Walking together
In all parts of the world, lay women and men are inspired by the charism and spirituality of Mary Ward. The follow Jesus in her footsteps – as parts of our Mary Ward Family.
The members of the wider Mary Ward Family form circles of friends or make a personal commitment to follow Mary Ward and the CJ sisters in their commitment for people at the margins and the needs of our time.
Some of the lay members of our Mary Ward Family are former pupils or teachers at Mary Ward schools, others have got to know Mary Ward during Ignatian excercises or while searching for a role model for women in the church.
There is not the one and only right way to become a members of the Mary Ward Family. In many countries, the groups of friends, associates or companions are not even roman catholic, due to different situations in their home countries.
The base that connects all members of this worldwide network is the charism of Mary Ward, her inspiring vision of actively promoting God’s eternal love by uniting prayer and action. All parts of our Family are searching God in their daily lives and are commiting themselves to be “seekers of truth and doers of justice”.
Associates, also known as Companions and Friends of Mary Ward, are located in many of our Provinces and Regions across the world. They are people from all walks of life, young and old, who want to share in the spirituality and mission of the Institute of as their own life commitments allow them.
In every part of the congregation, associates and friends are playing an important role and are deeply engaged in the life of the Institute. In many places they are social and pastoral care workers, teachers, support staff and education officers, development workers, treasurers, secretaries and archivists, carers and support staff of all kinds. In some places colleagues and co-workers, past pupils and friends seek formal opportunities for commitment.
We support the Congregatio Jesu and its sisters; we attend events, ceremonies, etc. whenever we can. At the end of the year, we give the graduates a small memento so that they remember they are part of the large family of Friends of Mary Ward.
We also invite those who have been graduates for 10 years and present them with another memento; the young people respond by attending – not all of them, but some do; some come more often, others less so, but they do attend.
We have organised a number of charity campaigns, such as collecting clothes and toys for a home run by the sisters in Cabure, Santiago del Estero. On that occasion, both current and former pupils helped out.
There is a young lady, Marta Cosnsard, who is always keen to hear about the life of M.W., and we have invited her to join us online. There aren’t many of us—six or seven—and we always try to support the institution of which we were once a part. There is also a young lady who was not a teacher, but who admires and reveres M.W. Furthermore, there is a teacher, Edgar Gilles, who has taken part in spiritual gatherings with Sister Antonia Minig, and is always willing to participate. The recently retired Headmistress, Silvina Rabbia, who is currently the school’s second legal representative, is also keen to take part. We all love to be part of the large international family of the Friends of Mary Ward. As she used to say, ‘Do good and do it well, to give greater glory to God.’
Contact persons:
Language:
We speak Spanish.
The Mary Ward Family in Argentina has a strong pillar in the members of the “Red de Educación”, the network for education, of the Amerindian Province.
There are many ways to become part of the Loreto circle of friends and its community of generous individuals, e.g. by working in development or educational projects, responding to advocacy issues, volunteering with Mary Ward International Australia, signing up to the Loreto Networker E-Newsletter, …
Ongoing friendships connect the past to the present. Involvement in the Loreto network keeps the spirit of Mary Ward alive and maintains the link between families, schools and colleges, past and present students and the work of the Loreto Sisters.
The Companions in Austria belong to the Middle Eiropean Province. Their group has members from Germany, Austria, South Tyrol and Slovakia.
The CJ Associates in Canada are people young and old, from all walks of life, who desire to share the charism and mission of the CJ and have been invited by a sister or an associate.
We aim to embrace and embody Mary Ward’s vision and values in the world through a mutually empowering relationship with sisters and fellow associates.
Sisters and associates share a mutual responsibility to live the values of Jesus and Mary Ward in their everyday lives through:
Promoting the leadership of women
Practicing inclusivity, mutuality, flexibility and right relationship with all of creation
Fostering grateful awareness of their personal gifts, and using them courageously in service to the vulnerable and marginalised in our society
We are thrilled to finally have reached the threshold of being One CJ family.
Responsible sister: Sr. Gill Goulding
Associates committee: Donna Holland-Hurst, Adrienne Corti, Anne Hanley.
Donna is contacting Associates all across Canada and connecting with new recruits. Adrienne is collaborating with Gill Goulding and Mary Mallany to capture the commonalities and divergences of becoming lay partners in the CJ family. Anne’s focus is to collect and develop resources that would help inform our Mary Ward Circles and prepare lay persons to make a commitment as an Associate.
We prefer to communicate in English.
Teacher, pupils and alumni from Mary Ward schools in Chile form a network and learn about Venerable Mary Ward together. The different school in the country and in the Amerindian Province have connetcted and built the “Mary Ward Education Network”.
