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News & Current Events

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Anawim Arts Fall Appeal

Posted on October 19, 2020 in: Development

Anawim Arts Fall Appeal
Our Fall 2020 Appeal is focused on the ministry of Anawim Arts.  Click here for more information.  

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New Mary Ward App

Posted on October 14, 2020 in: Global News

Just Released for Iphone and Android You can now participate in a Mary Ward pilgrimage right from the comfort of your home!  The On Pilgrimage with Mary Ward App, covers 7 key destinations of the major Mary Ward pilgrimage in Europe. This App is a new and exciting resource can be used freely by all. On Pilgrimage with Mary Ward  will spark memories if you have visite...

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Thank you!

Posted on October 01, 2020 in: Development

Thank you!
Thank you to all of our wonderful supporters and donors for making our first ever online virtual fundraiser, Mission IS Possible, a huge success! Thanks to your kind and generous support, our IBVM Sisters can continue making a positive difference in the the world through wonderful ministries such as...

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What's Up - US

Posted on September 30, 2020 in: General News

The September issue of the US IBVM newsletter is available to download.  Enjoy!

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News from the UN

Posted on September 29, 2020 in: Global News

The September issue of It's Your World is available to download below.  Earlier editions can be found on our publications page.

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News from Canada

Posted on September 29, 2020 in: Global News

The Fall Issue of What's Up, the IBVM Canada newsletter, is available to download.

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UN Handbook

Posted on September 22, 2020 in: Global News

The Loreto JPIC India office has created a UN Handbook full of historic and current information.  This is a great resource to learn more about our relastionship with the UN.   A PowerPoint is also available for downloading below.

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Sign up for Email Blasts

Posted on September 15, 2020 in: Development

Sign up for Email Blasts
As the world is going more and more digital, sign up for our email blasts through the IBVM Office of Development to keep up with all the news we share!  Click the link here. 

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Connections Summer 2020

Posted on September 14, 2020 in: Development

Connections Summer 2020
Our latest edition of Connections is out now!  Click the link below to read it today!  

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New Recovery Card!

Posted on September 09, 2020 in: Development

New Recovery Card!
Did you know that you can support our Sisters by ordering Memorial, Recovery, and All Occasion cards through our IBVM Office of Development?  Click the link here to see the latest update: a beautiful new design on the Recovery card by staff member, Juanita Rea-Dorn.   Click here

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Sept/Oct House of Prayer

Posted on August 27, 2020 in: General News

The 2020 September/October House of Prayer is now available to download below.

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News From Rome

Posted on July 31, 2020 in: Global News

The July 2020 issue of "What's Happening" from Rome is now available below.  This newsletter contains information about Loretto Sisters around the globe.

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News From Canada

Posted on July 29, 2020 in: General News

The July issue of What's Up! is available below.

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Peg Ivers, IBVM

Posted on July 29, 2020 in: In Memoriam

Peg Ivers, IBVM
Peg Ivers, IBVM Entererd Life:  December 15, 1937 Entered Religious Life:  September 8, 1955 Entered Eternal Life:  July 28, 2020 "My vocation is love." May she rest in peace. Funeral Arrangements Wake and short prayer Wednesday, August 5th from&nbs...

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US Province Newsletter

Posted on July 25, 2020 in: General News

Summer 2020 Edition available below.

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IBVM Statement on Racial Injustice in the U.S.

Posted on July 08, 2020 in: General News

IBVM Statement on Racial Injustice in the U.S.
The Sisters, Companions, and JPIC committee have released a statement on the racial injustice that is happening in the United States.  Please view the statement in the link below.    

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Mary Ward's Open Circle, A Metaphor for Today

Posted on June 16, 2020 in: Anawim Arts

Mary Ward's Open Circle, A Metaphor for Today
The IBVM Arts Ministry/Anawin Art just released a new video.  It is timely and very thought provoking.  Watch it HERE.

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UN Update June 2020

Posted on June 15, 2020 in: Publications

The June edition of It's Your World form our UN office is now available.  Click below.

