History & Heritage
St Michael’s in Navan is a school under the Trusteeship of the Loreto Sisters.
Our order of sisters, founded by a visionary woman, Mary Ward, has a heritage spanning 450 years, and we are in every continent of the world.
In Ireland St Michael’s, Navan is one of a Network of more than 25 schools, which are linked through, and are supported by, a full time Education Office.
Loreto sisters opened the first Catholic school for girls in the Navan area in 1833.
For over 150 years in Navan we have provided an educational environment renowned for its excellence in academic and cultural achievements, and for the holistic development of our students
As a Loreto school we are part of a Loreto family which has roots all over the world. Our Loreto family is an important part of our identity.
The IBVM / Loreto Network
The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM), often called “the Loreto Sisters,” was founded by the Englishwoman Mary Ward in 1609. Today the IBVM Sisters minister on 5 continents in 24 countries (see map above and list below).
Our administrative centre is at Casa Loreto in Rome, Italy. Altogether there are:
• 70,000 Loreto students worldwide
• 3,500 teachers in Loreto schools
• 1,400 support staff employed in Loreto schools
• 119 Loreto schools in 12 countries on 6 continents:
Europe – Albania, Gibraltar, Italy, Ireland, Spain, United Kingdom.
Australasia – Australia.
Africa – Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, Mauritius, Seychelles.
North America – Canada, United States.
South America – Ecuador, Peru.
Asia – Bangladesh, East Timor, India, Nepal.
Mary Ward
Trailblazer for Women in the Church
Over 400 years ago, Mary Ward, the founder of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was born into a world of turbulence. Mary spent her life following God’s guidance in seeking something new. She envisioned a religious community of women who were not cloistered, had no specific religious dress, and were free to bring God’s love wherever there was need. How contemporary her foresight was in championing women’s role in spreading God’s compassion. This is her story.
We have as our inspiration and inheritance the charism of Mary Ward. At the heart of our spirituality is relationship with Jesus. Like Jesus we desire to be in tune with God through prayer and reflection on daily experience. Read more here