Sister Kristiána in Mladá Bolslav is organising faith shring circles for people interested in deepening their personal relationship with the Christ.
Life in the capital of El Salvadoris very expensive in relation to people’s incomes, completely impossible for the students’ families to finance. Sr. Martha, with financial support from her fellow sisters and some donors, offers space for young women from the countryside who devote themselves to their studies: a roof over their heads, food, but also safety, because San Salvador is a city shaken by violence and gang crime.
The CJ house in San Salvador offers space for ten students at a time. They study a wide variety of subjects: economics, communication science, mechanical engineering, architecture, nursing, etc. “It gives me great satisfaction that over the years, fifteen students have already successfully completed their studies and almost all of them have also found a job”, Sr. Martha says. “After they finish their studies, I try to support them for another six months in their search for a job; then they move out to make room for the next generation. Currently, ten active students are living in our house.”
The former students and their families are an active community gathering in the spirit of Mary Ward and connecting with one another, building longlasting freindships.
Companions of Mary Ward in Augsburg, Germany
© Sabine Adam CJ
Some of the companions of the Middle European Province in Bamberg, Germany
Promise of two new companions in Germany, Middle European Province
Our group belongs to the Middle European Province (MEP). MEP founded the group in 2008; it was then that the first companions made their commitment for three years with a formal promise, thus launching the group.
The MEP provides one or two sisters to act as spiritual guides. The group of companions – now comprising around 30 women from Germany, Austria, South Tyrol and Slovakia – elects two spokespersons. The spokespersons and the sister(s) appointed as spiritual guide organise online and in-person meetings. At in-person meetings for interested women, those interested can get to know the way of life and grow into it.
We have set out more detailed information in our policy document.
Contact:
Languages in which you can communicate
Our organization has its roots way back in 2009 and grew steadily through sincere efforts and commitment of inspiring and devoted members. A renewed phase of energy and purpose emerged in 2016, marking a turning point in its journey. The Delhi Province ,with the motive of ‘Becoming One’ to foster collaboration and shared mission in 2023, Sr. Elsy CJ, the then Provincial Superior, appointed Mrs. Caroline Shobha Gahlot as the first Lay Zonal Coordinator, and Sr. Manjusha as the President. In 2025-26, Sr. Deepa CJ, the present Provincial Superior, is taking it forward with great zeal.
A comprehensive Handbook was designed by Sr. Elsy and Caroline, covering the Organizational Structure including : Identity, Membership, Vision, Mission, Objectives, Values, Procedure of FMW Meetings, Possible Programs, Guidelines and the Solemn Promise for Teachers and Student Members.
The group operates under the guidance of the Lay Zonal Coordinator, Ms.Caroline Shobha Gahlot, who prepares the YEARLY FMW CALENDAR of SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES and Community Service, invites VIRTUAL GATHERINGS with all schools from time to time as well as compiles the work done by all the schools under the Delhi Province in a FMW YEARLY NEWSLETTER.
School-level coordination is carried out by dedicated coordinators across institutions, under the able guidance and ideas from Sisters and the Principals – Sr. Merlin, Sr. Manjusha, Sr. Poonam, Sr. Deepti, Sr. Ramya, Sr. Shobha etc
The group includes active participation from teachers, students, and associated members,fostering a vibrant and growing community.
Key Activities and Engagement
Special observances:
Coordinators:
Languages of Communication
English & Hindi
The Companions in South Tyrol are part of the Middle European Province (MEP). The group has been in existence for 27 years and consists of seven women and the accompanying sister.
The coordinator is Christine Dalvai.
We meet monthly from September to June; each meeting lasts 2–3 hours. We explore various topics relating to Ignatian spirituality using books and texts. The group is accompanied by a Sister of the Congregatio Jesu, currently Sr Cristina Irsara CJ.
The group communicates in German.
Background – A Work in Progress
In early 2024, a group of Loreto Sisters and lay colleagues volunteered to explore ways by which those inspired by the spirituality of Mary Ward could become associated in a more concrete way with her vision. The group formulated the following vision after a period of reflection, research and prayer:
Sustained by the Holy Spirit and rooted in the values of Mary Ward, we create spaces to enable each other to live authentically these same values in response to our global reality.
In October 2024, Barbara Murphy, Province Leader, in consultation with the exploratory group, set up a Mary Ward Circle pilot project. It was envisaged that this group would be made up entirely of lay people and would be hosted in the Parable Gardens, Co Wexford by Tom Gunning and Marie Flanagan.
The Mary Ward Circle pilot group consisted of seven members who decided to explore the possibility of a lay led Mary Ward Circle from two perspectives:
In November 2025, the pilot group invited the Province Leadership Team to consider an Interim Report of their one year journey of exploration…Connection and connectedness were central themes emerging which included the ‘dream’ of having a place available for gatherings, meetings of cluster groups etc This possibility is currently being explored and we look forward to the outcome of an ongoing discernment in relation to the latter proposal in the weeks/months ahead.
