After a journey of prayer, reflection, and engagement among their members, the two congregations of apostolic women religious — Congregatio Jesu (CJ) and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM–Loreto) — officially merged into one congregation.

The new Congregatio Jesu, now comprising approximately 1,800 sisters worldwide, continues to honour the legacy and charism of its foundress, Venerable Mary Ward.

The merger of the two congregations became a canonical and legal reality on 4 November 2025. The decree of merger was publicly proclaimed during a special Mass in Loyola, Spain, presided over by Fr. Arturo Sosa SJ, General Superior of the Society of Jesus.

“We were very happy to finally fulfill Mary Ward’s dream of a united congregation of women religious with the same constitutions as those of the Society of Jesus,” said Sr. Veronica Fuhrmann CJ, General Superior of Congregatio Jesu.

“Throughout history, but especially during recent years, we journeyed in close connection. We have shared the same charism, the same values, and the same understanding of mission. The union of minds and hearts, which Saint Ignatius so deeply valued, has been the bond that connected us. Seeing this union realized not only in sisterly and spiritual but also in canonical and legal terms filled us with great joy and profound gratitude.”

“In a fractured world, our members freely chose to become one congregation as a witness to Christ’s Gospel message of peace and harmony,” affirmed Sr. Carmel Swords CJ, former Institute Leader of the IBVM. “We listened to the promptings of the Spirit and embarked on this journey with renewed missionary zeal. We believe that together we are stronger, and we move forward filled with gratitude and a deep desire to serve God’s people in freedom and joy.”

The Merger Mass on 4 November 2025 was followed by a symposium on 5 November, both of which were livestreamed on the congregation’s YouTube channel.

Recordings of both events are available at www.congregatiojesu.org.