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News from Sudan!

Posted on June 04, 2020 in: Global News

Please see below for the latest news from the Loreto Rumbek in Sudan.    

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Spring Appeal 2020- HOPE

Posted on April 21, 2020 in: Development

Our Spring Appeal- a call to Hope is out now.  Thank you for your support, care, prayers, and kindness.  

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Companion Bill Durborough

Posted on March 30, 2020 in: Companions

  Hats off to our Companion Bill Durborough in Sacramento.  His work to help the poor and homeless in the area is highlighted on the Februrary edition of Catholic Viewpoint: Faith, Hope, and Love,  hosted by Fr. Michael Kiernan.   Let his work inspire you! Watch the Video Here  

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Anawim Arts

Posted on March 30, 2020 in: General News

Anawim Arts has announed a Special Edition: Art in the Tme of the Corona Virus.   The are accepting contributions reflecting the various experiences of the pandemic.    Be sure to check out the poem and painting from Arlene Ashack, IBVM.  

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IBVM Leadership News

Posted on March 29, 2020 in: General News

March edition is now available below.

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Mary Ward, Coronavirus and Us

Posted on March 23, 2020 in: General News

Mary Ward, Coronavirus and Us
  I am often filled with awe that there seems to be nearly no situation that might be unknown to Mary Ward. Of course, she did not know the coronavirus, but she certainly experienced limitations and detention in times of illness and infectuous diseases. In 1631, after the suppression of M...

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News from Canada

Posted on March 06, 2020 in: Global News

January/February Edition of What's Up is available to download below.

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Time Capsule

Posted on February 29, 2020 in: Province Archives

The IBVM time capsule from 1962 was recently opened.  All items have been photographed and are available to all to view.  Click here.

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Archives Needs Your Help!

Posted on February 28, 2020 in: Province Archives

Archives Needs Your Help!
So Many Photos ... So Little Information!   Can you help us identify some of our old photographs?  Take a walk down memory lane and see if you can help!   Click HERE  

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"It's Your World"

Posted on February 28, 2020 in: Publications

The February update from the UN is available to download below.  Previous issues can be found HERE.

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Connections - Annual Report

Posted on February 26, 2020 in: Development

The 2018 - 2019 Annual Report has been published.  Download the latest edition of Connections below to read it.

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Mary Ward Center

Posted on February 25, 2020 in: General News

The Mary WarD Center Winter Newsletter is here.  Download below.

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IBVM Leadership News

Posted on February 18, 2020 in: Publications

The February newsletter is available to download below.

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Mary Alfred Guillard, IBVM

Posted on February 14, 2020 in: In Memoriam

Mary Alfred Guillard, IBVM
Mary Alfred Guillard, IBVM Entered Life - September 13, 1927 Entered Religious Life - January 18, 1945 Entered Eternal Life - February 13, 2020 "Lord Serves." “Love Serves!”  Sister Mary Alfred chose those two words as her motto to lead and guide her t...

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Leadership Newsletter

Posted on February 14, 2020 in: General News

February newsletter from US Leadership is now available.

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Maria Bierer, IBVM

Posted on January 03, 2020 in: In Memoriam

Maria Bierer, IBVM
Maria Bierer, IBVM Entered Life - July 31, 1933 Entered Religious Life - September 8, 1952 Entered Eternal Life - December 29, 2019 "I am your reed, Sweet Shepherd, glad to be." Maria Bierer, IBVM was a daughter of Mary Ward who, early in the 17th century, was alr...

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House of Prayer Jan-Feb

Posted on January 03, 2020 in: General News

The January thru February House of Prayer is available to download below.

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"It's Your World" - December UN Update

Posted on December 26, 2019 in: Global News

Download below the latest news from IBVM NGO office at the UN.  Previous issues can be found here.

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Rev Mother Terese Dease, Pt. III

Posted on December 26, 2019 in: Province Archives

Below is the third part of a five-part story about the life of Reverend Mother Teresa Dease, who founded the North American Branch of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, aka the Loretto Sisters.  She was a woman of faith, courage and love—a true daughter of Mary Ward.  The first part of this series covered her life from birth until she left Dublin with her companions to ...

