Welcome to the English Province of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Loreto sisters

Mary Ward  

We are Women Committed to Freedom, Justice and Sincerity.

The first members of our group were attracted by their friend Mary Ward whose deep love of God and  sincerity, gifts of listening and being with people, inspired them to be with her.  Together they left everything and set off to respond to the call of God in their lives.  They went all over Europe founding schools for girls, visiting the sick, the poor and the imprisoned. This was their beginnings in 1609.

The years have gone by and century after century, hundreds and hundreds of women, members of our group, continued and developed  this work according to the needs of the time.

(For more information about our history go to the history page)

In 2006 where are we now?

In the last year we have opened a new foundation in ALBANIA, a new foundation is about to begin in PARTINGTON (N.W.), we have established and are developing ministries in the NORTH WEST, WALES, SCOTLAND, THE MIDLANDS and THE SOUTH EAST

We are following on in the same spirit as those who have gone before us.  Like them we take new challenges, new ways of being in ministry and new ways of being together as community.

To read more about our present works keep visiting this site.

     That time has come

             This is the moment,

                     THE TIME IS NOW.

What do we do at IBVM Loreto?

Prayer and reflection: We look for God in the ordinary moments of each day. Learn more about our Ignatian Spirituality.

Education: We empower groups and individuals. Find out more about our work in education.

Pastoral care: We work in prisons, hospitals and elsewhere. Click here for more on our pastoral care work.

The rights and dignity of women: See how we recognise the challenges facing women.

Spirituality: We provide Spiritual Direction and Retreats. Explore how we help in the search for God.

Counselling: We provide professional counselling to those in need. Learn more about the help we provide.

Please Contact us to find out more about what you can do.

IBVM Loreto sisters, Christian women committed to the service of others