The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a worldwide religious community of Catholic women dedicated to serving God by responding to the needs of God’s people. In the United States, the Institute is now present in Arizona, California, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Although education was its primary work, sisters now serve in a wide variety of educational, pastoral, and social ministries. We continue to follow the path envisioned by Mary Ward working for freedom, justice, and integrity in our times with particular interest in the needs of women and children and those who are marginalized.

We follow in the footsteps of Mary Ward, a young English woman, who founded the community in 1609 in present day Belgium. From there the Institute spread throughout Europe, to Canada in 1847, and to the United States in 1880.

There are 1015 members in the Loreto/Loretto Branch of the IBVM following the Reunion of the Irish Branch and the North American Branch in 2003.

OUR DIRECTION STATEMENTS

Inspired by Mary Ward's vision, we will claim more passionately and live more radically our Ignation spirituality and share it more widely with those among whom we live and work.

We commit our energies and resources to promoting the dignity and liberation of all, particularly of women and children: to challenging unjust systems and structures; to standing with those on the edges of society; to showing reverent care for the earth and all creation.

We commit ourselves to living as a multi-cultural, international Institute, and challenge ourselves to act as one body, with one Mission.