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Provides information about the Loretto Sisters' commitment to past students and links to Loretto Alumnae Association. Loretto Alumnae The Loretto Heritage The Loretto Schools and Loretto College Residence are an important part of the Loretto (IBVM) heritage in Canada. Loretto sisters were known for their excellence in education as well as their commitment to Christian formation. Loretto continues to actively foster an ongoing relationship with those schools which began as Loretto Schools and are now Catholic Secondary Schools. Loretto Sisters also seek to nurture a continuing relationship with those Catholic Separate schools where there was a strong Loretto presence in the past, as well with the schools that bear our name or that of our founder Mary Ward. A gathering of Loretto College Residence Alumnae and IBVM Sisters at Loretto Day celebrations in 2006 Visit the Loretto Alumnae Association Learn more about the Loretto Alumnae Association and get updates on news and activities.

Gives links to Loretto Abbey and Loretto College School. Loretto Schools Loretto Abbey Loretto College School Mary Ward Secondary School

Explains why prayer is central to life of a Loretto sister. It includes our prayer intentions - beatification of Mary Ward, to the union of IBVM and CJs and prayers for specific persons. Pray With Us Prayer is central to the life of a Loretto Sister. Through prayer we acknowledge God and creation in all its glory and wonder and we bring the needs of the world to our loving God. Many of our senior Sisters have a special devotion to prayer ministry. Prayer is as essential as the air we breathe. It is the way we acknowledge God and creation in all its glory and wonder; it is our constant source of discernment and wisdom and strength in ministry. (Const. Vol II, 3.5) Ongoing Prayer Intentions Let us pray on the 23rd of each month for the Beatification of our foundress, whose process is carried out through the Office for the Cause of Mary Ward and the devotion of the people who trust in her intercession. Let us pray on the 30th of each month for the union of the two branches. We pray that all the steps necessary to become one Mary Ward Institute will be taken in the same spirit of openness, sincerity and trust in God, Creator of all that is good. 30th of each month MaryWard's Prayer Mary Ward's Prayer O Parent of parents, and Friend of all friends, without entreaty you took me into your care and by degrees led me from all else that at length I might see and settle my love in you. What had I ever done to please you? Or what was there in me wherewith to serve you? Much less could I ever deserve to be chosen by you. O happy begun freedom, the beginning of all my good, and more worth to me than the whole world besides. Had I never hindered your will from working in me, what degrees of grace should I now have. Yet, where as yet am I? My Jesus, forgive me, remembering what you have done for me, and where you have brought me, and for this excess of goodness and love let me no more hinder your will in me. Mary Ward Retreat, Liége, 1616 23rd of each month

Be inspired alongside the Loretto Sisters and their efforts to bring justice, integrity and freedom to others. How to get Involved Integrity, Justice, Freedom The Loretto Sisters are dedicated to enriching the lives of God’s people through ministries that meet the pressing needs of our times. We are inspired in our efforts by the characteristics of Integrity, Justice and Freedom, three characteristics that our founder Mary Ward envisioned for her community. Integrity Calls us to “be such as we appear and to appear such as we are”. Justice Informs us that our lives are bound up in right relationships to God, to other people, to our planet. Freedom Is a strong conviction that we must rid ourselves of all that hinders us from living out God’s will for us; the ability to “refer all to God”. Vowed members, associates, past students and friends of Loretto, are all a part of our IBVM mission to enrich the lives of God’s people through our ministries of education, spirituality and justice. Learn More Pray With Us Associates Alumnae Volunteer Donate

