Join the campaign for canonisation of Mary Ward + Petition

Venerable Mary Ward

A online campaign is being launched today, 23 January, for the canonisation of Yorkshire woman Mary Ward. This date marks the beginning of the global annual celebration Mary Ward Week 2024 (23-30 January).

Mary Ward was the foundress of the Congregation of Jesus who reside at the Bar Convent York, the oldest living convent in the UK. She also founded The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto), founded from York.

Throughout her life, Mary Ward strived for the equality and dignity of women in religion and education. She paved the way for the first schools for girls in the country to offer an education equal to boys- the second at the Bar Convent, York. Today her vision is thriving in 42 countries and around 200 schools worldwide.

"There is no such difference between men and women that women may not do great things - and I hope in God it will be seen that women in time to come will do much"- Mary Ward, 1617.

Sister Elizabeth Cotter, IBVM, Canon Lawyer, Postulator for the Cause of Venerable Mary Ward said: "As part of our case, we need to provide evidence that Mary Ward remains relevant today.

"Key to this was her passionate belief that "women in time to come will do much" which has always been the driving force of followers who brought her vision to 42 countries from her time and up to the present day.

"This recognition by the Church would provide the women of our time with a fine example of the Church's willingness to promote the dignity of women in a world which badly needs such witness.

"For the hundreds of thousands of Mary Ward followers worldwide, recognition by the Church would validate the belief that Mary Ward is a Saint for the modern world; she is needed as much by our 21st century world as she was in those dark days of opposition to women in the 17th century.

"Support for and belief in Mary Ward has never waned in more than 400 years and her beatification and canonisation by the Church is long overdue."

Sister Ann Stafford, sister in charge at the Bar Convent, said: "Here at the Bar Convent we have been contributing to the ongoing global campaign to have Mary Ward officially recognised by the Church as a Saint.

"As someone who campaigned for the dignity of women all of her life, we truly believe that Mary Ward is a vital role model for our time.

"Please help our cause in any way you can. You can sign the petition, join the conversation across the social media platforms using #MaryWardForSaint, visit us at the Bar Convent to discover more about Mary Ward, help us to raise awareness about this local woman who made international history or let the Cause Office know if you can help us in other ways by emailing causemaryward@gmail.com."

During Mary Ward Week there will be special events running throughout the week and until 17 February to highlight this important cause. Events include a talk on Tuesday 23rd January and the Annual Ecumenical Service on Sunday 28th January where The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell will be giving the homily. You can also visit the permanent exhibition to discover more about Mary Ward and her legacy.

Visit the Bar Convent website for more information: https://barconvent.co.uk/
Sign the petition: https://barconvent.co.uk/events/sign-the-petition-marywardforsaint/