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Estamos preparando a semana de MW nas escolas, será em outubro no Brasil. A esperança e a fé MW ressoam no refrão do hino do jubileu "no caminho eu confio em Ti".

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Wachsen geht nur durch Veränderung - äußerlich und innerlich. Dass wir endlich Einswerden dürfen ist wunderbar. Wir überwinden historische Bedingungen. Wir leben konkret eine Vereinigung, die Zukunft schafft, die neues Leben bedeutet und die zum Beispiel wird, dass Spaltung und Trennung überwunden werden kann. Diese Veränderung wird uns alle gemeinsam wachsen lassen und ich freue mich auf das Gute, dass daraus entsteht.

Cosima Kiesner CJ MEP

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Love is a beautiful action, feeling, transforming mystery but it is also hard. I recognize in this reflection that our becoming one will cost each one of us something. The uncertainties are many and the journey to oneness requires us to stay ready to trust for what the future and the presence of the spirit wants to reveal. We cannot lose heart. We must be tender and forgiving with our morale to seek the best and work toward collaboration and honesty so that we can be faithful compassionate companions on the journey. This I think will be our work: bending rules and not counting the cost. In my lifetime of the coming together process was held steadfast in the vision of the likes of Noni Mitchell, Eleanor Holland, Jane McDonnell, Maria Bierer, Mary Wright and the many Sisters behind the scenes who had the vision to make inclusion, transparency, changing of traditions, accepting and including difference real. We are the pilgrims of the now and we must have the faith and fortitude to envision a future bigger, better and full of integrity for a brighter future for our congregation and the world. Brenda, USA Region

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Gracias por todo el trabajo y material de oración elaborado y compartido.

Gracias Verónica y Carmel por compartirnos con tanta profundidad el proceso y trabajo que están haciendo entre los Equipos de Liderazgo, acompañadas y dejándose acompañar en el proceso de ser UNO.

Caminamos juntas desde cada rinconcito del 🌎!

Unidas en este camino como Peregrinas de Esperanza!

Abrazo grande a ustedes y a cada una en el 🌍♥️🙏,

Mariana

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I ask for the grace of freedom to side with those "who are scared now," and the hugeness of God's heart for the care and love of all creation. I also ask for the grace of freedom to feel and name lack of justice and mercy in my own life, my workplace, family, church and nation. Anne Muirhead on Wurundjeri land - lands now called Australia.

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Becoming One is embodied in the joint CJ/IBVM UN Office with its focus on the 'oneness' of all creation through the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals. This sign enfleshes God's desire for the unity of all creation and is an invitation to all friends of Mary Ward to work for and pray into God's greater glory. The other sign is the 2017 MW Compass impetus for all schools inspired by Mary Ward's anthropology and spirituality - CJ and IBVM alike. I pray that this 'compass' continues to animate all, underpinning a spirituality for formation flowing from the Gospel and Mary Ward's way of proceeding. Anne Muirhead on Wurundjeri land, Australia

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We appreciate and we want to say a big thank you to all the sisters who prepared the Mary War’s booklet. It was very precious and helped us to pray, to reflect and to share in the community and with the friends of Mary Ward. We feel in the communion with all the Mary Ward’s family from all the world. We are happy to become one. It’s a blessed time. Mary Ward, pray for us and give us your spirit!

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Happy Feast Day!

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Me nace agradecer a tantas hermanas, que a través de los años, han trabajado por la causa de canonización, y en los últimos tiempos, especialmente, a Elizabeth Cotter IBVM, quién con tanto cariño nos viene invitando a seguir caminando en esperanza y trabajando incansablemente.

"Dios tiene su tiempo para todo" M.W.

Unidas 🕯️🙏🕯️💕🇦🇷

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When Mary ward is called the "saint of ordinary things," it is a contradiction if we have to prove a miracle. After all, a miracle is extraordinary. This is precisely the sign of its authenticity.

Sabine MEP

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The Augsburg community travelled to Osbaldwick for participating in the Mary Ward Celebration.

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It is a sign of vitality, agility and hope for the future that we are joining forces now. a renewed yes to the global orientation of our community. With our merger, we are not setting a period, but a colon.

Thank you for all

Sabine MEP

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La causa de Mary es la causa de Jesús. Lo de todos los días, lo más simple, simplicidad en un tiempo de complejidad.

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La causa de Mary es la causa de Jesús. Lo de todos los días, lo más simple, simplicidad en un tiempo de complejidad.

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Three of us from the IBVM English Province at the Osbaldwick Ecumenical Service on Sunday - remembering our Mary Ward Institute and Friends.

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Reflections with Betty, Lorna and Brenda

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Reflections with Betty, Lorna and Brenda

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But for the grace of God go I…

Finding God in all things…

Trusting all in God…

12 steps to freedom

Forgiving enemies is difficult

Finding God in my heart not just in my head…

God will do for me what I cannot do for myself…

…with people, places and things

God finds us if we are open

There were thousands of women in England and God found Mary Ward.

There were thousands of women in Ireland and God found Teresa Ball

There are thousands of women and God finds us….

