Congregatio Jesu and IBVM merge into one congregation
Rome, 4 November 2025. Following prayer, reflection and engagement of members, the two congregations of apostolic women religious, Congregatio Jesu (CJ) and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM – Loreto) are merging today. The merged Congregatio Jesu, approximately 1,800 sisters worldwide, will continue to honour the legacy and charism of its foundress, the Venerable Mary Ward.
The merger of the two congregations will become a canonical and legal reality at 12:00 PM CET (Rome time) on 4 November 2025.
The merger decree will be publicly proclaimed at a Holy Mass in Loyola, Spain, which will be presided over by the General Superior of the Jesuits, Fr. Arturo Sosa SJ.
“We are very happy that we can finally fulfill Mary Ward’s dream of a united congregation of women religious with the same constitutions as those of the Society of Jesus”, states Sr Veronica Fuhrmann CJ, General Superior of the Congregatio Jesu. ”Throughout history, but especially during the last years, we have journeyed in close connection and experienced that we share the same charism, the same values and the same understanding of mission. Union of minds and hearts, which Saint Ignatius has so aptly described and held in the highest esteem, is the bond that deeply connects us. Seeing this union now realized not only in sisterly and spiritual but also in canonical and legal terms fills us all with great joy and deep gratitude.”
“In a fractured world, our members have freely chosen to become one congregation as a witness to Christ’s gospel message of peace and harmony. We have listened to the promptings of the Spirit and embark on this journey with renewed missionary zeal”, says Sr Carmel Swords CJ, former Institute leader of the IBVM. “We believe that together we are stronger. We move forward filled with gratitude and a desire to serve God’s people in freedom and joy.”
The merger Mass on 4 November 2025 will be followed by a symposium on 5 November 2025. Both events will be livestreamed on the congregation’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSZE-ZQ7AOw0FnjVmgojQAQ
The recording of both events will be available at: www.congregatiojesu.org
Information for media representatives:
- Sr Veronica Fuhrmann CJ and the members of the General Leadership Team will be available for interviews that can be held in English, Spanish, Italian or German.
- A short background information about the history of Mary Ward and her foundations is attached to this press release. If you are searching for more information, please visit: archive.congregatiojesu.org or archive.ibvm.org
The embargo mentioned above is valid for all content linked here.
Portraits of Mary Ward, Teresa Ball and other historic pictures are available for publication under https://intranet.congregatiojesu.de/index.php/s/EniHRMi2y3n6bN6
The folder also contains portraits of the General leadership of the Congregatio Jesu and further material relevant to the merger celebrations.
First Photos of the Holy Mass will be available on 4 November 2025 at 1:30 PM CET under https://intranet.congregatiojesu.de/index.php/s/EniHRMi2y3n6bN6 More photos will be following during the afternoon and evening.
