The life and times of Marie Ward, the founder of the Loretto Order of nuns, (aka the Institute of Mary) are examined in this religious biography that is filmed on locations related to her activities. The unusually devout and independent nun originally came from a Catholic family in Yorkshire and took her vows and training at St. Omer in France. An activist to the core, she spent time helping those in prison and started the Institute of Mary in 1606, with the idea of bringing other nuns out into society to help those in need. As she defends her Institute to two successive Popes, it is ultimately banned until 1707, a half-century after her death. This bio also examines other difficulties and trials that made her career a challenge, and ultimately undermined her health.
by Eleanor Mannikka
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