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Holiday Appeal 2019

Posted on December 09, 2019 in: Development

Holiday Appeal 2019
Prayer is powerful in many ways.  Asking for prayers for ourselves, a family member or friend, and being asked for prayers by others, is something that we regularly witness in our lives.  An unexpected gift of prayer can immediately give you a warm feeling and let you know you are not alon...

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IBVM Arts Ministry

Posted on December 07, 2019 in: Global News

Our new IBVM Ministry Arts is launched this weekend.  The introduction to this exciting new international ministry is now on Anawimarts website.   Currently, on the website, is the work of featured artist, Annie Bromham, IBVM. Congratulations to all the artists who gathered at Maryhome in Toronto earlier this year, for this innovative new ministry. Be sure to check...

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Our Latest Connections is out now!

Posted on November 20, 2019 in: Development

Our latest edition of Connections is out now!  Click the link below for the Fall/Winter 2019 Connetions!   Connections Fall/Winter 2019    

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Newsletter from Spanish Provence

Posted on November 17, 2019 in: Global News

October Issue of Connecta 86 is now available

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New JPIC Section on Website!

Posted on October 20, 2019 in: JPIC

New JPIC Section on Website!
The JPIC Core Circle is pleased to announce the release of a new section dedicated to Justice and Peace.  You are invivted to explore the pages and learn about the work that is being done throughout the Province and how you can join the efforts.  Click here  to view the  JPI...

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"It's Your World" - UN Update

Posted on September 18, 2019 in: Global News

Download below the latest news from IBVM NGO office at the UN

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News from South Asia

Posted on September 01, 2019 in: Global News

The South Asia Province June-August Newsletter has arrived.  Click below to download.

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The Stories This Clock Could Tell...

Posted on September 01, 2019 in: Province Archives

Our IBVM history has many beautiful, wonderful experiences. As I look at the clock in my office I remember wonderful times of liturgies, meetings, and happy memories. This clock, however, has another memory. On Tuesday, August 28, 1990 at 3:27 p.m. a tornado blew through Plainfield, Crest Hill, Joliet, Illinois and other nearby towns at 250-350 m.p.h.  St. Mary Immaculate Church and School...

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STOP Trafficking in Persons!

Posted on September 01, 2019 in: JPIC

Human trafficking is an extreme human rights violation and an impediment to the United Nations Sustainable Goal as recognized in Agenda 2020 target 16.2.  In the weeks to come, we ask you to respond to the each of the five A’S  - Adopt, Attend, Adhere, Allocate, Address demand. ADOPT an action-oriented approach to prevent human trafficking, which recogni...

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Better Companies, Better World

Posted on August 20, 2019 in: JPIC

Adapted from Better Companies, Better World            by Linda Haydock, SNJM A powerful alliance is formed when religious women and men, ecumenical and interfaith groups, and non-profit partners bring their faith to bear in boardroom of the largest corporations in the world. In twenty years, there are many accomplishments in addressing human tr...

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July Casa Loreto Newsletter

Posted on August 14, 2019 in: Global News

Download the current newsletter from Casa Loreto and see "What's Happening" in the global IBVM world!

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Rev Mother Teresa Dease, Part II

Posted on August 14, 2019 in: Province Archives

Below is the second part of a five part story about the life of Reverend Mother Teresa Dease, who founded the North American Branch of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Loretto Sisters.  She was a woman of faith, courage and love—a true daughter of Mary Ward.  The first part covered her life from birth until she left Dublin with her companions to begin a new mission in ...

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The Cause for Mary Ward

Posted on August 03, 2019 in: Global News

Attached you will find a request for prayers and information from Elizabeth Cotter IBVM, Vice Postulator Cause of Mary Ward. Can you help?  