Offers highlights and explanations of Mary Ward's spiritual journey. Highlights of Mary Ward's Spiritual Journey Glory Vision One morning in 1609 when Mary Ward was in London, she had just made her meditation with, as she thought little fervour. While dressing she resolved to make amends for this by giving a large sum of money to a person who fervently desired to enter religious life but lacked the necessary dowry. According to Mary she was doing her hair before a mirror when she had a profound spiritual experience. She perceived clearly that it was not God’s will that she should enter an austere order, something that she was considering at the time, but rather that she was called to a more excellent state which would do far more to promote the glory of God. MW Ignatian Spirituality Ignatian Spirituality In 1611, Mary Ward was recovering from serious illness. While she was alone and in her bed she experienced an extraordinary state of mind, described as a state of repose and profound peace. She was given the grace to perceive plainly the manner of religious life she was to follow and the way in which she should organize her Institute. This brought a great light, consolation and strength, such that it was impossible for her to doubt that this knowledge came from God. Mary heard an inward voice directing her to adopt a similar way of life, in matter and manner, to that of the Society of Jesus. In the England of that time, Catholics were not allowed to practice their faith freely or openly and if they did so, they risked suffering the gravest consequences, including imprisonment and even death. Mary Ward and her companions had taken the three vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and were living a communal life together. They were ministering to the spiritual needs of their fellow Catholics under the most dangerous of conditions. They ministered to prisoners, the poor, the sick and the dying. This necessitated a certain mobility that earned them the name of “the galloping girls”. The idea of religious women being allowed to move about freely and go into places such as poor neighbourhoods and prisons was considered preposterous at the time. Women religious were strictly bound by rules of enclosure, rules which did not allow them to leave their convents or monasteries and move freely. The day was strictly ordered around communal recitation of the prayer of the church, the divine office. While Mary Ward and companions recited the divine office daily, they did so individually, enabling them to move about and minister freely. The inspiration to “adopt the same manner of life as the Society of Jesus” was a novel idea for women at the time. The desire to live this way as mobile apostolic women religious would meet significant resistance from church authorities and others. It would mean very great personal suffering for Mary herself and a lifelong struggle to gain canonical recognition for her Institute and its way of life. MW Just Soul Just Soul Experience While on retreat, and towards the end of completing the full Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius in 1615, Mary Ward received the last of the three significant illuminations that shaped her spirituality and her Institute. The first, in London in 1609, revealed that the ultimate purpose of her still unknown work was the glory of God. The second, in 1611, pointed the road or the path to that goal: “Take the same as the Society”, (the Society of Jesus or the Jesuits). The third illumination was received while on retreat in 1615. While Mary was at prayer, she received an illumination or vision of “a just soul of indescribable beauty”, a soul free from hampering earthly attachments, utterly committed to truth (“verity”), disposed and ready for every good work that served God and neighbour. Through this experience, Mary gained a great clarity about the qualities necessary for those with a vocation to her Institute. Mary Ward wanted those who were to serve in her Institute to strive for this state of openness to God that had been revealed to her, a state characterized by sincerity (truthfulness or integrity), justice and freedom.

Learn about the role and benefits of becoming an Associate of the Loretto Sisters. IBVM Associate Relationship Who are the CJ Associates? They are people young and old, from all walks of life, who desire to share the charism and mission of the IBVM and have been invited by a sister or an associate. What is their purpose? Associates aim to embrace and embody Mary Ward’s vision and values in the world through a mutually empowering relationship with sisters and fellow associates. What is expected from an associate? Sisters and associates share a mutual responsibility to live the values of Jesus and Mary Ward in their everyday lives through: Promoting the leadership of women Practicing inclusivity, mutuality, flexibility and right relationship with all of creation Fostering grateful awareness of their personal gifts, and using them courageously in service to the vulnerable and marginalised in our society What benefits can associates expect from the relationship? By ongoing communication and celebration, and by participating in the Mary Ward Circles, associates can count on: The support of a praying community The joy of friendship with sisters and other associates A deepened appreciation of the IBVM vision and values Support in living out their personal vocations Spiritual connectedness through ritual and faith sharing Solidarity in social action Who coordinates the CJ Associate Relationship? Jeanne Cover IBVM Coordinator of IBVM Associate Relationship Loretto College 70 St. Mary Street Toronto, ON M5S 1J3 CANADA 416-925-2883 Ext: 7507 jeanne.cover@alumni.utoronto.ca IBVM Associate Anchor

Loretto Sisters' commitment to education with links to Loretto College Residence, Loretto Schools and the important work of our Education Liason. Education From the earliest years of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our founder, Mary Ward and her companions engaged in the works of education, particularly education of women. The five Loretto Sisters who first came to Toronto from Ireland in 1847 opened the first Loretto School in North America with nine initial boarding students. The traditional “free school” for the children of St Paul’s Parish followed soon after. The Loretto Sisters became known for excellence in education and went on to establish private schools in various areas of Ontario. Schools were established in Toronto, Guelph, Niagara Falls, Hamilton, Lindsay and in Sedley, Saskatchewan. After the Separate School Act in 1863 Loretto Sisters went out daily to teach in a variety of urban and rural Separate Schools throughout Ontario and Saskatchewan. Today our ministry of education continues to evolve in response to the needs of the times. Loretto Sisters continue to be educators in very diverse settings including: Education for justice, peace and the integrity of creation Educating for personal growth and leadership through workshops and presentations in various community and parish settings Serving the Catholic Community as Diocesan Directors of Religious Education Teaching in university and seminary settings Educating for Christian formation through RCIA and scripture study Teaching English as a second language to refugees and immigrants Ministries Loretto College - U of T Education Liaison Loretto Schools Mary Ward Centre - Education