Casa in USA Region

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Hoy pido la gracias del "Libre acceso a Dios... Referirlo todo a Dios" 

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Hoy pido la gracias del "Libre acceso a Dios... Referirlo todo a Dios" 

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Dando gracias por tantas gracias recibidas en tantos años de vida y familia. Unidas en el camino del Alma Justa que fluye como el río que nos hace Una sola familia. 💕🌎🕯️🙏

Mariana 🇦🇷

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Día 3: estoy dispuesta en la medida de mis posibilidades, ya que soy Amiga de M.W. desde que comencé a trabajar, convocada en año 1999, fui docente en el año 2000 hasta el 2013, año en que me jubile, luego de ayudar a fundar el Instituto Secundario D 200 MW. participe del primer encuentro de Amigos de Mary Ward en 2014 y trato de estar siempre que las Hermanas de la Congregación de Jesús me necesitan, dentro de mis posibilidades ya que tengo mi familia, con dos hijos. esto

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Día 3: estoy dispuesta en la medida de mis posibilidades, ya que soy Amiga de M.W. desde que comencé a trabajar, convocada en año 1999, fui docente en el año 2000 hasta el 2013, año en que me jubile, luego de ayudar a fundar el Instituto Secundario D 200 MW. participe del primer encuentro de Amigos de Mary Ward en 2014 y trato de estar siempre que las Hermanas de la Congregación de Jesús me necesitan, dentro de mis posibilidades ya que tengo mi familia, con dos hijos. esto

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Día 2: sigo su modo de proceder diciendo sí, al llamado de colaborar en mi Parroquia como Ministro extraordinario de la Comunión, llevando la Comunión y ayudando en todo lo que puedo en las celebraciones, preparando .guiones para las Misas Mis preguntas: Por qué, si todos seguimos a Jesús hay divisiones dentro de la Iglesia? Puedo yo servir sin entrar en esas diferencias que empobrecen a la misma Parroquia? Preparo mi corazón rezando y tratando de colaborar en todo lo que está bien, apartando me de aquello que no es de Dios.

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Para mí la fe inquebrantable de Mary Ward, y su constancia en su camino en su peregrinar, son las virtudes que como peregrinas debemos imitar.

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Pilgrims of Hope: The Graces of Mary Ward and the Power of Transformation

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Pilgrims of Hope: The Graces of Mary Ward and the Power of Transformation

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As I reflect on Day 5 with the theme Mary Ward - Graces received during the pilgrimage, I am deeply moved by an image that speaks of the power of grace amidst suffering and hardship. The image that came to mind is of two babies above from our Mary Ward Children’s Home in Amaveni, Kwekwe, Zimbabwe—Kayla Jack, 6 months old, and Kimberly Dube, 7 months old. Both come from sad, difficult, heart-breaking circumstances: Kayla’s mother is a teenage drug addict living on the streets, and Kimberly’s mother, also a young teenager, once contemplated ending her baby’s life after delivery. Thanks be to God the baby was saved and brought to our home. Despite all this, in this moment captured in time, these two babies share a simple moment of peace and connection.

This image resonates deeply with Mary Ward’s pilgrimage and the graces she received along the way. Mary Ward’s path was marked by contradictions, struggle, and suffering. Yet, through it all, she embraced the call to live fully in the present, trusting in God’s grace. She believed, as we are reminded through her journey, that the strength of her mission was not dependent on external factors like wealth, dignity, or the Favour of others, but on her "free and open access" to God, the source of all love, strength, and transformation (PL 38).

In the face of her own trials, Mary Ward’s graces allowed her to turn suffering into an opportunity for spiritual growth. She was given the grace to trust God even in moments of darkness and to share her struggles with God, knowing that her mission was one of hope and love, despite the challenges. This is the same grace that we see reflected in the lives of Kayla and Kimberly. Their lives, though marked by poverty and hardship, still reflect a profound moment of peace and connection, a reminder that even in the most difficult of circumstances, God’s grace can bring hope, transformation, and a new beginning.

May this powerful image deepen our faith and hope, calling us to be pilgrims of hope in our own lives and realities—just as Mary Ward was in hers. Like her, we are called to embrace our journey with trust in God, knowing that God walks with us through our own struggles. As pilgrims of hope, we are called to bring that same hope to each other, to our families, communities, countries, and to the entire world.

May we live with the grace to see the moments of peace amidst chaos, to trust in God’s presence even when everything seems uncertain, and to continue our pilgrimage as signs of hope to a world in need.

Scripture passage:
"Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her."
—Luke 1:45

This passage reminds us of Mary’s unwavering trust in God’s promises and calls us to be pilgrims of hope, trusting that, even in our struggles, God's promises will be fulfilled in us.

Wishing everyone a grace-filled Mary Ward Week, filled with peace, hope, and the assurance that we are never alone on this pilgrimage of life. May we walk together as signs of hope, reflecting the light of God’s love wherever we go.

Mercy Shumbamhini, Zimbabwe

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Celebrating with this 90 year old champion who is sharing her birthday today with Mary Ward - God bless the joyful spirit who is Sr Anne Byrne IBVM. We sang Erica Marshall’s beautiful blessing May You Be Blessed over Anne at the end of the Mass, and the prayer wove among us. Powerful stuff. Thanks for blessing us with your gentle strength and your musical gifts for so many years, Anne. A life well lived with love and kindness at the centre ❤️🎶

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Que podamos seguir tejiendo lazos de amistad y hermandad, vínculos profundos que nos llevan a la unidad...

