To understand the story of all Loreto schools, it is necessary to return to the beginnings of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM) founded by Mary Ward in 1609 at St Omer in Belgium. Mary Ward, born in 1585 in Yorkshire, grew up in times of religious persecution in England. Her deep faith in God inspired her to pioneer a new type of religious life for women, one that would allow them the freedom to respond to any apostolic need, rather than operate within the confines of enclosure, as was the norm for women religious of the time. Her chief concern was the "care of the faith" through the education of girls, and her schools were modelled on those of the Jesuits. Grounded in Ignatian spirituality, Mary Ward believed in the capacity of women as well as men to find God in the ordinary experience of human life. In her own time, it seemed that she fought a losing battle, culminating in the suppression of the Institute, her own imprisonment and the closing of the schools. From early and difficult beginnings in Flanders, Bavaria and England, Mary Ward`s Institute spread, during the next four centuries, over five continents. Nearly 400 years later, the spirit of Mary Ward continues to inspire us and Loreto schools are part of an international network of friendship, education and shared values, imbued with the Mary Ward tradition and determination of women "to do much" with their lives. Present Loreto schools belong to an international family of IBVM schools throughout the world.

 

This years transition years have been presented with the wonderful opportunity to partake in a regional photography competition for second-level education students. Transition year co-ordinator Ms K.Murphy has been showered with entries from budding photographers, with a remarkable number of shots themed with the physical and natural world. All entered photographs will be showcased in a parish community centre on the 8th of March, with winners announced, and prizes awarded, on aforementioned evening. First prize consists of photography classes from a professional in this field free of charge, while runner-up prizes have not been disclosed to students. `It`ll be a great night out` said Ms K.Murphy. `We can expect to see photographs entered from many schools around Kilkenny City and County, and we`d encourage the girls to enter something a bit different. Be creative`. All students interested in this hobby and competition have now entered their unwavering works of art to be judged, and are looking with eager anticipation to the awards evening.