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Artists at work - Sipping Muse

Posted on August 03, 2019 in: Development

Artists at work - Sipping Muse
  On July 11th Sisters, Companions and friends gathered at the Sipping Muse in Wheaton for a evening of fun while raising some funds.  Please enjoy the photos from the event.   What artists we have among us!  

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Statement on Border Abuse

Posted on July 08, 2019 in: JPIC

July 8, 2019 We, the JPIC Circle of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (all IBVMs and Companions), find the conditions and treatment of children and families seeking asylum at the U.S./ Mexico border to be deplorable, heinous and unacceptable.  We are demanding that our elected officials, the members of the U.S. Congress, provide all that is necessary to meet...

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June Newsletter from Spanish Province

Posted on July 01, 2019 in: Global News

June Issue of Connecta 86 is now available.

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Our Latest edition of Connections is here!

Posted on July 01, 2019 in: Development

Our Latest edition of Connections is here!
Our Spring/Summer 2019 Connections is now available online.  Featured in this edition is a wonderful article about our Mary Ward Center, a ministry serving the needs of many in south Chicago.   CLICK HERE  

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UN Update

Posted on June 28, 2019 in: JPIC

The latest edition of "It's Your World" from the IBVM UN NGO office is now available to download.  Previous editions can be found HERE.

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A Person You Should Know: Rev Mother Teresa Dease

Posted on June 15, 2019 in: Province Archives

Below is the first of a five part story about the life of Reverend Mother Teresa Dease, who founded the North American Branch of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Loretto Sisters.  She was a woman of faith, courage and love—a true daughter of Mary Ward.  I hope you enjoy her story. Cindy Langlois, IBVM Today, on the occasion of my sixtieth birthday, I feel ca...

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IBVM Artists Gather in Canada

Posted on June 15, 2019 in: General News

What happens when the IBVM artists, musicians and writers are gathered together for a Conversation Circle?  Simply put, dynamism thrives.  We were called together certainly to connect and possibly network, but also to address Call 2b…”Challenge our artists, musicians, and writers, to create materials and images that evoke our world’s reality and our response to it.&rdq...

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News from Province of South Asia

Posted on June 10, 2019 in: Global News

News covering March - May from the South Asia Province can be downloaded below.

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Gabrielle Marry, IBVM

Posted on June 03, 2019 in: In Memoriam

Gabrielle Marry, IBVM
We ask you to pray for the repose of the soul of our dear sister Gabrielle Marry, IBVM Who died June 2, 2019 in her 79th year and in the 61st year of her religious life. May she rest in peace. Sister Gabrielle Marry, I.B.V.M. (Marie Therese Marry) was the first baby born in the new Lou...

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Save the Date! "Dedicated to the Ones We Love"

Posted on April 08, 2019 in: Development

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Hats off to Roger & Kitty Schiltz!

Posted on March 22, 2019 in: Companions

Long time Companions, Roger and Kitty Schiltz, recently welcomed asylum seekers at the border.  Learn about their experience at the Respite Center in McAllen, Tx.

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Mary Catherine Spatz, IBVM

Posted on March 03, 2019 in: In Memoriam

Mary Catherine Spatz, IBVM
Mary Catherine Spatz, IBVM Entered Life - May 1, 1929 Entered Religious Life - September 8, 1947 Entered Eternal Life - February 27, 2019 May She Rest In Peace Reflection for Mary Catherine Spatz, IBVM given by Rosemary Lynch, IBVM Obituary 

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News from South Asia

Posted on March 03, 2019 in: Global News

The January Newsletter from the South Asia Province is available.

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Celebrating Mary Ward Day

Posted on January 27, 2019 in: General News

On January 23rd, the Wheaton IBVM staff welcomed the Franciscan Sisters and staff to celebrate Mary Ward Day!     

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Hidden Treasures

Posted on January 01, 2019 in: Province Archives

Hidden Treasures in the IBVM Archives   One of the fascinating parts of working with archives is discovering treasures from the past.  Most recently we have been inventorying all of the pictures that have accumulated here over the decades.  The treasure we found is a picture of the very first chapel on the Wheaton property. In 1946, when the Wheaton property...

