Latest updates

As we journey toward "Becoming One"—the historic merger of the Congregatio Jesu (CJ) and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM)—we invite you to watch this moving tribute to our foundress, Mary Ward (1585–1645).

Discover how Mary Ward’s educational legacy continues to inspire Loretto schools in Canada, through faith, justice and leadership, as shared by Sister Evanne Hunter, CJ.

Blessing for Sarah Rudolph IBVM, Sept 16, 2025. On this day 178 years ago, some of our sisters landed here to begin a new mission.  I ‘m sure when they left Ireland, they went with blessings, encouragement and much love.  We are giving that today to Sarah as she leaves for New York city and the United Nations, sent by the joint leadership of IBVM and CJ as we head into formal union in the ministry of God’s people and for God’s people around the world. We are sending her to im

When Kate O’Malley and Abie Philbin Bowman set out to uncover the story of extraordinary Irish women, they discovered one whose impact still stretches across continents: Teresa Ball, founder of the Loreto order. With courage and vision, Teresa used her dowry not for herself, but to open a school for girls in Dublin.

It is with joy and gratitude that we share the attached wonderful news that IBVM members have voted in favour of merger with the Congregatio Jesu. Our foundress, and the great cloud of witnesses are smiling down on all IBVM and CJ sisters today.

Loretto Maryholme Update: As winter turned into spring, the centre has become busier with silent 3-day retreats as well as a number of private retreats. A few highlights were: hosting the Loretto Associates for a weekend; sharing two-days with the full staff of the Loretto Ministries; and a fully booked new writing retreat: Journaling as Spiritual Practice. An Earth Day event was a great start to re-engaging the local community in the Centre.

We join all people of good will who feel loss and sadness in the death of Pope Francis, humble servant of God.

Yesterday, on January 30, we came together with warmth and appreciation as the Canadian Region Leadership Team expressed heartfelt gratitude

After Mary Ward’s death her followers found themselves on a challenging and unexpected path. There were significant struggles and doubts. Ye

Mary walked her path as a woman waiting for God's hour, a saint of ordinary things.

Mary Ward was a woman of ordinary things. She did not seek anything extraordinary, having her feet on the ground. Her journey was difficult.

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 contradictio

All types of beginnings need openness, conviction, courage, humility, love, determination, patient persistence and above all

A series of reflections for eight days - that not only recounts the remarkable journey of our Foundress, Venerable Mary Ward

We are excited to announce the creation of a new position within our organization: Executive Director. Today, August 12th, we warmly...