A new app offers an extraordinary insight into the life and journey of Mary Ward, the Englishwoman who founded the religious congregation of women now known as the Congregation of Jesus and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto).

The ‘On Pilgrimage With Mary Ward’ App guides the pilgrim to eight key destinations and over 60 sites from York and Yorkshire to London, Saint-Omer, Liège, Munich and Augsburg and finally Rome.

*Screenshots from the new Loreto Sisters’ App which explores the life and spirituality of Mary Ward.*

“In our present time of instant communication and ease of travel, the story of Mary Ward and her life-long desire to seek and know God’s will, can seem like a struggle way beyond human resilience,” the Sisters say on their website.

With the young women inspired to join her, Mary Ward crossed the English Channel many times, traversed the Alps of Europe on foot three times to seek approval for her congregation and all along the way, she established houses and schools where she was welcomed and supported.

And while she died under the shadow of the Inquisition, her congregation can be found today in over 40 countries, with more than 200 Mary Ward schools, colleges and informal education facilities and thousands of women and men proudly associated with her charism and spirituality.

Each site on the App includes a description, contact details, website information and map links. Photos and commentary provide further information. Reflection material encourage the pilgrim to stop and listen to music and connect with their own story as it is reflected in the life of Mary Ward.

The free app can be downloaded on the Apple App Store and on Google Play.

With thanks to CathNews. For more information, visit the website of the Loreto Sisters of Australia and South East Asia.