Estamos todas aquí. Mary Ward y Teresa Ball, intercedan por nosotras/os.

Mariana 🇦🇷🕯️🙏

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At Casa Generalizia on Via Nomentana, our hearts unite in prayer and contemplation with all members as we joyfully honor Mary Ward—a Pilgrim of Hope par excellence. On this fourth day of Mary Ward Week, we are invited to drink from the fresh wellspring of her unwavering faith, resilient hope, and tender trust in God’s time. Like her, may we tread the path of hope with grace and courage, weaving the threads of faith, love, and perseverance into the fabric of our own journeys as pilgrims of light and promise.

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Blessed are my feet to journey beyond boarders, Blessed are my eyes to capture diversity of persons eyes, Blessed is my heart to love and be loved by numerous pilgrims on the way. Everyday is a surprise from the creator God. Cherish very WARM MEMORIES of daily Pilgrimage on this miraculous universe. Smitha, Nepal.

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Find myself ready to begin my JOURNEY with the other. I realize how rich my journey is, enriched by the sharing of all persons I meet on the WAY. Smitha, Nepal

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As I reflect on searching the way, I choose to surrender to the WAY of God. Just one step at a time. A very deep sense of faith in the FAITHFUL God !!! Smitha, Nepal.

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A wonderful synchronicity with today's Gospel with Jesus and a poem by Anne Osdieck:

Jesus, rise, spread out the scroll like Ezra, your priest-scribe

and declare to the people and to us

that God is in our midst this day.

Oh Earth, you are holy now,

Holy Spirit, touch our being and our doing.

Let us feed and shelter the poor,

welcome immigrants, free the prisoners,

fix climate crisis.

Brush our days, with grace.

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Unidas en el Camino, en este año jubilar, como Peregrinas de Esperanza 🌎💞🕯️🙏

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Ph : Plátanos, Buenos Aires, Argentina

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JI realise today that the pilgrim journey we reflect and pray about on the feast day of the conversion of St Paul goes beyond what we see with human eyes. It is the beginning of a transcendental journey—a journey oriented towards God through serving with great love and liberty of mind.

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Gracias a las hermanas que colaboraron en esta Semana MW.❣️ que ella nos conceda ser Peregrinas en Esperanza y Resiliencia 🙏

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Gracias por animarnos a seguir caminando en medio de la desesperanza o preocupaciones de estos tiempos. Gracias Mary por animarte a vivir "algo nuevo y distinto" en tu tiempo, e invitarnos a hacerlo nosotras también hoy... Guiamos siempre! 🕯️🙏🌎💞

Saludos desde 🇦🇷, Mariana

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Unidas en oración desde AMERINDIA en Argentina

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Unidas en oración desde AMERINDIA en Argentina

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Aquí finalizando los EE, rezamos juntas el tercer día de la Semana. Gracias a quienes han elaborado tan lindo y profundo material de oración. Unidas en el Camino de ser UNA sola familia 💞🌎🕯️🙏. Saludos! Mariana

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At our celebration today we shared our reflections on Day 1:

-       the idea of faithfulness to God's call

-       to persevere and trust in God, walking in mystery

-       forgiveness

-       Being able to let things go so that Mary Ward could continue with her journey of trust and hope

-       She walked in the dark

-       Humility

-       She had the ability to know that others could help - she recognized she couldn't do it by herself.

-       She had companions and collaborators

-       Her authenticity attracted other people to her mission and to be faithful to it

-       Love came up in our sharing many times, the loving companionship that she built among the first sisters.

-       She was a feisty soul!

Love and Prayers from the Loretto Community at Presentation Manor, Toronto

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The way is set out in God's wondrous creation, guided by the crucified risen One and animated by Spirit Holy. Mary Ward's major insights about the 'way' came during moments of hair brushing, intimate conversation with close friends, walking through mud, during times of illness and distress - even imprisonment, betrayal, loneliness and a sense of failure. All is given by our gracious God - cracks in the concrete, shocking photos on our TV screens, the myriad shades of green leaves, the taste of a strong coffee, the hurt of misunderstanding, the joy of kids playing at the beach, the pang of guilt. Let the Divine infuse our bodies and the body of creation - the search is simple. Each day Jesus invites us to return to Galilee where it all began - knowing the cross and tomb and sure resurrection are alive in us and our blessed and broken world. Anne Muirhead on the land of the Gadigal people.

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We continue to persevere in hope, humility and joy. We don't have all the answers but somehow we find a way to walk as she did overcoming tremendous obstacles. We each have our own journey to make. Mary Ward shows us the way forward by example.

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I felt that a pilgrim of hope is selfless and courageous, trusting in God every step of the way. Jesus and Mary Ward stood out to me as pilgrims who were meant to give hope to others, even Generations after their lifetimes. The Pilgrim of hope may lack material comfort but is deeply satisfied by God.

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The examen helps when we are in search of a way

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The examen helps when we are in search of a way

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I realise today that, having been influenced by the Jesuits, Mary obviously was accustomed to the daily examen, through which she was able to hear God calling her to follow a path meant for his greater glory. As a pilgrim of hope, I am sure that in Christ, I will find a way.

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A group of us at Mercy Circle met today and talked about our living as Mary Ward women. We shared our struggles and hardships. We looked to Mary Ward for inspiration and shared our concerns and possibilities. Here are the names present: Mary Howard, Evelyn, Arlene, Lorraine, Therese, Brenda, and Anne.

