THE founder of York’s Bar Convent, Mary Ward, has moved a step closer to being canonised.

Sister Mary founded the convent – the oldest religious house in England – in Blossom Street.

Born in 1585, she spent her life fighting for nuns to be allowed to lead a life outside the walls of a convent and founded the Congregation of Jesus.

She also set up schools across Europe and spent time in prison, accused of heresy.

She died on January 30, 1645, and was buried in the churchyard at Osbaldwick, where her grave still lies.

Her institute did not receive the approval of the Church until 1877, and Mary was not acknowledged as its founder until 1909. But Pope Benedict XVI has published a decree recognising the “heroic virtue” demonstrated by Mary and thereby conferring on her the title “Venerable” – the first step to being made a saint.

A Celebratory Mass was held in her honour at Westminster Cathedral, which was attended by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams.

Dr Williams said: “Mary Ward’s stubborn courage in following her calling through the most difficult of circumstances has, over the centuries, made a massive difference to the lives of countless people throughout the world, especially women.

“At a time when so many pressures combined to encourage the Church to retrench and to avoid risks, she kept a door open for a gospel-based vision for the renewal of religious life. Critical, loyal, brave and imaginative, she is a figure for all Christians to celebrate with gratitude."

Sisters from the Bar Convent and staff and past pupils of All Saints’ School attended the Mass. The Bar Convent is the oldest such premises in England, dating from 1686. All Saints’ school and community were founded in 1686.

Sister Gemma Simmonds, of the Congregation of Jesus, said: “Mary Ward lived in a time of terrible religious conflict in Britain.

We began our jubilee celebrations for her in York Minster, as guests of the Anglican community.

“We were delighted to repay the warm hospitality we received then by inviting the Archbishop of Canterbury to be with us at Westminster Cathedral as we pay tribute to this unique woman of vision and faith.

“We are particularly happy that this is happening now when Mary Ward has formally reached the first stage towards canonisation.

“She is one of Britain’s best- kept secrets, a saint for the third millennium and someone we should be proud of as a great pioneer for women.”