The Cause for Mary Ward’s Canonization
The Church proclaimed Mary Ward “Venerable” in 2009. She was recognised as a woman of “undoubted heroic virtue” four centuries after her institute was suppressed and she was imprisoned. Mary Ward’s sisters who work in over 40 countries worldwide rejoiced in the public recognition of this prophetic woman.
Now the institute must complete the journey – to make Mary Ward a saint. This involves two major steps:
1. We must prove widespread devotion to Mary Ward. This means recording and preserving evidence of support in the many places in which IBVM or CJ Sisters, collaborators, associates or friends live and minister. Through a network of contacts world-wide, the Office for the Cause of Venerable Mary Ward endeavours to discover, collate and share this information.
During Mary Ward Week 2024, we launched an online campaign #MARYWARDFORSAINT. To add your name and provide support for this campaign, please visit: https://chng.it/yX6w5xsL6W (ctrl + click to follow the link)
PRAYER REQUESTS: The Office distributes a Global Prayer Request List every month to the Mary Ward Family worldwide. Those who would like the Family of Mary Ward to pray through her intercession for a particular intention should send their petition to: [email protected]
RELIC CARDS: These are available, on request, from the Cause Office.
2. We must provide evidence of “extraordinary graces” or miracles received through the intercession of Mary Ward. This requires the investigation of possible miracles, whether medical or other, at three levels. This work is being undertaken by Sister Elizabeth Cotter IBVM, a canon lawyer, who as Postulator for the Cause, is responsible for its promotion both in the place of any alleged miracle and in the Office for the Causes of Saints in Rome. One miracle is required to satisfy the Beatification process, i.e. the penultimate step, and another to have Venerable Mary Ward declared a saint – Canonisation.
How can you help?
Let the Office for the Cause know of any graces graces and favours received in the name of Venerable Mary Ward
Promote devotion to her by sharing information with others, e.g., distribute the leaflet or the Relic/Prayer Cards prepared by the Postulator’s Office.
Let us know if you want prayers for someone who is ill (you can contact the Office directly or use the “prayer request” on the website)· Let us know if you have received a “favour” sought through the intercession of Mary Ward
Contact details:
Office for the Cause of Venerable Mary Ward
Loreto International House
25 Rathfarnham Wood
Dublin D14 H2R6
Ireland
or
Office for the Cause of Venerable Mary Ward
Casa Generalizia
Via Nomentana 250
I-00162 Roma
Italia
Sr. Elizabeth Cotter IBVM (Sr. Liz) will be delighted to assist you.
If you prefer, contact any IBVM Loreto or CJ Sister or visit the Province/Region websites.
For further information:
Prayer for Mary Ward’s Beatification
God, creator of all that is good, we thank you for giving Mary Ward to the Church and to the world. Impelled by the fire of your love, she did not shrink from risks, labours or sufferings. She lived and worked for your greater glory, for the good of the Church, for the nurture of faith and for the dignity of women. She was a pilgrim who spread the joy of the Gospel A woman for our times. Grant that through the solemn testimony of the Church the example of her life may be a light for all who seek God’s will. Amen
Novena Prayer For Healing From Sickness
Lord, (name of person) whom you love is sick. If it is Your will You can heal her/him. Your will be done. You have said, ‘Whatever you ask the Father in my Name, He will give to you.’ In Your name I ask for this grace and I ask through the intercession of Mary Ward, who sought Your honour and glory in everything and who said: ‘When God grants me a place in heaven, I shall always help you.’ Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be Amen.
Any favours received through the intercession of Mary Ward can be reported to Sr. Elizabeth Cotter at the following email address: [email protected] or to any Loreto or CJ community.
Directing the Cause for the Venerable Mary Ward
Elizabeth Cotter IBVM (Liz)
Elizabeth Cotter IBVM, JCD, a canon lawyer, was appointed to pursue the Cause for Canonisation in 2015, on behalf of all the members of the Family of Venerable Mary Ward. To this end, coordinated by the Office for the Cause, a veritable “army” of Mary Ward supporters worldwide, endeavour to promote her Cause in the 42 countries in which the Mary Ward Family lives and ministers.
The Cause Office is happy to respond to requests for prayer through the intercession of Venerable Mary Ward, to provide information on her and the Cause and to send Relic Prayer Cards to those who request them.
Liz can be contacted at:
Office for the Cause of Venerable Mary Ward Loreto International House 25 Rathfarnham Wood Rathfarnham Dublin D14 H2R6 IRELAND Office for the Cause of Venerable Mary Ward Casa Generalizia Via Nomentana 250 I-00162 Roma ITALIA [email protected] Telephone: +353 1 4240426 Fax: +353 1 4240430