Here are the names of us who wepresent

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Even though she didn't know where she was going to end up with her vocation, facing a lot of uncertainty and distress, Mary never gave up hope.

For sure something a novice can learn from!

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Her strength and hope in facing the variety of difficulties is inspiring and is a model for me.

The ecclesial situation and social developments must be met with active hope and the determination to resist so that they do not drag us down. Mary Ward is a great help for this

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Brenda ...Our Macarena is invisible....

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I find hope with Mary Ward in the authenticity of the way God was calling her and me. I find hope in our belief that God is in charge. Mary Mallany Canada

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Community Across Borders Closing Blessing

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We move together in her footsteps of hope, faith and love. We find joy, strength, hope and struggle along the way. Brenda Eagan US Region

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Lavinia in Romania, Brenda in USA, Carmen in Canada, Smitha in Nepal, Macarena in Spain, Josette not pictured in Wales,  our Community Across Borders

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Community Across Borders: Pilgrims of Hope

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Community Across Borders: Pilgrims of Hope

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We celebrated our diversity as Mary Ward women of hope. Giving thanks for her perseverance and determination to do God's will. We prayed, laughed, struggled with language and shared the thoughts and occasion of crossing our own alps of the day. We spoke of the gift of encountering each other and getting to know each other without fear. We shared many stories but the gift of it all was about being Mary Ward women at this most historic and precious time.

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Congratulations to all for this great day. Let us all truly forward Mother Mary Ward's legacyA very happy birthday 💐💐to our *inspiration* our dear friend our dear Mother and our dear foundress 🙏🏻🙏🏻

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Echoing what Brenda wrote I’m drawn to a quote I recently read…”It’s a magnificent thing to be alive in a moment that matters so much.” The reading stating Mary Ward as pilgrim touched me in with her spirit. Her amazing spirit carried her through the struggles of her time. Sharing in that spirit and carrying it forward we can draw from her strength to face the chaos of our time.

Arlene Ashack, IBVM

Wheaton, IL, USA

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My HOPE is in faithfulness of GOD in meticulously planning our ONENESS journey for the past centuries. A deep sense of JOY swelling up deep within me for being ALIVE at this time as we TOGETHER celebrate 440th Birthday of Mother Mary Ward. Thank you dear Theresiah, Lissy and Violet for your inspiring reflection. Smitha, Nepal.

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I was inspired by Mary Ward's inner strength and hope in the midst of misunderstanding , objections and hindrances. I seek this very grace for myself and all Mary ward family.

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I was inspired by Mary Ward's inner strength and hope in the midst of misunderstanding , objections and hindrances. I seek this very grace for myself and all Mary ward family.

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Caminar hacia Jesús con osadía y creatividad. En un mundo que no cree...es el desafío.

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Mar Ward's courage gentle confidence and commitment to the will of God in all truly inspiring!

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Mar Ward's courage gentle confidence and commitment to the will of God in all truly inspiring!

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This is a new corridor to mental health wards at work. Up until recently it was a long blank white wall. Heading to accompany patients is often a bit stressful as I never really know who I am going to encounter or in what state of anxiety I'll find them (or myself!) And then there are duress buttons and staff hovering around for safety reasons and all sorts of other environmental factors that are a bit intimidating. This mural has been such a source of inspiration, consolation and hope for me since it was installed recently. The mural reminds me daily that I am in the presence of a loving, generous, gracious God - drawing us into ever deeper relationship with our land, her people, our fragile sisters and brothers and the blessed and broken parts of my very self. Mary Ward's genius is her felt knowledge that EVERY person has free and open access to the Divine - this is the only passport necessary for a pilgrim. And each step, encounter and daily journey transforms our world from a blank white wall to a garden of bright blooms pointing always to their Source - even in the midst of pain, disappointment, grief and terror. Please pray for the community in the mental health facility at Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne Australia! Anne Muirhead from the land of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation.

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I am grateful for the opportunity to reflect on Mary Ward's courage in the face of all the challenges in her time and in her call to found.

As we begin our reflection on her life and call in this year of jubilee on a pilgrimage of hope, I am aware of the dark days ahead for us in the USA as we begin with this new administration of government. I pray for inspiration to walk in faith. I pray for the ability to cross my own alps and I am reminded in the introduction here, "let us find inspiration from her unwavering faith and indomitable spirit." "Let her story remind us that each step we take, no matter how challenging, is part of a larger pilgrimage towards hope and personal transformation..." I am in much need of the hope for myself, my country and the world. Let me find the courage to live as she did. Thank you. Brenda Eagan, US Region

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The Mary Ward group in Altrincham enjoyed preparing for Mary Ward Week this morning. We read the introduction and reflected on the role of Mary Ward as a woman for our times.

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Pilgrimage holds an important significance in all religious traditions. A pilgrim is someone on a spiritual journey. What a wonderful source of inspiration we have in our foundress Mary Ward, a real icon of a pilgrim of hope! The Holy Spirit at work within her was both powerful and gentle, enabling hope and patience. From the time she first understood her call to religious life she remained steadfast, in the face of family opposition and with no clear idea

where this call would lead. She set out on her pilgrimage knowing only that religious life meant leaving family, friends and her native land. As a migrant of that time, she placed her trust in the God who called her,

desiring only God’s will. This is why she became a pilgrim.

