Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary Archives

Born in 1585 in North Yorkshire, England, Mary Ward founded the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1609. Focused on education, the Sisters developed their ministry despite significant political, spiritual and material challenges. In 1880, the Canadian Mission of the IBVM established a presence in Illinois, and the following year, the IBVM North American Branch was created. In 1892, their ministry expanded into Chicago, and by 1896, the Sisters had opened a school in Michigan. Over the following decades, further growth resulted in ministries in California and Arizona, both of which began in 1949. In the early 21st Century, the IBVM and its companions are active in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, California and Arizona.