It is interesting to note, in the pilot group’s feedback, reference to the importance of ‘connecting and maintaining links with other Loreto and CJ groups around the world…’ This resonates very strongly with the communication received from Communications Cong Jesu which refers to ‘strengthening the contacts within the Mary Ward Family…’
Contact Persons:
Marie Céline Clegg CJ (Link Person in relation to Pilot Group): mariecelineibvm@gmail.com.
Mobile No: 00353-872216481
Tom Gunning (Pilot Group Co-ordinator):
Mobile No: 00353-874183053
Marie Flanagan (Pilot Group Co-ordinator):
00353-872359012
Language most used: English
he Mary Ward study group is a group in which members who seek to deepen their knowledge of Mary Ward have an open access to this treasure.
This is an inspiration of Sr. Catherine Okari CJ. The goal of this group is to study the life of Mary Ward in depth, share it with other members of the province and try to live fully the heritage she left behind especially her values of Sincerity, Justice and Freedom.
The group communicates in English. Contact by e-mail.
Structure
The association is divided into Supporting Members and Collaborating Members.
Supporting Members
Collaborating Members
Number of Members:
Supporting Members: approximately 800
Collaborating Members: approximately 20
Coordinators:
Contact person:
Languages:
English and Korean
National meeting of the friends of Mary Ward in Nepal
FMW Pokhara
FMW Gorkha
FMW Birtnagar
founding members of the FMW Nepal
FMW collecting plastic
Friends of Mary Ward suuport a school and visit the pupils
FMW Kathmandu
As Friends of Mary Ward, the members are called to answer the spiritual and human needs of the times. They are required to adopt a life of daily prayer to nurture spiritual growth. The members are also enjoined to fulfill their obligations and duties towards their existing state of life and simultaneously maintain amiable and cordial relations with those whom they live, work and pray, so that they may become “living examples- holy and pleasing to God.”
Each School has a FMW teacher unit as well as Student unit. They have their meetings on regular basis, in each school as well as on the national level, too.
What they do
The FMW reach out to the many needy families in their areas with their financial support. Many spiritual renewal programs are made available for FMW members, too.
Here in Nepal, the members of the Freinds of Mary Ward circles – adults and youth – are very active and enthusiastic in learning about Mary Ward and in living out her values in their daily lives.
Contact person:
Sr. Deepa CJ, Nepal Region
Prefered language: English
Our FMW unit currently consists of 18 dedicated teacher members and 30 enthusiastic student members. Throughout this academic year, we have actively engaged in various programs aimed at promoting moral values, community service, leadership, and spiritual growth among our members.
We are truly delighted to get in contact with the wider FMW network and look forward to learning from your experiences, sharing ideas, and strengthening our collaboration in the future.
Contact person:
Kabita Bhattarai, President of the FMW,
St. Mary’s School Biratnagar, Nepal
The Mary Ward Family in Peru comprises lay people, staff members and community organisations such as Mary Ward International Peru, a development office that works hand in hand with the CJ-Mary Ward Peru community.
Work and Areas of activity:
We promote the dignity of people, especially women, girls and boys.
Projects in: Huaycán, Ate Jicamarca, Chosica
Local initiatives: Joint work focused on social development, including support initiatives such as the participation circles programme, the support centre [Warmi Wasi] and the parish medical clinic in Lima.
Members: We invite collaborators, staff members, friends, teachers, students and everyone who is part of our community, to become part of the Mary Ward Family; in accordance with the call from the global network of the Mary Ward family.
The circle of friends of Mary Ward in Slovakia is a new initiative. In March 2026, a first spiritual retreat was held in Ivanka pri Dunaji. The gathering was led by Sr Magdaléna and Sr Miroslava and brought together lay people of different genders and ages who had been inspired by the life, vision and work of Mary Ward. They are eager to continue spreading her good name and values within their families, workplaces and society. The atmosphere was filled with joy, getting to know one another and sharing the realisation that even today her life can bear witness in the modern world and her ideas can come to life through concrete actions. We are already looking forward to our next meeting.
The Companions of the Mary Ward Open Circle (MWOC) represent a dynamic network of women committed to the Ignatian vision of justice and compassionate service across South Africa. Operating as “Women of the Dawn, on the Way,” they address the most pressing challenges facing South Africa’s marginalised communities through an integrated approach of community engagement, material support, and spiritual accompaniment.
