Mary Ward’s vision fulfilled as two congregations merge

By Sr. Christine Masivo, CPS

In a historic moment for female religious life, two branches of Mary Ward’s spiritual family, the Congregation of Jesus (CJ) and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM), known as the Loreto Sisters, have merged into one congregation.

The unification became official during Mass in Loyola, Spain, on November 4, 2025, fulfilling the 400-year-old vision of their foundress, Venerable Mary Ward (1585-1645).

The canonical merger of the two congregations brings together approximately 1,880 sisters worldwide under the official name of the Congregation of Jesus (CJ).

The Mass was presided by Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, at the birthplace of St. Ignatius Loyola, since both congregations were inspired by the founder of the Jesuits.

Unity in diversity   (Sr. Santrina Tumusiime, CJ)

Four centuries in making

Mary Ward, a pioneering English woman born in 1585, dreamt of a different form of religious life devoted to education and empowered by the spirituality of the Jesuits, though her ideas were opposed in 17th-century Europe.

The schools she established were supressed, and she was imprisoned. Yet, her vision endured and gave life to two congregations that spread around the globe to carry her legacy.

"This moment is a profound act of healing and hope," said Sr. Veronica Fuhrmann, CJ, Superior General of the newly-formed congregation. “For centuries, we have shared the same charism and the same mission. Today, what has long been true in spirit is now also true in structure. We are one.”

Sr. Veronica Fuhrmann CJ, (right) the general superior of the newly united congregation   (Sr. Santrina Tumusiime, CJ)

Joyful voluntary union

Unlike many religious orders prompted to merge as a result of dwindling numbers, this union emerges not from necessity but rather from strong conviction, reflecting years of discernment and dialogue between the two congregations’ leadership teams.

“We are merging because we want to, not because we have to,” said Sr. Noelle Corscadden, former Superior General of the Loreto Sisters. “This is about effecting what Mary Ward began: a single institute of women who live and serve with liberty, sincerity, and joy.”

The two congregations began formal conversations to merge in 2016, followed by extensive consultations among members worldwide and sisters voting in favour of uniting, a decision described as “a moment of grace and fulfilment.”

Sr. Santrina Tumusiime CJ, capturing the moment of joyful voluntary union   (Sr. Santrina Tumusiime, CJ)

Deepening shared mission and identities

While the name Loreto will continue to identify the congregation’s schools and ministries, especially in Ireland, India, Australia, and East Africa, all members will belong to the global body: the Congregation of Jesus.

“The name Loreto is part of our heritage and will always remain,” Sr. Corscadden emphasized. The former Superior General was pivotal, along with Sr. Jane Livesey, the then-Congregation of Jesus Superior General, in bringing about the merger. “But as one congregation, our mission becomes broader and our reach stronger.”

The sisters serve in more than 40 countries, in ministries ranging from education and healthcare to support for women and the marginalized. In South Sudan, for example, Loreto and CJ sisters already collaborate in schools and social outreach programs, a foretaste of the unity that the merger now makes official.

Together as one   (Sr. Santrina Tumusiime, CJ)

Witnessing union in a divided world

"In a broken world, our members have freely chosen to become one,” said Sr. Carmel Swords, former IBVM Superior General. “It is our witness to the Gospel message of peace, reconciliation, and communion. We move forward filled with gratitude and with a renewed desire to serve God’s people.”

The merger was followed by a symposium on November 5, in Loyola, as the religious sisters explored how Mary Ward's spirituality continues to inspire women religious today as educators, leaders, and advocates of justice.

As Sr. Fuhrmann noted, “Mary Ward once said, ‘There is no such difference between the men and the women that women may not do great things.’ Today we honour her prophetic courage by stepping forward together, one body, one spirit, and one mission.”