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.
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 Elisabeth Cotter IBVM, a canon lawyer, who as Vice-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 Mary Ward declared a saint – Canonisation.
How can you help?
Let the Office for the Cause know of any graces 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 Vice-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
Send us your suggestions
Contact details:
Office for the Cause of Mary Ward Loreto International House 25 Rathfarnham Wood Dublin D14 H2R6
causemaryward@gmail.com or loretomwc@gmail.com
Sr. Elizabeth Cotter IBVM (Sr. Liz) and Sr. Estelle Mc Goldrick IBVM will be delighted to assist you.
If you prefer, contact any IBVM Loreto or CJ Sister Websites:
Most Loreto and CJ Provinces and Regions have their own 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: causemaryward@gmail.com or to any Loreto or CJ community.
Directing the cause for the Venerable Mary Ward
Elena Gatica Romero CJ
Elena Gatica Romero CJ is the Postulator for the Cause of Venerable Mary Ward. Elena is Vicar General of the Congregatio Jesu and is based in Via Nomentana, Rome. Elena’s role as Postulator becomes active in the “Roman Phase” of the Cause. Elena is from Chile where she was a teacher, school principal and Province leader; Elena provides a link with all the Spanish speaking Provinces of Mary Ward’s Institute and Family.
Elizabeth Cotter IBVM (Liz)
Elizabeth Cotter IBVM (Liz) is a canon lawyer who, in November 2015, was appointed by CJ and IBVM Leadership to full-time ministry promoting the Cause of Venerable Mary Ward on behalf of Mary Ward’s Family: The Congregatio Jesu, The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Loreto and Mary Ward Friends, Associates, Collaborators and Co-Workers throughout the world. Liz is from Dublin, has a background in education at secondary and tertiary levels; she was Vicar for Religious in the Archdiocese of Dublin from 2006-2015 which provided much practical experience in every area of canon law.The Cause work involves networking with the world-wide Mary Ward Family, making this wonderful, prophetic woman more widely known, responding to requests for prayer, distributing relic prayer cards, leaflets and other material about Mary Ward, investigating possible miracles and collating information about the innumerable works, missions and ministries that enrich the world in the name of Venerable Mary Ward.
Liz is assisted in this work by Estelle Mc Goldrick IBVM. Estelle can be contacted at: loretomwc@gmail.com
Elena can be contacted at:
Congregatio Jesu Via Nomentana 250 00162 ROMA ITALY elena@congjesu.org
Liz can be contacted at:
Office for the Cause of Venerable Mary Ward Loreto International House 25 Rathfarnham Wood Rathfarnham Dublin D14 H2R6 IRELAND causemaryward@gmail.com
Telephone: +353 1 4240426
Fax: +353 1 4240430