In the series of paintings known collectively as the ‘Painted Life’ of Mary Ward, there is one that shows Mary as a young woman seated with five of her earliest companions, young women like herself. The concept of an unenclosed Order of women dedicated to the education of girls and the preservation of Catholicism in England may have been Mary’s, but these young companions were integral to the venture. Fired by her enthusiasm, they shared the vicissitudes and struggles of the young Institute and remained faithful in seeming failure. They were the first of many in the past 400 years who have been inspired by Mary Ward and have sought to follow her. Until recently the only way to do this was to join one of the religious orders that derive from her founding vision, but today the Mary Ward Association offers a way for lay people to explore the spirituality of this remarkable woman and apply it to their everyday lives.
The Association was begun about 12 years ago by lay people and members of the Congregation of Jesus working together, and this is how it has continued. The Congregation fully supports the Association and Association members feel they are an integral part of the ‘Mary Ward family’, sharing the mission to make Mary’s charism more widely known and available.
There is a small MWA group that meets in York at St Bede’s Pastoral Centre. Members gather to pray together, and to reflect on and share what Mary Ward means to them. They are drawn by Mary’s faith, trust in God, courage, perseverance and joyful spirit, to name but a few of the qualities frequently mentioned in these meetings. Anyone who is attracted by Mary’s story and her values is welcome to attend. Meetings are at irregular intervals, usually on a Sunday afternoon at St Bede’s; for further information, please contact Pamela Ellis on 01904 793391 or e-mail ellispm@btinternet.com).
