The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM)

Loreto Convent School, Gibraltar is one of many Loreto schools and colleges worldwide to have been founded by the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM).  The IBVM itself was founded in 1609 by an Englishwoman Mary Ward (1585 – 1645); a Catholic from Yorkshire, whose aim it was to provide girls with an education comparable to that offered to boys at a time when there was almost no education for women.

She was a vigorous, determined woman who never gave up despite frequent opposition to her plans which were so far ahead of their time.

Her words “I hope in God it will be seen, that women in time to come, will do much” gives us a glimpse of her vision for the future.