Her patient discerning pilgrimage over years led her from the Poor Clare contemplative contentment that her heart had yearned for, to an understanding that the glory of God was calling her to begin a new way of apostolic religious life for women rooted in that same contemplative spirit. Persecution marked Mary’s early life in England and the example of her grandmother enabled her to see how women strong in their faith could challenge the accepted norms of society. She was convinced that women could “do great things” both in the life of the Church and in outreach to the most vulnerable, particularly through education. A liberating framework was necessary, and Mary found this in the Jesuit Constitutions. Indeed, from the earliest years of this incipient institute Mary Ward began to form members according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and to use her authority in the gentle service of the fledgling community. Here, members were asked to satisfy themselves with “nothing that is less than God” and urged in community relations to be “as courteous towards each other as if we were strangers, but at the same time as gentle and amiable as we are accustomed to be with our most intimate friends.”

She walked many miles to Rome to lay before the Holy Father and the Cardinals the outline of her new Institute. Her calm confidence in the illuminations she

had received from the Lord and the fruits of the Spirit evident in her life, meant that the hierarchy could not deny the holiness of her person, though they would not agree to the proposed Institute. Nevertheless, Mary never lost hope in the authenticity of the way God was calling her.

Even in the face of the suppression of the Institute in 1631 and the condemnatory language of the Papal Bull, she did not give up hope that God would bring to fruition what he had made known to her. Her ardent fervour to do God’s will burned

more fiercely.

Despite real material poverty, a spirit of joy and love, not fear, was evident amongst the first companions. Indeed, Mary spoke of the importance of cheerfulness as a key characteristic for those who would join the Institute. Freedom, justice and sincerity marked her life, as they mark our own. As we begin this Mary Ward Week two questions might assist us.

Questions for reflection:

Where do I draw from the rich resources of her life for my own life at this time?

What virtues that she expresses as a pilgrim of hope are necessary for me today?

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From an early age, Mary Ward was deeply in love with God. Her dreams grew, along with questions about how to proceed. She aspired to do something great for God. Mary was inspired by the Jesuits/priests who bravely ministered to Catholics in England and wanted to collaborate in the ongoing redemptive work of Christ (CN. VII.1) as they did. But which path should she take? Becoming a religious in order to “To serve the Church in procuring the good of souls by all means possible for women to the greater Glory of God,” (Letter No. 5: Nymphenburg collection cf. Henriette Peters p.349) seemed more fitting.

However, the life of an enclosed sister did not align with her vision. She felt called to work among those who needed care or education in the faith and life. The question was how to achieve this - should she do it alone or with others? She decided to work with like-minded women companions. The next question was where to start: the Continent seemed safer.

Her meandering journey, which began in

childhood, was finally taking shape. Yet many decisions lay ahead. She would need assurances. She knew the dream would become a reality and hoped it would be in her lifetime.

Pope Francis, in ‘Spes Non Confundit’, writes, “Hope is born of love and based on the love springing from the pierced Heart of Jesus upon the Cross”. Intimacy with the Lord will open our door to hope as Mary Ward experienced it in her long arduous journey with numerous oppositions, misunderstandings and rejections. Her intimacy with the Lord was her source of hope.

We read in Mt 11:28 “Come to Me”. Once we accept His invitation to go to Him, He will open for us a new path. When we listen deeply and attentively to His voice in the ordinary things of life we will recognise and discover what we have been looking for. Mary Ward experienced this deep union with Him, and she says, “I saw Him very clearly go into my heart and little by little hide Himself…He held my heart”. We are called to live in this specific grace of Mary Ward. Her experience of God holding her heart resonates with us in our being here, beckoning us to immerse ourselves in God’s love and seek His will as we move forward in our journey of ‘Being One’.

We are urged to pay attention to the signs of the times, to recognize the immense goodness present in our world, with great desire for peace, the need for enthusiasm for life… We are called to be tangible signs of hope to those who experience hardships of any kind and to the world where fragmentation is a norm, as we ‘BECOME ONE’.

Mary Ward was constantly in touch with her inner movements and grew in the spirit of discernment, refining her understanding, and sincerely seeking God's will. The Lord is leading us… In our discernment may we find assurance, zeal, and an abundance of hope.

Questions for reflection:

To what degree do I follow her way of proceeding?

What are my questions for discerning the way ahead?

How am I preparing my heart and energies to recognize the path that God wills?

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All types of beginnings need openness, conviction, courage, humility, love, determination, patient persistence and above all, trust in God and constant communication with God in prayer. Mary Ward had all of these, and her charism was rooted in the ‘Just Soul’ – Freedom, Justice and Sincerity. She was fully convinced that

her call to ‘some other thing’ came only from God. Therefore, she waited patiently for His time and did not walk ahead of Him.

In Mozambique we are going through a similar experience in a small way, being in a new mission – new country, new language, new culture and new types of food etc. It is like a seed planted in hard soil, from which it has to push itself to come out to receive sunlight and fresh air like any other plant. Mary Ward too made every effort to realise and remain faithful to her call. We in Mozambique are doing all that we can to make our new venture fruitful and viable despite all the challenges. We trust that the Lord will let Mary Ward’s dream, that ‘Women in time to come will do much’, become a reality through faith formation, education and health ministry reaching out to the poor and the needy. We desire to live the inscription on her tombstone, ‘to love the

poor… live [and] die and rise with them’.

