The Archdiocese of Birmingham has announced it is considering options for the future of Maryvale House, a grade II* listed building which is in great need of renovation. (July 2021)

It is important to state that the situation at Maryvale House has no direct bearing on the viability and future of Maryvale Institute, which is strongly supported by the Archdiocese. The Archdiocese will ensure that the Maryvale Institute has suitable accommodation as it discerns how best to resolve the needs of Maryvale House.

It has been the aim of the Maryvale Institute from its inception to provide opportunities for lay people, clergy and religious to achieve a deeper understanding of the faith and to appreciate more clearly its joyful message for the lives of individuals and communities. 

Maryvale Institute stands within the Catholic theological tradition, whose riches it seeks to explore, and draws from that tradition an insistence, not only on the foundational importance of faith for theological reasoning, but also on the place of reason in the response of faith. 

In pursuance of this the Institute provides opportunities for Catholic formation and education through courses across a wide range of subjects and levels from Certificates through undergraduate degrees, both ecclesiastical and lay, to Ph.D.s.

Like many UK educational providers, since the pandemic started the Institute has been reviewing how its programmes should be delivered going forward and will from the autumn of this year move most of this provision on-line.

Sophia Pain, Chair of Maryvale Council, said:

“The pandemic has given us all a great opportunity to reflect on how we fulfil our mission within the Diocese and worldwide. 

“Maryvale’s aim is to provide lifelong learning for all in Catholic evangelisation, catechetics, theology and philosophy.  We will continue to offer face to face teaching as part of the Institute’s provision.”

The Bridgettine Sisters

Many of the courses run by the Institute have previously included an essential residential element. Supporting the stay of these resident students has been the responsibility of the Bridgettine Sisters, whose mission is to provide hospitality, which they have been doing at Maryvale since 1999.

As the Institute looks to move more of its provision online, the Sisters have made the decision to relocate as they can no longer fulfil their hospitality mission at Maryvale House.

The Sisters will be sorely missed, and the Archdiocese thanks them wholeheartedly for their inspirational faith and the wonderful hospitality they have shown to everyone who visited Maryvale House.

Mother Jaya speaking at the Maryvale Sacred Heart Novena earlier this month.