The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary joins with the Congregation of Jesus

Wheaton, IL, Nov. 4, 2025 — The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM/Loretto) is formally united as one with the Congregation of Jesus (CJ). We now share one name, one vision, and one spirit—continuing our founder, Mary Ward’s, legacy together as a single, international congregation consisting of roughly 1,800 CJ women religious around the globe.

Today, we gather in hope and joy in celebration of this historic moment. US Region Loretto Sisters watch the livestreamed Holy Mass from Illinois, Arizona, and Michigan while our US representatives, Sr. Arlene Ashack, Sr. Brenda Eagan, Sr. Yolanda Mendoza, and Sr. Barb Nelson, carry our spirit in Loyola, Spain at the basilica where over 130 representative sisters from 5 continents gather.

“This historic merger, a full expression of unity in the Mary Ward Family, marks a deepening expansion of our shared mission. Together, as the Congregation of Jesus, we move forward in faith, carrying Mary Ward’s vision into the future with renewed strength and unity.” — Helen Timothy, CJ

This moment comes after years of prayer, collaboration, and shared ministry between the IBVM and CJ communities. Together, as the Congregation of Jesus, we’ll keep working in education, social justice, pastoral ministry, and advocacy for women and those on the margins, living out Mary Ward’s belief that “women in time to come will do much.”

While our name has changed, our spirit hasn’t. The heart and history of the IBVM/Loretto Sisters live on in everything we do. We remain who we’ve always been—women inspired by the Gospel and dedicated to serving God’s people.

To watch the IBVM/CJ merger Holy Mass from Loyola, Spain visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dOfhl5mzkU.
Official Press Release: https://ibvm.us/our-historic-moment-we-are-one/