(Maria Kalonga - Zimbabwe)

I was born into a family of nine - seven sisters and one brother - and grew up in strong faith with love and freedom in a small village called Quelicai in Baucau district in Timor-Leste. The passing of years from my childhood instilled in me a quiet passion for values such as love, faith and freedom. I entered the pre-candidacy at the age of twenty-four with my parents’ consent. Ever since I have been inspired by one of Mary Ward’s sayings: “Serve God with great love and liberty of mind.” I deeply sensed that this is a precious gift of God, and that the amazing treasure of Mary Ward can and does come alive in the

world today in what women can do in this

time.

I drew this picture of Mary Ward with a Timorese hat which reminds me of her vision. It points out to me her energy, freedom, pathway, fidelity, and commitment that lead to generative energy and wholeness.

From the beginning of my journey as a religious I was deeply inspired by the core value of freedom. Mary Ward’s profound understanding of freedom drew her to a closer relationship with God and enabled her to trust her companions now and then. My new journey signifies a commitment to continue her legacy and to make a difference in the world, just as Mary Ward did. I am very proud that this spirit of freedom was brought into my home country through our Mary Ward sisters. We/I share with others generously the blessing we/I have received on our pilgrim journey. (Rosalina Belo: pioneer, Timor Leste IBVM)

Let us pray with Mary Ward for the grace of interior freedom to refer all to God. Amen!

Questions for reflection:

How open am I to venture and explore new missions or journeys in order to respond to God’s call and to fulfil His will?

Am I truly free to build God’s Kingdom of love, peace, freedom and justice with conviction and generosity?

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We are on a sacred path – Mary Ward’s wish, “I wish all were here”, is about to become a reality. Each of us has an important role to play in making her dream come true. Right now, we are being called to open up to others. Our hearts are learning to listen to each other more deeply while at the same time aspiring to unity.

We are convinced that our union will strengthen the identity and unity of the whole Mary Ward Family. Each branch, CJ and IBVM, has developed its own

characteristics. Each is guided by the same Holy Spirit. Now is the time to appreciate what the other branch has developed. We are getting to know other Mary Ward women and their cultures. By being open and respectful, we grow closer together.

Our merger is having an impact not only on the sisters, but also on the many lay collaborators who are also our fellow companions on the journey. They are eager to be enriched by our greater international outreach. We are on a pilgrimage together for mission in so many different places. As we grow in our hearts, we are able to listen more deeply to the world together. As one body, we want to welcome all humanity with reciprocity and fairness, while nurturing the beauty of our planet.

Many people are forced to make new departures into the unknown. Insecurity, loneliness, sadness and rootlessness find their way into their hearts. They too yearn for companionship. Like Mary Ward and her group of friends, who were attentive to the needs of their time, we are called to

walk in a synodal way to respond together to the needs of today’s world.

Questions for reflection:

How can we be more attuned to each other and to the reality of the world at large in order to encounter Jesus both in each other and in that reality?

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Mary Ward’s pilgrimage was grounded in the call she received from the Lord in 1611: Take the same. This call was connected to a contradiction: Father General will never allow it. Go to him. From then on, she was devoted solely to the goal of putting into practice what she felt she was called to do. That this pilgrimage would be arduous was already included in the mission itself. So, there was no reason to complain about difficult conditions on the way. Nor was her poor health a reason to refuse this call. The only way to deal with these contradictions was by taking Jesus seriously as her companion and sharing all her (bad) experiences with him.

In the darkest year of 1625, four special graces were bestowed upon her, which we all find in the Painted Life. None of these graces has outwardly improved her situation. And yet, with these graces, everything has changed. She was given the spiritual tools to face the difficulties in a new way. So, she was protected from bitterness, despair or thoughts of revenge in times of slander and persecution.

PL 38: The only important thing in life is the free and open access to

God.

PL 39: The way to make sufferings constructive is to embrace them

lovingly.

PL 40: She as a person is not important, is nothing, but in God is to be

found everything.

PL 41: Forgiving enemies gives joy and freedom, which changes the

enemies into friends.

The grace that speaks most profoundly to my own pilgrimage in the Institute is that of knowing that the strength of the Institute is “not dependent on wealth, dignity or the favour of princes” but on “free and open access” to God who showers us with love, strength, insight, and gives us protection on the journey (PL 38). This grace offers consolation to me

as I journey within the Canadian Region, and especially as together we progress along our pilgrimage of Becoming One institute.

In December 2023, I made my final profession of vows in the Canadian Region. It was a celebration of absolute joy and confirmation of my vocation to religious life in our Institute. It was also a public commitment to living in the current reality of change, upheaval, uncertainty and loss as we proceed along a path of completion of what was in Canada, while, in a spirit of hope and trust, we make room for what is and what will be. It gives consolation to know that it is not the historical structures that truly comprise the Institute, but, rather, our “free and open access” to God - that is, my own and others’ relationship with God and our commitment to discernment and openness to the Holy Spirit - that gives the Institute its vitality and mission. Like Mary Ward, we are all called to live in our respective realities, fully and completely, open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, living joyfully in the present moment. (Sarah)

Questions for reflection:

Which of Mary Ward’s graces is particularly meaningful to me in my current reality?

