Our Spirituality

Our Spirituality: Mary Ward, wished to found an apostolic congregation modelled on that of the Jesuits. For the Jesuits, and therefore for us, the key experience is that of the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius.

Mary Ward was led into paths unknown for women of her time by her attentiveness to the movements of the Spirit and her experience of discerning love. We hope to follow in her footsteps and in this way aspire to 'find God in all things' or, as Mary Ward would have put it, 'to refer all to God'.

The Constitutions of the Congregatio Jesu are those of the Society of Jesus adapted for women. In them the members of Mary Ward's congregation find inner strength. We live the Spiritual Exercises and the Constitutions as Ignatius and Mary Ward lived them and we understand what it means to be 'a contemplative in action' ready to be sent on universal mission.

Our unique Charism and Spirituality can be understood through a Vision that Mary Ward in 1615- Just Soul Vision. This vision became the cornerstone of Mary Ward's mission and continues to shape the essence of Mary Ward spirituality and the Just Soul charism of CJs all over the world.

The Just Soul spirituality, with its key virtues of Freedom, Justice, Sincerity, and Felicity, encapsulates a profound understanding of the human soul and its relationship with God and the world. Each of these virtues plays a crucial role in guiding individuals towards a life of authenticity, integrity, and social responsibility.

• Freedom: At the core of Mary Ward's spirituality is the notion of freedom – the freedom of the soul to discern and follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit. For Mary Ward, true freedom is not the absence of constraints but the ability to choose the good, to align oneself with God's will, and to live in accordance with one's deepest values and convictions. This freedom is both personal and communal, empowering individuals to exercise their agency in pursuit of justice and truth.
• Justice: Justice lies at the heart of Mary Ward's Just Soul spirituality. She believed in the inherent dignity and worth of every human being and advocated for a world where justice reigns supreme. This justice is not merely punitive but transformative, seeking to address the root causes of injustice and to create systems that uphold the rights and dignity of all people. It calls upon individuals to confront oppression, inequality, and exploitation wherever they may be found and to work towards a more just and equitable society.
• Sincerity: Sincerity is another key virtue in Mary Ward's spirituality, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and integrity in one's relationships with oneself, others, and God. Sincere individuals are honest and transparent, living in alignment with their innermost values and beliefs. They cultivate a deep sense of self-awareness and self-acceptance, allowing them to engage in genuine relationships founded on trust and mutual respect. Sincerity fosters a spirit of openness and vulnerability, enabling individuals to grow spiritually and emotionally as they journey towards wholeness and holiness.
• Felicity: Felicity, or happiness, is the natural outcome of living a life in harmony with God's will and the values of the Just Soul spirituality. It is not dependent on external circumstances or material possessions but arises from a deep sense of inner peace and contentment. Felicity is not a fleeting emotion but a state of being grounded in faith, hope, and love. It is the fruit of a life lived with purpose and meaning, where individuals find joy in serving others, in seeking justice, and in deepening their relationship with God.