Historic Merger of the Loreto Sisters and Congregatio Jesu a Vision of Mary Ward United in Heart with the Jesuits
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They gathered in hope and joy in celebration of this historic moment. In Loyola, Spain at the basilica over 130 representative sisters from 5 continents gathered. Their new cross, incorporates elements of the Mary Ward family coat of arms, takes on a new colour with the merger.
Becoming One: Congregatio Jesu and IBVM merge into one congregation
Rome, 4 November 2025. Following prayer, reflection and engagement of members,
the two congregations of apostolic women religious, Congregatio Jesu (CJ) and the In-
stitute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM- Loreto) are merging. The merged
Congregatio Jesu, approximately 1,800 sisters worldwide, will continue to honour the
legacy and charism of its foundress Venerable Mary Ward.
The merger of the two congregations became a canonical and legal reality at
12:00 PM CET (Rome time) on 4 November 2025.
The merger decree was publicly proclaimed at a special Mass in Loyola, Spain,
which will be presided over by the General Superior of the Jesuits, Fr. Arturo Sosa SJ.
“We are very happy that we can finally fulfill Mary Ward’s dream of a united congre-
gation of women religious with the same constitutions as those of the Society of Jesus”,
states Sr Veronica Fuhrmann CJ, General Superior of Congregatio Jesu. “Throughout
history, but especially during the last years, we have journeyed in close connection. We
share the same charism, the same values and the same understanding of mission. Union
of minds and hearts, which Saint Ignatius has so aptly described and held in the highest
esteem, is the bond that deeply connects us. Seeing this union now realized not only in
sisterly and spiritual but also in canonical and legal terms fills us all with great joy and
deep gratitude.”
“In a fractured world, our members have freely chosen to become one congregation as a
witness to Christ’s gospel message of peace and harmony. We have listened to the
promptings of the Spirit and embark on this journey with renewed missionary zeal”,
says Sr Carmel Swords CJ, former Institute leader of the IBVM. “We believe that to-
gether we are stronger. We move forward filled with gratitude and a desire to serve
God’s people in freedom and joy.”
Rome, 4 November 2025. Following prayer, reflection and engagement of members,
the two congregations of apostolic women religious, Congregatio Jesu (CJ) and the In-
stitute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM- Loreto) are merging. The merged
Congregatio Jesu, approximately 1,800 sisters worldwide, will continue to honour the
legacy and charism of its foundress Venerable Mary Ward.
The merger of the two congregations became a canonical and legal reality at
12:00 PM CET (Rome time) on 4 November 2025.
The merger decree was publicly proclaimed at a special Mass in Loyola, Spain,
which will be presided over by the General Superior of the Jesuits, Fr. Arturo Sosa SJ.
“We are very happy that we can finally fulfill Mary Ward’s dream of a united congre-
gation of women religious with the same constitutions as those of the Society of Jesus”,
states Sr Veronica Fuhrmann CJ, General Superior of Congregatio Jesu. “Throughout
history, but especially during the last years, we have journeyed in close connection. We
share the same charism, the same values and the same understanding of mission. Union
of minds and hearts, which Saint Ignatius has so aptly described and held in the highest
esteem, is the bond that deeply connects us. Seeing this union now realized not only in
sisterly and spiritual but also in canonical and legal terms fills us all with great joy and
deep gratitude.”
“In a fractured world, our members have freely chosen to become one congregation as a
witness to Christ’s gospel message of peace and harmony. We have listened to the
promptings of the Spirit and embark on this journey with renewed missionary zeal”,
says Sr Carmel Swords CJ, former Institute leader of the IBVM. “We believe that to-
gether we are stronger. We move forward filled with gratitude and a desire to serve
God’s people in freedom and joy.”
Who was Mary Ward?
Venerable Mary Ward was a 17th-century English nun and Catholic reformer who challenged the limitations placed on women in her era by founding an active religious order for women based on the model of the Jesuits. She established schools across Europe to educate young women in both religious and secular subjects, believing that women could "do great things". Despite facing suppression and being branded a heretic by some church authorities, her vision paved the way for modern religious orders for women, and her work was eventually recognized. Mary Ward, IBVM CJ (23 January 1585 – 30 January 1645) was an English Catholic religious sister whose activities led to the founding of the Congregation of Jesus and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, better known as the Sisters of Loreto. There is now a network of around 200 Mary Ward schools worldwide. Ward was declared venerable by Pope Benedict XVI on 19 December 2009.
The merger Mass on 4 November 2025 was followed by a symposium on 5 Novem-
ber 2025. Both events were livestreamed on the congregation’s YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSZE-ZQ7AOw0FnjVmgojQAQ
https://intranet.congregatiojesu.de/index.php/s/gZXxtYtaqzynzcm
Venerable Mary Ward was a 17th-century English nun and Catholic reformer who challenged the limitations placed on women in her era by founding an active religious order for women based on the model of the Jesuits. She established schools across Europe to educate young women in both religious and secular subjects, believing that women could "do great things". Despite facing suppression and being branded a heretic by some church authorities, her vision paved the way for modern religious orders for women, and her work was eventually recognized. Mary Ward, IBVM CJ (23 January 1585 – 30 January 1645) was an English Catholic religious sister whose activities led to the founding of the Congregation of Jesus and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, better known as the Sisters of Loreto. There is now a network of around 200 Mary Ward schools worldwide. Ward was declared venerable by Pope Benedict XVI on 19 December 2009.
The merger Mass on 4 November 2025 was followed by a symposium on 5 Novem-
ber 2025. Both events were livestreamed on the congregation’s YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSZE-ZQ7AOw0FnjVmgojQAQ
https://intranet.congregatiojesu.de/index.php/s/gZXxtYtaqzynzcm
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