What grace would I like to ask the Lord for today?

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Mary Ward was a woman of ordinary things. She did not seek anything extraordinary, having her feet on the ground. Her journey was difficult. She continually sought and received light at each step - and was grateful for it. She learned to "accept all things from the hand of God, and in all things to seek Him alone" (PL 48). Her serenity was continually renewed in the confidence that "God directs and guides the just, even if it seems otherwise to us" (3rd MW Speech). She walked through her life, noticing where good could be done - and doing it well. Loving God's will as the all-embracing force, she persevered in faithfulness and did not lose sight of the goal. She did not allow difficulties to stand in her way. At the end of her life, dying amidst the ruins of her work, she exhorted her companions to praise God with joy (Vita E). Having a glimpse of eternity, she promised to help them "if God would give [her] a place in heaven" (Vita E).

Mary Ward probably never thought she would be canonised. However, her followers knew her worth and began the quest immediately following the declaration in 1909 that she was Founder. Like Mary’s efforts for approval of her Institute, a long, arduous journey followed, interrupted by World Wars, including the examination of the Vatican’s “secret files”, together with all she said and wrote, as well as what was said and written about her. Examination by the Vatican’s Theological and Historical Commissions cleared the way for our “Servant of God” to be declared “Venerable” in 2009, the 400th anniversary of the Institute’s birth. The penultimate stage of the journey towards beatification and, ultimately, we hope, canonisation requires a “miracle” examined and verified in the Diocese in which the “miracle” occurred. This is where our journey is at present. Should the “miracle” pass through this stage, the same case then goes to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. Success here will enable Pope Francis to declare Mary Ward “Blessed.” As we journey towards this goal, we believe that “God has His time for everything” (Letter, 1625). Nevertheless, we owe it to the wonderful women who have gone before us and to those who will come after us, to do our best to bring this about as quickly as possible.

Mary walked her path as a woman waiting for God's hour, a saint of ordinary things. Ordinary things - e.g. evidence of worldwide prayer and devotion to her, especially by her Family and Prelates of the Church - will contribute to the process of recognition of Mary Ward as Blessed and in due course, Saint.

Questions for reflection:

How does the naming of Mary Ward as a saint of ordinary things affect you?

What signs of the times is Mary inviting you to enter with her today in order to do good?

Where are you, as an individual, member of a community, Province/Region, Friend/Associate or Collaborator Venerable Mary Ward, in relation to the promotion of her cause?

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For the companions of Mary Ward to be

Pilgrims of Hope is more than a lifestyle.

Sr. Jane CJ spoke of “the grace that we

see the Just Soul as our DNA, the prism

through which we live, which constitutes the four distinctive graces: Freedom, Justice, Sincerity and Joy”. We are pilgrims in the footsteps of Mary Ward, pilgrims of hope: hope for peace, justice, solidarity, sincerity and equality.

As companions of Mary Ward, we walk in the footsteps of Saint Ignatius and Mary

Ward. Each one of us starts from a different place and walks on different paths, but our longing, our aim and our ever-deeper encounter with Jesus Christ is common to us all.

We share this hope with one another, and we bring it to the people we meet on our way. We are ready to spread this hope. We know that the Kingdom of God of Justice and Peace is here and is spread within people of goodwill.

Thus, the ever-expanding circle of Mary Ward’s companions since 1609, has become our home and at the same time it is the place where ‘we live and move and have our being’ [Acts 17:28]

We have become pilgrims - 21st Century people are pilgrims.

We are journeying… where we are, into the world, into mystery.

Many roads… the road to Calvary, Emmaus, Home, Church, Damascus,

Straight Street, Work.

Work has become important.

We journey together, alone, we meet up, we part,

sometimes we have to go different ways.

We are on the move.

We move in groups, we move in pairs, we move alone.

The 21st Century person is a pilgrim, pilgrims with a difference.

What we carry inside of us sets apart and unites us.

Macarena came to the south, on pilgrimage, journeying, stopping over,

bringing good news about the future, fragrant news, what the world needs.

Herein lies our hope, that we have recognised our identity as pilgrims,

and that whatever we are entrusted with,

what we carry inside, has to be taken somewhere,

either deep into ourselves or far out into the world.

The world needs our fragrance, it needs our balm.

It is to be a courageous journey of pilgrimage.

Knowing when to walk, when to run, when to stop, when and what to eat,

when to sleep, when to reach out, when to do nothing.

Day by day, one step at a time, or stride, or jump, but moving.

Pope Francis has it right – Mary Ward always had it right,

Her companions lead on,

Lead us on Mary Ward, lead us!

Questions for Reflection:

What resonates with you?

What happens inside you when you hear these words?

How does the Just Soul inspire your life and mission?

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After Mary Ward’s death her followers found themselves on a challenging and unexpected path. There were significant struggles and doubts. Yet considerable opportunities arose to share the message of hope that is so central to our charism and to the gospel of Jesus. Being attuned to the spirit led women like Mary Poyntz, Frances Bedingfield and Teresa Ball to begin new foundations, leave the safe and familiar and make a contribution in other cultures, other lands.