Provides founder Mary Ward's vision and historical journey. Mary Ward Mary Ward was a Yorkshire woman who lived in a time of struggle and persecution for the Catholic Church in her native England. Her vision of religious life for women was derived from that of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. The key concepts of our spirituality are that in everything we: Work for the greater glory of God Seek and find God in all things Work to be “wholly God’s” Refer everything to God Be contemplatives in action Three significant moments in her spiritual journey were the founding experiences of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loretto Sisters). These experiences are commonly called: Learn more: Who we are Our Story Mary Ward Institute Archives Where We Are Glory Vision Divine Calling Just Soul Glory Vision One morning in 1609 when Mary Ward was in London, she had just made her meditation with, as she thought little fervour. While dressing she resolved to make amends for this by giving a large sum of money to a person who fervently desired to enter religious life but lacked the necessary dowry. According to Mary she was doing her hair before a mirror when she had a profound spiritual experience. She perceived clearly that it was not God’s will that she should enter an austere order, something that she was considering at the time, but rather that she was called to a more excellent state which would do far more to promote the glory of God. An Odyssey Through Time While on retreat, and towards the end of completing the full Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius in 1615, Mary Ward received the last of the three significant illuminations that shaped her spirituality and her Institute. The first, in London in 1609, revealed that the ultimate purpose of her still unknown work was the glory of God. The second, in 1611, pointed the road or the path to that goal: “Take the same as the Society”, (the Society of Jesus or the Jesuits). The third illumination was received while on retreat in 1615. While Mary was at prayer, she received an illumination or vision of “a just soul of indescribable beauty”, a soul free from hampering earthly attachments, utterly committed to truth (“verity”), disposed and ready for every good work that served God and neighbour. Through this experience, Mary gained a great clarity about the qualities necessary for those with a vocation to her Institute. Mary Ward wanted those who were to serve in her Institute to strive for this state of openness to God that had been revealed to her, a state characterized by sincerity (truthfulness or integrity), justice and freedom. Ignatian Spirituality In 1611, Mary Ward was recovering from serious illness. While she was alone and in her bed she experienced an extraordinary state of mind, described as a state of repose and profound peace. She was given the grace to perceive plainly the manner of religious life she was to follow and the way in which she should organize her Institute. This brought a great light, consolation and strength, such that it was impossible for her to doubt that this knowledge came from God. Mary heard an inward voice directing her to adopt a similar way of life, in matter and manner, to that of the Society of Jesus. In the England of that time, Catholics were not allowed to practice their faith freely or openly and if they did so, they risked suffering the gravest consequences, including imprisonment and even death. Mary Ward and her companions had taken the three vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and were living a communal life together. They were ministering to the spiritual needs of their fellow Catholics under the most dangerous of conditions. They ministered to prisoners, the poor, the sick and the dying. This necessitated a certain mobility that earned them the name of “the galloping girls”. The idea of religious women being allowed to move about freely and go into places such as poor neighbourhoods and prisons was considered preposterous at the time. Women religious were strictly bound by rules of enclosure, rules which did not allow them to leave their convents or monasteries and move freely. The day was strictly ordered around communal recitation of the prayer of the church, the divine office. While Mary Ward and companions recited the divine office daily, they did so individually, enabling them to move about and minister freely. The inspiration to “adopt the same manner of life as the Society of Jesus” was a novel idea for women at the time. The desire to live this way as mobile apostolic women religious would meet significant resistance from church authorities and others. It would mean very great personal suffering for Mary herself and a lifelong struggle to gain canonical recognition for her Institute and its way of life. "Faithfulness is not so much to be praised in great as in little things." More about Mary Ward

