Yorkshirewoman Mary Ward is one of English Catholic history’s most significant yet most unsung figures.
A pioneer for women’s equality, she founded the Congregation of Jesus and inspired an international following of people who are now campaigning for her sainthood.
Celebrations will take place around the world over the week which marks the anniversaries of her birth (January 23 1585) and death (January 30 1645).
Mary Ward spent her final years in York and is buried in Osbaldwick. Her legacy is celebrated at the Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre, where members of her order still reside, and an exhibition tells her fascinating story. 
Until March 14, visitors can enjoy a programme of special events to discover more about Mary Ward and why she is still significant today.
Sister Ann, sister-in-charge at the Bar Convent, said: “This year is a particularly important time for Mary Ward and her vision for women.
“In November her two branches of followers officially merged. Joined as one we are in the strongest position that we have ever been in seeing this vision more fully realised and in achieving our huge desire to have Mary Ward declared a saint. 
“At a time when Pope Leo XIV is urging stronger roles for women within the Church, Mary Ward is a prime role model for future generations.
“We would like to say a huge thank you for the support we have received and to those who have already signed the petition – more than 10,000 signatures is incredible.
“We hope to keep up this momentum. Please do sign and share and help our case to have Mary Ward declared a saint, as she so deserves to be.
“We hope the upcoming events provide people with the opportunity to get to know her, to take inspiration from her and for the people of York to embrace and champion this truly remarkable local woman.”

Sister Elizabeth Cotter CJ, canon lawyer and postulator for the cause of Venerable Mary Ward said: “As part of our case, we need to provide evidence that Mary Ward remains relevant today.
“Key to this was her passionate belief that ‘women in time to come will do much’, which has always been the driving force of followers who brought her vision to 42 countries from her time and up to the present day.
“Recognition by the Church would provide the women of our time with a fine example of the Church’s willingness to promote the dignity of women in a world which badly needs such witness.
“For the hundreds of thousands of Mary Ward followers worldwide, recognition by the Church would validate the belief that Mary Ward is a saint for the modern world.
“She is needed as much by our 21st-century world as she was in those dark days of opposition to women in the 17th century. Support for and belief in Mary Ward has never waned in more than 400 years.”

Events

Ongoing: Mary Ward For Saint!

Visit the website to sign the petition to have Mary Ward declared a saint.

Until March 14: Becoming One Exhibition

Special exhibition marking the momentous coming together of the two branches of Mary Ward’s global family: the Congregation of Jesus and the IBVM (Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary). Included in admission to the exhibition.

January 23 to March 14 (including February half-term holidays): In the Footsteps of Mary Ward 

An exciting family-friendly activity trail. Included in admission to the exhibition.

Sunday January 25, 4pm: Mary Ward Ecumenical Service at St Thomas’ Church

A special service held where Mary Ward is buried. This year the homily will be given by the Bishop of Selby, the Right Reverend Flora Winfield DD. All are welcome. The service will also be livestreamed from St Thomas’ website, osbaldwickandmurtonchurches.org.uk.

Saturday January 31: York Residents Festival

Throughout the day: 50p exhibition entry
11am: Join us for a Q&A with Sydney Thorne, author of Mary Ward: The First Sister of Feminism and Hannah Wilkinson, co-host of the podcast Two Girls One Book, for a compelling discussion delving into this local woman’s extraordinary life. No booking required. Free.

Thursday March 5, 1-1.30pm: Who is Mary Ward?

A free talk with Dr Hannah Thomas. No booking required. Part of York International Women’s Week – see yorkwomen.org.uk.