In 1900, Gonzaga Barry, foundress of the

Australian Province of the IBVM, organized a meeting in Rome for all Mary Ward foundations. Following that, there were a number of reunions – the CJ German speaking branches in 1953, three independent IBVM Irish groups returned to Rathfarnham – Omagh 1934, Navan 1969 and Fermoy 1987. The first meeting of the General Superiors of the by then three branches was held in Rome in 1983 – Frederica Boyle (North America), Immolata Wetter (Roman Branch) and Agnes Walsh (Loreto Branch). In 2003, the North American branch was reunited with the Irish Branch. Noelle Corscadden and Jane Livesey, with their teams, continued the pilgrimage and invited all members to enter into a reflective, discerning process. The fruits of the engagement culminated in a unanimous YES at both General Congregations to move to a proposed merger, to walk together on a pilgrimage where not only the goal, but every step on the journey is a sacred space, an encounter with the Lord who himself is the Way. He guides us on joyful and also challenging paths.

The navigation of uncharted waters means embracing uncertainty as we address challenges and seek to adapt and transform existing models. Currently, the two leadership teams are engaged in a facilitated process of consolation and desolation. We are clear that the merger is from God and of God. As pilgrims, we are seeking to listen to the Spirit who will help us choose what is best. CJ and IBVM both have a distinct culture, with certain similarities but also obvious differences. We are sufficiently grounded in our origins to look lovingly at the issues as they arise. For the most part, our conversations are open and honest and, occasionally there is tension. Practical issues can move us to misgivings and fears. We desire to merge what is best of both cultures so that a new ‘third way’ embodies our MW/Ignatian heritage in a contemporary model, apt for an ever-changing 21st century. This joint

pilgrimage is an opportunity to re-imagine and to birth newness.

When, on both sides, our deeply held traditions and structures are challenged, when legitimate yet competing perspectives emerge, the facilitators help us to distinguish worthy values from historical practices. They help reframe the issues. We are coming to realise that experiments, new discoveries and adjustments are required. Sometimes we struggle to understand the changing nature of our situation, which is unclear and unmapped. However, in the power of the Spirit, we seek to develop new ways of living our mission as two leadership teams who will become one. It is risky and scary at times and calls for personal changes of mind and heart, but above all there is the firm conviction that we are called to be one. Let us embrace it and trust deeply that God will guide us step by step.

The spiritual journey which all members worldwide embarked on this week

will open us to identify areas in our personal life, community, province/

region where change is needed. Such a process involves the dynamics of the

spiritual life and of transformation, which includes loss, trust, even death and

resurrection. Jesus say Amen.

Questions for Reflection:

Rooted in our congregational identity, are we sincerely open to the newness that emerges in our process of Becoming One?

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In a world often overshadowed by uncertainty and strife, the enduring story of Mary Ward shines as a beacon of hope and resilience. It is with deep admiration and reverence that we present “Mary Ward: A Pilgrim of Hope” - a series of reflections for eight days - that not only recounts the remarkable journey of our Foundress, Venerable Mary Ward, but also interlinks with the Jubilee theme of Pope Francis - Pilgrims of Hope.

Her life was a pilgrimage marked by unwavering faith, indomitable courage and an unshakeable commitment to re-establish our Heavenly Father’s Kingdom of peace, love, justice and reconciliation. As we delve into her story, we are reminded of the essence of pilgrimage - a journey not just of physical movement, but of profound spiritual and personal transformation.

Pope Francis, in his call for the Jubilee Year, invites us to be Pilgrims of Hope. He calls us to be agents of hope in our communities, taking concrete actions to spread love and compassion. This active hope involves engaging with the world around us, helping those in need, advocating for peace, and working toward a more equitable and caring society. It is a call to transform hope into tangible acts of kindness and solidarity, making a real difference in the lives of others. He thus emphasizes the need for an active and dynamic hope. Mary Ward exemplifies this call in every aspect of her life.

Her pilgrimage was not without trials. She faced imprisonment, suspicion and relentless opposition from those who feared the change she represented. Yet, her hope never wavered. She saw beyond the immediate hardships, envisioning a future where women could contribute fully and meaningfully to society. Mary Ward's journey mirrors the essence of Pope Francis’ message. Her life teaches us that hope is not passive; it is an active force that empowers us to be courageous, firm and committed to making the vision of our Foundress a reality. Her story encourages us to confront our own challenges with hope and to work tirelessly for the building up of a more humane and peaceful world.

In reflecting on Mary Ward’s life, we are called to embrace our own roles as Pilgrims of Hope. This means translating our hopes into concrete actions, standing in solidarity with those on the margins, and fostering such environments within our communities and places of our mission, where individual differences are accepted, appreciated and fostered. It is a call to persistence in the face of adversity, to continuous personal and spiritual growth and to the creation of communities rooted in love and mutual

support.

As we embark on a spiritual journey through the pages of "Mary Ward: A Pilgrim of Hope," let us find inspiration from her unwavering faith and indomitable spirit. Let her story remind us that each step we take, no matter how challenging, is part of a larger pilgrimage towards hope and personal transformation, thus enabling us to be collaborators with Christ in His mission of establishing God’s kingdom of peace, love, justice and reconciliation through our ministries. May we all, in our unique ways, contribute to a legacy of hope that will personify the enduring example of Mary Ward.

We invite you to pray with the reflections of each day and to share what resonates with you on this page. You can upload videos, photos, write short reflections, ask questions, etc.