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Like to Sing? The IBVM Choir Needs You!

Posted on November 09, 2018 in: General News

The IBVM Choir welcomes all singers! To learn more, please contact Anne Hyzy, IBVM at 630 373 0126 or email

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JPIC Circle Focus Statement

Posted on October 14, 2018 in: JPIC

JPIC Circle Focus Statement As IBVMs, who are contemplatives in action, we commit ourselves to be "in communio" with each other and all God's creation, as instruments of justice, peace and reconciliation: specifically regarding immigration, human trafficking, and the U.N. Sustainable Developmental Goals.  The rights of women and children are central to our specific conce...

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Christine Gilsenan, IBVM

Posted on July 18, 2018 in: In Memoriam

Christine Gilsenan, IBVM
Entered Life - December 23, 1935 Entered Religious life - September 29, 1954 Entered Eternal Life  - July 17, 2018 Our IBVM and SS Simon & Jude School Communities lost “a wee bit” of its authentic Irish heritage on July 17. Sister Christine Gilsenan, IBVM, was bor...

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Irene Howell, IBVM

Posted on July 11, 2018 in: In Memoriam

Irene Howell, IBVM
Entered Life: July 8, 1923   Entered Religious Life:  August 8, 1942 Entered Eternal Life:  July 10, 2018, 20172   Sister Irene Ellen Howell, IBVM was born on July 8, 1923 to Ellen McCoy and Charles Wesley Howell in Payment on Sugar Island, Michigan. &...

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Province Newsletter

Posted on July 09, 2018 in: General News

The July issue of the US Province Newsletter is available here.

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The Spring/Summer Connections is Here

Posted on June 29, 2018 in: General News

The latest issue of Connections is now available online.  Featured in this issue is "Redefining Retirement"; an inspiring look at our retired sisters at Casa San Carlo. Current Issue Past Issues can be found HERE

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Video & Photos: Dedication of the Loretto Club Plaque

Posted on June 13, 2018 in: General News

The dedication of the Plaque honoring the IBVM legacy was held on June 12th.  Sisters, Associates and friends attended the event hosted by The Pulte Company.     CLICK HERE to view the video posted by the Daily Herald.   Photos from the event have been posted.

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Associates Host Appreciation Tea in Phoenix

Posted on May 14, 2018 in: General News

The photos are in from the 3rd Annual Loreto Sisters Appreciation Tea held May 5, 2018.  An Irish Tea was the theme this year and over 100 people attended.  The Phoenix IBVM Associates proudly host this event every spring.  View the entire photo album.  

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Greetings from Irish Province

Posted on March 17, 2018 in: Global News

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del Rey Waite, IBVM

Posted on November 20, 2017 in: In Memoriam

del Rey Waite, IBVM
Entered Life: January 26, 1934   Entered Religious Life:  September 8, 1951 Entered Eternal Life:  November 20, 2017 "For Me to Live is Christ"   On January 26, 1934, God was ready to give the world a big surprise, but had to think about it.  God wa...

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Concepta Murtagh, IBVM

Posted on September 27, 2017 in: In Memoriam

Concepta Murtagh, IBVM
Entered Eternal Life:  September 27, 2017. Sister Concepta ministered in Phoenix, Arizona from 1959 to 1963, when she was called back to Ireland to teach math and science in Navan, Ireland. In 1985 she returned to Arizona to teach at St. Simon and Jude School, and then Religious Education an...

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Jane McKirchy, IBVM

Posted on June 17, 2017 in: In Memoriam

Jane McKirchy, IBVM
Entered Life: July 2, 1942   Entered Religious Life: October 8, 1961 Entered Eternal Life:  June 17, 2017 "Giving Thanks and Singing for Joy"   Gail (Sr. Jane Patrice, Sr. Jane) McKirchy was born in 1942 and was raised in Chicago, Illinois. She first met the IBVM ...

