Studies worldwide show that young people in particular today are seeking values they can aspire to. Young people are keen to find a sound, sustainable foundation for their lives and to shape their life’s journey on the basis of such values.
Mary Ward’s values are very well suited to this. We have therefore interpreted the values that shape Mary Ward, the life of the Congregatio Jesu and all the people around her in a new, contemporary way.
What do justice, freedom, integrity and happiness mean today? How can they help us to lead a successful life?
One image that came to mind is that of a rucksack. Many young people go hiking and carry provisions in a rucksack. We therefore suggest regarding Mary Ward’s values as provisions in a rucksack for our journey through life.
We asked an AI (specifically, Gemini 2.5 on a GDPR-compliant platform that does not pass on any data or share the results publicly) how it imagines young women today who are on a journey through life, carrying Mary Ward’s values with them. To this end, we have written short texts that illustrate what justice, freedom, sincerity and happiness might mean today.
We invite everyone to use these materials to pass on Mary Ward’s values to young people. Use them in schools and youth groups, during retreats and in spiritual guidance. Encourage young people to think about what they themselves would pack to be well equipped for life.
Below, we present various versions of the materials. Help yourself and use the resources that best suit you and your situation.
If you are a teacher, an animator of a youth group or responsible for a circle of friends of Mary Ward and are looking for inspiration, how to use the materials presented here within a lesson, a workshop or an outdoor activity, we have assembled 5 ideas and lesson plans for you.
Exchange the QR code or add a QR code leading to your information about vocation and spiritual accompaniment.
You can also print these QR code images as stickers and share them widely.
For those who don’t like to reflect based on AI generated images, we have also set up a series of material with photos inviting to reflect on the Mary Ward values. Feel free to download them, share them in the social media and use themfor yourselves or with groups of young people, adults and others seeking for values in their lives.
For those who prefer videos as base for their reflections, we also provide short videos helping the viewers to dive deeper into freedom – justice – sincerity – felicity.
Follow our YouTube channel; and share the videos with all who you think could need this kind of reflection right now.
