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Becoming One. Being one
On November 4, 2025, two congregations of apostolic women religious, the Congregatio Jesu and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM-Loretto), became ONE.
The merged Congregatio Jesu finally fulfills Mary Ward's dream of a united congregation of active apostolic religious women, under one leader, with the same constitutions as the Society of Jesus.
Numbering about 1800 members across 40 countries, they continue the legacy and charism of their foundress, the Venerable Mary Ward, through their commitment to works of education, promotion of justice and peace, ministries of spirituality and pastoral care. For more on this story visit www.congregatiojesu.org
PRAYER OF UNION
Loving God, Parent of all Parents, Friend of friends
You called Mary Ward and her companions
to pioneer new ways for religious in her day.
Across the centuries and in diverse places and times
her followers have sought to live out this dream.
As members of the Congregation of Jesus
we stand ready to live out this call today.
Liberating Spirit,
fill us with felicity as we move forward together as
one institute, with one mission,
for the greater glory of God.
Jesus say, Amen.
Beginning on January 31st, this page will contain resources from the Spiritual Journey process and other information leading up to merger later this year.
Timeline to Merger
● January 23 - 30: Mary Ward Week 2025, celebrating Mary Ward as a Pilgrim of Hope
● February to July: A worldwide Spiritual Journey of prayer and reflection, open to our associates, alumni, and any friends who would like to pray with us
● July 31: Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, on which each IBVM sister will take a formal vote to join the CJ
● November 4: Our official merger date, pending an affirmative outcome. November marks the founding of the Loreto branch in 1822 in Ireland by Teresa Ball, and will also be the day on which IBVM sisters become CJ sisters