Mary Ward and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Questions and Answers

A 16th-century Italian artist known for her sculptures

A 19th-century British scientist who made significant contributions to biology

A 17th-century English nun who founded the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (correct)

An 18th-century American politician who served as a governor

To create a community of nuns who could govern themselves independently (correct)

To engage in missionary work in foreign lands

To establish a contemplative order of nuns

To provide education and healthcare to the poor

Her order was recognized as a legitimate part of the Catholic Church

She was canonized as a saint immediately after her death

She was ignored by the Church and her efforts had no impact

Her order was suppressed by the Church and she was excommunicated (correct)

<p>She believed women should have equal rights and opportunities as men in the Church</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She is seen as a pioneer for women's rights in the Church and her order continues to thrive</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mary Ward, an English Catholic nun, lived from 1585 to 1645 and was a pioneer for women's rights in the Catholic Church.
She was inspired by the Jesuit order's missionary work and wished to establish a similar female institution.

In 1609, Mary Ward founded the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, aiming to establish a female religious order that could engage in active missionary work, just like the Jesuits.
Her main goal was to create an order that allowed women to preach, teach, and engage in charitable works without being confined to a cloister.

Mary Ward's attempts to reform the Catholic Church faced intense opposition from the Church hierarchy.
In 1621, the Church condemned her institute as "gallican" and "heretical," and she was imprisoned in a convent in Munich.
Despite this, she continued to advocate for her reforms, eventually securing a brief from Pope Urban VIII in 1629, which allowed her to re-establish her institute.

Mary Ward believed that women should have an active role in the Church, beyond simply praying and living in cloisters.
She advocated for women's education, evangelization, and charitable work, envisioning a female apostolate that could operate alongside the male-dominated Church hierarchy.

Mary Ward's legacy lies in her bold efforts to expand women's roles in the Catholic Church, paving the way for future generations of Catholic women to engage in active ministry.
Today, her institute, now known as the Congregation of Jesus, continues to thrive, with sisters working in education, healthcare, and social justice globally.