Care and Welfare Support
The MWOC supports a care facilities for elderly people in poverty, providing shelter and dignity to vulnerable seniors. This extends to the creation and distribution of handmade items, beanies, scarves, jerseys, blankets, and adaptive aids, produced by knitting circles and community volunteers. These initiatives reach multiple care settings, including homes for the elderly and facilities supporting mothers and babies requiring additional support.
Early Childhood Development
The organisation supports six crèches and daycare centres across townships including Firgrove, Macassar, and Villiersdorp. They provide nutritional support through soup-mix outreach programmes, distribute warm clothing during winter months, and fund infrastructure improvements. Their “Tree of Hope” Christmas initiative reached nearly one thousand children in 2025 alone, delivering gifts and clothing to underprivileged communities in rural areas.
Homelessness and Poverty Alleviation
Recognising unemployment’s surge has increased homelessness substantially, MWOC runs regular sleeping-bag workshops across parishes and educational institutions. Having produced 147 sleeping bags to date, they partner with organisations like the Cape Town Service Dining Room and train participants from schools, universities, and community groups. They’ve also expanded operations to small towns such as Springbok, multiplying their reach.
Education and Skills Development
Through partnerships with Loreto Primary School and educational institutions, MWOC facilitates tutoring programmes, reading groups, and homework support. They coordinate volunteers to work directly with learners on academic skills and personal development.
Community Coordination and Fundraising
Operating from St Peter and St Paul’s parishes in Somerset West, they coordinate volunteers across parishes and schools, organising raffles and awareness campaigns. Their “Helping Hands” initiative aims to expand participation and territorial reach, leveraging contemporary technology and parochial structures.
The MWOC embodies Mary Ward’s principle: “Go where the need is greatest,” working primarily across the Western Cape’s most economically disadvantaged regions.
Contact: Delmence Prevost and Sr. Jacinta Bannon CJ
The Mary Ward Circles meet regularly to share their faith and to deepen their understanding of and reflect on the spirituality of Mary Ward.
The meetings take place every 15 days at the Colegio Irlandesas de Bami in Seville and are led by a sisters of the Congregatio Jesu. These groups are open to anyone who wishes to learn about and follow this path.
For further information, please contact María Teresa Vorcy or Isabel Gortázar, both CJ sisters, or write an e-mail.
A group of lay Christians committed to the Church and the world, who share the charism and spirituality of Mary Ward.
Its objectives are:
The alumni associations of the Mary Ward schools in Spain provide constant support in carrying out this shared mission. Through these associations, not only are gatherings organised for former pupils, but also other initiatives to raise awareness of the charism and the history of Mary Ward.
You can contact them in
Mission Statement
As Companions, we stand beside the Sisters in charism, mission, prayer, friendship and joy. We seek to embody the virtues of freedom, justice, and integrity and to take the voice and vision of Mary Ward into the world.
Companions are active in Chicago, Phoenix, Sacramento, and in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They participate in many ministries either with the Sisters or in areas where they are personally interested and can use their specific gifts and talents.
They also meet in prayer groups, study the spirituality of Mary Ward and St. Ignatius, and support various service projects.
Contact:
Dana Wolze, Companion Coordinator
Devoted volunteers play an essential part in delivering access to education, effective learning environments and in transforming the lives of young people and communities throughout Vietnam.
As a capacity building organisation, Loreto Vietnam welcomes volunteers with relevant experience who are prepared to commit to a minimum of 6 months with Loreto Vietnam, operating out of our office in Ho Chi Minh City, alongside our core team. We seek individuals who have skills in design, fundraising, communications, marketing, event management or education.
We depend on our core team of enthusiastic and committed volunteers to support us in event management, fundraising, I.T., graphic design, marketing, communications and office administration.
Chief coordinator of Zimbabwe Region: Sr. Tabeth Marezva CJ
Assisted by: Sr. Valeria Chirhomoh CJ, Sr. Kudzanai Chiteka CJ
We prefer to communicate in English.
As you can see, the associate / friends relationship differs from Province/Region to Province/Region. In some countries the lay persons sharing our spirituality are directly involved in the mission of the Institute and make a formal commitment. In others, the relationship is more informal and the friends gather to pray, learn about Mary Ward and sometimes go on pilgrimage or retreat.
All associates / friends have the opportunity to deepen their spirituality and to learn and live the charism of Mary Ward in the 21st century.
Mary Ward once said: “I listened to God’s deep dream for me and felt a longing to respond.”
In this spirit, we invite you to pray with us. We offer a variety of prayers and material for reflection.
“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.
We are working in different areas and projects – not out of ourselves, but because we allow ourselves to be sent by God. We form our sisters to be mobile and available, willing to go wherever they are sent. We expect them to strive, like Mary Ward, to have that inner freedom to respond to the call to leave all and follow Christ with passion and compassion.
