Mary Ward Week 2024

A trailblazing Yorkshire woman born in 1585 and who centuries ahead of her time, saw the potential of women, the need for their education and the possibility that they could live outside the cloister and serve God in the world.

Join the Bar Convent CJ Community and Friends for an annual global event celebrating the life and achievements of Mary Ward (Jan 23 1585- Jan 30 1645).  Thanks to her pioneering spirit, the first school offering girls an education equal to boys opened in this country. Her legacy has lived on through the building of the Bar Convent, her global following of religious sisters and around 200 schools established worldwide in her name.

In 1617 Mary Ward wrote “There is no such difference between men and women that women may not do great things – and I hope in God it will be seen that women in time to come will do much”

Highlights of the week include:

In the Footsteps of Mary Ward Family Trail and Special Exhibition
23 Jan- 17 Feb
Included in admission to the Bar Convent exhibition

Who is Mary Ward?
Talk with Dr. Hannah Thomas
Tuesday 23 Jan, 12:30-1pm £10pp, includes admission to the exhibition following the talk.

Annual Mary Ward Ecumenical Service
Sunday 28 Jan, 4pm
St Thomas’ Church, Osbaldwick, Mary Ward’s place of burial.
This year we are excited to announce that the homily will be given by The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell.
Teas and coffees available following the service. If you would like to attend, please email: cjsecretary@bar-convent.org.uk
The service will also be live-streamed via St Thomas’ website.

#MaryWardForSaint
Online campaign launching 23 Jan
Mary Ward’s followers and supporters are campaigning to have her declared a Saint by the Catholic Church. Please help us by joining in the online campaign using #MaryWardForSaint, sign our online petition, and spread the word in any way that you can!   Sign our petition here:  https://chng.it/yX6w5xsL6W

As Mary Ward Week also falls on Residents weekend, the Bar Convent is offering a special entry price of 50p to residents. This is for Saturday only. Last admission 4pm.

Illustration by Ellie Lewis