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Teresita Ryan, IBVM

Posted on March 12, 2017 in: In Memoriam

Teresita Ryan, IBVM
Entered Life:  April 24, 1918 Entered Religious Life:  October 11, 1936   Entered Eternal Life:  March 12, 2017 "To Jesus Through Mary"   Sister Teresita Ryan (Sinead Ryan) was born in Mitchelstown, County Cork, Ireland on April 24, 1918. She w...

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Alice Whitehead, IBVM

Posted on January 11, 2017 in: In Memoriam

Alice Whitehead, IBVM
Entered Life: April 3, 1913   Entered Religious Life:  August 15, 1932 Born to Eternal Life:  January 11, 2017 " With You, in You, to You"   Alice Whitehead lived the length and width of her life to the fullest for 103 years. And she depa...

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Mary Creighton, IBVM

Posted on January 05, 2017 in: In Memoriam

Mary Creighton, IBVM
Entered Life:  May 29, 1931 Entered Religious Life: September 8, 1949 Entered Eternal Life: January 5, 2017        “My God and my Help!” Mary Creighton chose these words as her motto at Final Profession. These words are few in number but they are prof...

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Patricia Pendleton, IBVM

Posted on December 06, 2016 in: In Memoriam

Patricia Pendleton, IBVM
Entered Life: April, 1932   Entered Religious Life:  September 8, 1949 Entered Eternal Life:  December 6, 2016 "Through Him - With Him - In Him"   Patricia Pendleton was born on April 2, 1932 to Mary and Roy Pendleton. She was welcomed to the famil...

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Sharon Whelan, IBVM

Posted on September 28, 2016 in: In Memoriam

Sharon Whelan, IBVM
Entered Life:  October 15, 1934 Entered Religious Life:  September 8, 1952 Entered Eternal Life:  September 28, 2016 “In God’s Will is my peace” is the inscription on Sharon Whelan’s profession ring, and was also the motivator for her life, one day at...

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Jean Frye, IBVM

Posted on March 24, 2016 in: In Memoriam

Jean Frye, IBVM
Entered Life:  February 7, 1942 Entered Religious Life:  September 8, 1959 Entered Eternal Life:  March 24, 2016 "Unless a Grain of Wheat …"   In our IBVM Constitutions it says "A great love of God An attitude of openness to all good works ...

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Rita Rzeppa, IBVM

Posted on February 11, 2016 in: In Memoriam

Rita Rzeppa, IBVM
Entered Life:  July 30, 1927 Entered Religious Life:  February 2, 1946 Entered Eternal Life:  February 11, 2016  "God is He who is; I am who am not."                   &nbs...

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Therese Fenlon, IBVM

Posted on December 12, 2015 in: In Memoriam

Therese Fenlon, IBVM
Entered Life:  August 17, 1931   Entered Religious Life:  September 8, 1949 Entered Eternal Life:  December 12, 2015 "God is my strength and my wisdom." “God is my strength and my wisdom.” Those words were chosen by Therese to be engraved on her fina...

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Miriam Scanlon, IBVM

Posted on July 04, 2015 in: In Memoriam

Miriam Scanlon, IBVM
Entered Life:  October 22, 1930 Entered Religious Life:  September 8, 1948 Entered Eternal Life:  July 4, 2015 " Lord, I come to do your will."   Kathleen, known as Miriam by most of us, was the Irish colleen among her four brothers. After graduating from...

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Mary Gleason, IBVM

Posted on June 27, 2015 in: In Memoriam

Mary Gleason, IBVM
Entered Life:  July 25, 1932   Entered Religious Life:  September 14, 1950 Entered Eternal Life:  June 27, 2015 "Through God, with God and in God"    As we listened to words of remembrance given by Mary’s family, friends and her IBVM Sisters...

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Mary Madigan, IBVM

Posted on March 31, 2015 in: In Memoriam

Mary Madigan, IBVM
Entered Life:  July 25, 1922   Entered Religious Life: August 8, 1940   Entered Eternal Life: March 31, 2015  "The mind in Thee be also in me."   Mary was a real scholar with a doctoral degree in English Literature. She loved rea...

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