Our foundress Mary Ward came from England. After an eventful life she died there in 1645. She was buried in the (Anglican) cemetery of Osbaldwick. Her grave has not survived, but her tombstone remains to this day. It is cared for at St Thomas’ Church in Osbaldwick.
An ecumenical celebration in memory of Mary Ward took place there on 29 January. It was broadcast online so that sisters and companions worldwide could join in the celebration.
Many members of the Mary Ward family took advantage of this opportunity. Sr Patricia Harris CJ, who lives at the Bar Convent in York, gave an insight into Mary Ward’s life and the difficulties she had to overcome in her address – an inspiration for us today too.
If you missed the service, you can watch the recording here: https://fb.watch/impvM9MCs1/
The prayers can be read in this booklet accompanying the service: https://www.osbaldwickandmurtonchurches.org.uk/docs/online/liturgies/Mary%20Ward%20Service%202023.pdf
