Both Mary Ward and Teresa Ball, 200 years later, responded to the growing need for the education of girls at a time when this was practically non-existent. This endeavour has continued in our Institute and today, with over Mary Ward educational establishments worldwide, we remain committed to the education of girls and young women. Our educational ministries include early learning centres, primary and secondary schools, as well as university colleges.
Inspired by Mary Ward’s and Teresa Ball’s initiative to provide a broad and varied curriculum for their students, our educational establishments are centres of learning where friendships are forged and faith is cultivated. We strive to provide a holistic education, promoting care of self and others as well as providing rigorous academic studies and a variety of extra-curricular activities. In working with young people, our aim is to prepare leaders for the future. The charism of Mary Ward is an integral part of the formation of students, teachers and parents. Justice, Peace, Integrity of Creation actions and networking with our IBVM UN NGO representative are actively promoted within our educational establishments.
Mary Ward educational establishments offer a Catholic education which liberates, empowers and motivates students to use their individual gifts with confidence, creativity and generosity in loving and responsible service.
“There can be no greater honour than educating girls, I’ve always believed education can change peoples lives, as it has my own. And I believe passionately in the capacity of girls and women. So what I love most about my role at Loreto is helping girls to become women of influence and change.”
Nicole Archard Principal at Loreto College Marryatville South Australia
“Charity work and peace discussions help us build peace. As we work together we learn to cooperate with each other. We also bring a smile to people’s face when we discuss with them and help them find solutions to their problems. This promotes cohesion and happiness which are key factors to creating sustainable peace.”
Antoneta Aciek chair person Loreto Peace Club, Student Teacher Loreto Rumbek South Sudan
Mary Ward Education Network
Mary Ward Schools’ Compass
The Mary Ward Schools’ Compass is a guiding educational document developed in 2017 at an international conference held in South Africa of members of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM), Congregatio Jesu (CJ) and representatives from Mary Ward educational establishments in 21 countries. The Mary Ward Education Network is made up of over 180 Mary Ward educational establishments worldwide. The Mary Ward Schools’ Compass identifies 8 markers which our educational establishments use to ensure that they continue to offer educational, co-curricular and student wellbeing programs which are relevant in a rapidly changing world and which empower students to become agents of change in a global society.
A Mary Ward school today affirms the centrality of the person of Jesus.
Mary Ward Schools’ Compass, Pretoria June 2017
His Gospel and our particular charism offer to education a profound way of being,
acting as a positive force for transformation of lives.
Building on the foundation of our God-given charism,
we seek to invest in the holistic growth of our school community
in a deeper understanding and living of the Gospel.
Educational Establishment Contacts
Higher Education
We are involved in teaching and research at universities, colleges of further education, and centres of adult learning. This includes work in the areas of systematic theology, pastoral theology, feminist theology, canon law, peace and conflict studies, spiritual direction formation, and the training of pastoral workers.