Offers information on becoming an IBVM|Loretto Sister including the stages of formation and a link to FAQs you may have about the process. Join Us “Are you searching for a way to make a difference?” We invite you to explore the possibility of a consecrated life: grounded in God graced by the gospel of Jesus guided by the Spirit engaged in the world Loretto Sisters (IBVM) are a community of Catholic women dedicated to serving God by responding to the greatest needs of God’s people. The Inquiry Stage The Inquiry Stage is the first stage in learning about religious life, and is for women 18 years of age and older who wish to know more about the Loretto Sisters before coming to a vocation decision. During the Inquiry stage there is continuous conversation between women who have expressed interest in our way of life and the Loretto Sisters. What We Do Acquaint you with our community by phone, email, visits Maintain regular contact to help you with your discernment Provide prayer support by matching you with a sister who will pray for you Recommend some reading (books and articles) that will help you to know more about religious life and the Loretto Sisters What You Do Stay in communication with us Make the effort to meet with the vocation director and to visit one or more of our communities Continue to read and seek out information to help you make a decision Pray to know how God is at work in your life Learn More FAQ Read Sister Sarah's Story Stages of Formation Contact Us “Women should and can provide something more than ordinary in the face of the common need.” -Mary Ward Expectations of an Inquirer What is Discernment? It is the ongoing search, above all, for the ways God is working in our lives. Prayer is most important in this search. The grace of vocation flows from our Christian baptismal commitment; a woman discerning a call to religious life is attentive through prayer and reflection to the ways Christ calls her to follow him as she considers becoming a sister. Women looking to be enquirers should: be at least 18 years of age have at least a high school diploma and at least two years of post-secondary education or two years of work experience be free of major financial debts and have sufficient funds to cover living expenses for the 12-month candidacy period be a practising Catholic for at least two years if widowed or divorced, some time must have elapsed since the annulment of her marriage or death of her spouse Stages of Formation “Called by God to a Life of Prayer and Service” 1. Candidacy stage The aim of this period (about one year) is to continue the process of getting to know the community, and providing an opportunity for the Sisters to know you. The community provides opportunities to help the candidate: understand your own personal faith journey deepen your relationship with Jesus use scripture for prayer become familiar with ‘awareness examen’ understand the importance of discernment in daily life reflect on your call to religious life participate in a variety of ministry experiences become aware of the multicultural aspect of the IBVM During this time the Loretto Sisters have the opportunity to assess the personal growth and faith development of the candidate and to reflect on her suitability for religious life and in particular for membership in our community. The candidate usually continues her work wherever she is employed. A psychological assessment is part of the application process to enter the novitiate stage. Mary Ward’s Journey “I listened to God’s deep dream for me and longed to respond to this invitation.” -Mary Ward Vocations Contact Join Us Contact Form First Name Last Name Email Phone Leave us a message... Submit Thank you for submitting! Lynn Cira IBVM Director of Vocations lorettovocationoffice@gmail.com

Explains the Loretto Sisters' commitment to justice, peace and the integrity of creation. Justice Justice, Peace & the Integrity of Creation Justice, Peace & the Integrity of Creation are words that were first used by the World Council of Churches (WCC) in an appeal to all Christian churches to make public commitments and to undertake common action on threats to life. The phrase JPIC is a way of describing the Christian’s responsibility to make God’s reign visible in the world by bringing Good News to the poor and excluded, exposing oppression and living in solidarity with those on the edges of society. We commit our energies and resources: to promote the dignity and liberation of all, especially women and children to challenge unjust systems and structures to stand with those on the edges of society to show reverent care for the earth and all creation In its commitment to Justice, Peace & the Integrity of Creation, the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary acts in solidarity with other organizations and groups that share similar aims. These include other religious congregations, parish and diocesan organizations, ecumenical groups and other Faith Traditions. Read more: Ministries United Nations -NGO Refugees and Displaced Persons Justice in El Salvador Becoming Neighbours Mary Ward Centre - Justice Mary Ward JPIC

Provides information on how your donation can impact the work that the Loretto Sisters do. Donations Making a donation is a way to participate in our work and to support the care and ministry of the elderly and infirm sisters who have given so much throughout their lives. You can make a monetary gift in the form of a simple donation, or a legacy to assist the work of the Loretto Sisters. Be assured that you, your generosity, will be remembered in our prayers. Your gift has a positive impact. The Loretto Sisters are incorporated as a registered charitable organization under the name of "Loretto Ladies' Colleges and Schools." Income tax receipts will be provided for accumulated amounts over $20.00. Cheques can be made out to "Loretto Ladies' Colleges and Schools" and sent to: Donations IBVM Leadership Office Loretto College, 70 St. Mary Street, Toronto, ON M5S 1J3, CANADA Phone: 416-483-2238 / Fax: 416-485-9884 ibvmadm@rogers.com Designated Memorial Contributions Another way to remember a loved one Among the ways that supporters can help the Loretto Sisters is a special one that is sometimes overlooked. You may designate the Loretto Sisters as a favorite charity to which contributions can be made at the time of a loved one's death. A family can do this by including a statement in the obituary, such as: "Memorial contributions may be made to the Loretto Sisters." We are deeply grateful to families who designate the Loretto Sisters for memorial contributions. Support our cause Inquire about leaving a donation First Name Last Name Email Address I’m donating in the name of: Choose an option Organization\ Honoree name: Leave us a comment: DONATE Thank you for helping us make a difference!

Learn more about our actions and reflections to promote education, justice, and ministries of spirituality and pastoral care from our Loretto Sisters of Canada community. Loretto Sisters - What's Up Past What's Up September 2025 View file -> December 2023 View file -> February 2023 View file -> February 2025 View file -> September 2023 View file -> November 2024 View file -> August 2023 View file -> July 2024 View file -> May 2023 View file ->