Loreto students depict the life of Mary Ward

The Loreto Order (Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary) was founded in 1609 by Mary Ward a Yorkshire woman who was committed to pioneering a new role for women in the church and society. She believed that education was the key to realising her vision that ‘women in time will come to do much’. 

Loreto schools are renowned worldwide for innovation in education. The Institute was introduced to Ireland by Frances Teresa Ball in 1821. She established the first Irish house which became known as ‘Loreto’ – the name by which all subsequent foundations made from Rathfarnham are still known.

• Centred in God
• Rooted in Gospel Values
• Inspired by Catholic Church teaching on education
• Derived its objectives and specific expression from the insights and vision of Mary Ward and St. Ignatius of Loyola.

• Love, freedom, justice, truth, sincerity, joy find expression
• Promotes integrated spiritual, moral, intellectual, physical, social, aesthetic and personal development.
• Promotes excellence appropriate to each student.
• Relationships characterised by respect, justice, honesty, sincerity, courage and compassion.
• Nurtures dynamic leadership formation. Leaders who will have the ‘heart’, wisdom and vision to bring about change in society.

• Is created in God’s image and is free to respond
• Is a unique person who is gifted; has a past, present, and future; has been called by God by a name of her own. 

• Excellence
• A Global Awareness
• Service
• A Sense of Community
• A Hunger for a Just Society