FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES
Loreto Pilgrimage -
In the Footsteps of Mary Ward
The Loreto Pilgrimage is a transformative journey for leaders within the Loreto network - a circle of friends dedicated to furthering the mission begun by Mary Ward, transforming the Church and the world particularly by empowering women to seek truth and do justice.
THE PILGRIMAGE
In the Footsteps of Mary Ward
More than a journey across countries, the pilgrimage is an interior journey of prayer, reflection and discernment. Travelling
as a Circle of Friends, pilgrims deepen their understanding of Mary Ward's spirituality and mission, reflecting on how they
are called to continue her vision of transforming the Church and the world, particularly by empowering women to seek truth and do justice.
As pilgrims immerse themselves in places made sacred through Mary Ward's life and witness, history comes alive through shared prayer, spiritual conversation and contemplation. These experiences enrich hearts and minds, strengthening participants in their leadership and their commitment to the Loreto mission.
"The pilgrimage challenged me to reflect deeply on what it means to govern a Loreto school today.
It strengthened my commitment to ensuring our decisions are spiritually grounded, ethically sound and responsive to the needs of our time, while remaining faithful to Mary Ward's vision."
– Donna Orazio, Chair, Loreto College Coorparoo Board, Pilgrim - 2024
THE 2024 PILGRIMAGE
“Cherish God’s vocation in you. Let it be constant, efficacious
and loving.”
— Mary Ward, on her deathbed, 1645
In April 2024, leaders from across the Loreto network travelled together on a two-week pilgrimage through York, London, Saint-Omer, Liège, Munich and Rome. Visiting places of profound significance in Mary Ward's life and the story of the Institute, participants shared in prayer, reflection and spiritual conversation while deepening their understanding of the Loreto charism and its relevance for leadership today.
The images below offer a glimpse into the pilgrimage experience and the shared journey of formation undertaken by this Circle of Friends.
