Facts about Mary Ward talk about the English Catholic Religious Sister. She was born on January 23rd, 1585. On December 19th, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI declared her as Venerable. The prominent work of Ward was related to the founding of Congregation of Jesus and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Later it was known as the Sisters of Loreto. However, it was not similar with American Sisters of Loretto. Let us find out other important facts about Mary Ward below:
Facts about Mary Ward 1: the steps as a saint
Before a person earns the status as a saint, he or she has to follow three steps. Ward still has the first step when she was declared as a Venerable.
Facts about Mary Ward 2: the birthplace
The birthplace of Ward was located in Mulwith, North Yorkshire. Her parents were Ursula Wright and Marmaduke Ward. During her birth, England had to deal with conflict of Roman Catholics.
Facts about Mary Ward 3: the early life
The early life of Mary’s family was hard due to the anti-Catholic riot. The house of her family was burned down in 1595. Her father was capable to save the kids.
Facts about Mary Ward 4: the religious life
Ward felt the religious devotion when she was 15. She went to northern France to join a monastery of Poor Clares. Then she became a lay sister in Spanish Netherlands.
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Facts about Mary Ward 5: founding a new monastery
Ward established a new monastery nearby Gravelines in 1606. It was intended for English women.
Facts about Mary Ward 6: a religious community
Ward along with her companies founded a religious community located at Saint-Omer in 1609. Schools for girls were also opened as a part of their religious activities.
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Facts about Mary Ward 7: a controversial action
Even though Ward and her companions were successful with the venture, some people opposed their action. It was considered as a controversial action at that time.
Facts about Mary Ward 8: founding schools
Ward established schools in various parts of Europe such as in Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Slovakia and Czech Republic. She reached the countries on foot. Moreover, she had to deal with illness and poverty.
Facts about Mary Ward 9: return to England
She came back to London after Pope Urban sent his letters of introduction to Queen Henrietta Maria of France in 1639.
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Facts about Mary Ward 10: in London
Ward worked with her companions to look after the sick people and created free schools for the unfortunate people.
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