In a world often overshadowed by uncertainty and strife, the enduring story of Mary Ward shines as a beacon of hope and resilience. It is with deep admiration and reverence that we present “Mary Ward: A Pilgrim of Hope” - a series of reflections for eight days - that not only recounts the remarkable journey of our Foundress, Venerable Mary Ward, but also interlinks with the Jubilee theme of Pope Francis - Pilgrims of Hope.
Her life was a pilgrimage marked by unwavering faith, indomitable courage and an unshakeable commitment to re-establish our Heavenly Father’s Kingdom of peace, love, justice and reconciliation. As we delve into her story, we are reminded of the essence of pilgrimage - a journey not just of physical movement, but of profound spiritual and personal transformation.
Pope Francis, in his call for the Jubilee Year, invites us to be Pilgrims of Hope. He calls us to be agents of hope in our communities, taking concrete actions to spread love and compassion. This active hope involves engaging with the world around us, helping those in need, advocating for peace, and working toward a more equitable and caring society. It is a call to transform hope into tangible acts of kindness and solidarity, making a real difference in the lives of others. He thus emphasizes the need for an active and dynamic hope. Mary Ward exemplifies this call in every aspect of her life.
Her pilgrimage was not without trials. She faced imprisonment, suspicion and relentless opposition from those who feared the change she represented. Yet, her hope never wavered. She saw beyond the immediate hardships, envisioning a future where women could contribute fully and meaningfully to society. Mary Ward's journey mirrors the essence of Pope Francis’ message. Her life teaches us that hope is not passive; it is an active force that empowers us to be courageous, firm and committed to making the vision of our Foundress a reality. Her story encourages us to confront our own challenges with hope and to work tirelessly for the building up of a more humane and peaceful world.
In reflecting on Mary Ward’s life, we are called to embrace our own roles as Pilgrims of Hope. This means translating our hopes into concrete actions, standing in solidarity with those on the margins, and fostering such environments within our communities and places of our mission, where individual differences are accepted, appreciated and fostered. It is a call to persistence in the face of adversity, to continuous personal and spiritual growth and to the creation of communities rooted in love and mutual support.
As we embark on a spiritual journey through the pages of "Mary Ward: A Pilgrim of Hope," let us find inspiration from her unwavering faith and indomitable spirit. Let her story remind us that each step we take, no matter how challenging, is part of a larger pilgrimage towards hope and personal transformation, thus enabling us to be collaborators with Christ in His mission of establishing God’s kingdom of peace, love, justice and reconciliation through our ministries. May we all, in our unique ways, contribute to a legacy of hope that will personify the enduring example of Mary Ward.
We invite you to pray with the reflections of each day and to share what resonates with you through our Padlet! Click on the link below or use the QR code and join our conversation where you can write, and/or upload images and/or videos. We hope this will be an easy way to interact with one another and get to know each other better…
Sr. Lissy Chenathuparambil CJ from India, Sr. Violet Mwikali Mtongwe IBVM from Kenya and Sr. Theresiah Kamaa Muoti IBVM from Kenya, missioned to Tanzania
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