Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who is Mary Ward?
Who is Mary Ward?
What was Mary Ward's main goal in founding the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary?
What was Mary Ward's main goal in founding the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary?
What was the outcome of Mary Ward's attempts to reform the Catholic Church?
What was the outcome of Mary Ward's attempts to reform the Catholic Church?
What was Mary Ward's view on the role of women in the Catholic Church?
What was Mary Ward's view on the role of women in the Catholic Church?
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What is Mary Ward's legacy in the modern Catholic Church?
What is Mary Ward's legacy in the modern Catholic Church?
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Study Notes
Mary Ward: A Pioneer for Women's Rights in the Catholic Church
Early Life and Mission
- 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.
Founding of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- 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.
Attempts to Reform the Catholic Church
- 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.
Views on Women's Role in the Catholic Church
- 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.
Legacy in the Modern Catholic Church
- 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.
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Description
Test your knowledge about Mary Ward, her goals, and her contributions to the Catholic Church. Learn about her attempts to reform the Church and her views on the role of women in the Church.
