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July 31 of this year marks the 400th anniversary of the conversion of Ignatius Loyola from worldly Spanish courtier and soldier, to apostle, mystic, saint and founder of the Society of Jesus - one of the largest religious orders in the world. His Spiritual Exercises, born of his experience of discernment, of finding God in all things, are the foundation of Ignatian Spirituality which is as applicable today as it was then. In their way of life the Jesuits did not celebrate daily Office in common, they were free from the restrictions of enclosure, did not wear a habit, and were not under the authority of the local bishop but through their Father General were ready to go wherever the Pope saw that they need was greatest. It is not surprising that Mary Ward was inspired to "take the same as the Society" as she was grounded in Ignatian Spirituality both in England where Jesuits ministered in disguise during penal times, and in Europe where they became her spiritual directors.

Prayers and intentions for July/August 2021

We are excited to celebrate this year's Summer Solstice with a virtual walk of the Loretto Maryholme labyrinth. More resources and information on Loretto Maryholme

On June 20th, we celebrate the United Nations World Refugee Day. The theme for World Refugee Day 2021 is the power of inclusion. The Loretto Sisters are committed to the care of newcomers and refugees to Canada. Since the late 1970s, we have been offering support to those seeking a new home here. Our support includes accompaniment of newcomers and refugees through claimant and visa processes, the provision of clothing, housing, and food, language and skill training, and assistance finding employment. For World Refugee Day 2021, we invite you to listen the story of two refugees to Canada who have become part of the Loretto House community. In this video, Marcela Diaz and Eva Maria Rodriguez-Diaz tell their story of coming to Canada from Colombia and their experience of being refugees during a global pandemic. We know that you will find their story inspiring.

We are shocked and saddened by the recent revelations highlighting again the harm done to children and their families in the Residential School system. We are concerned too by some of the news reports we are seeing, hearing and reading. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report in 2015, stated clearly that education is the key to reconciliation. IBVM took this to heart and supported some initiatives (shared below), which have educational value. IBVM Canadian Leadership Team ______________________________________________________ Kevin Moynihan Productions 2018 film - They Came for the Children in 5 Parts Part 1: Introduction and presentation of “concepts” with speakers like Grand Chief Phil Fontaine, Sr Priscilla Solomon csj and Rev Fred Hirtz, Primate of the Anglican Church in Canada Part 2: History From Assimilation to Treaty People Part 3: The Residential Schools and Survivors Part 4: The Churches and Apologies Part 5: The 94 Calls to Action and Signs of Hope ______________________________________________________ Jesuit Forum for Social Faith and Justice - Listening to Indigenous Voices: A Dialogue Guide on Justice and Right Relationships (2021) The forum staff worked with an editorial group of indigenous and non-indigenous experts to gather the variety of voices that needed to be heard and to design a process to facilitate a transformation of heart and minds. The aim is to contribute to creating a society where Indigenous persons’ cultures, knowledge and nations are treated with respect and past and present injustices are addressed and healing can occur on a path to reconciliation. _______________________________________________________ Kairos Blanket Exercise - The KB Exercise covers over 500 years of history of Indigenous relationships with the people and Government of Canada in a 1.5 hour participative workshop led by trained volunteers. The aim is to inform, to educate, to reflect and to arouse empathy and understanding. For about 5 years the Mary Ward Centre partnered with the Toronto Catholic District School Board to use the KBE to expose students to the kind of curriculum recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. MWC recruited volunteers, organized training sessions led by KAIROS and hosted day long programmes for classes of students. In debriefing sessions led by Elder Dr Bob Phillips, the power of the Exercise was evident. Since COVID 19 began, KAIROS has developed an on-line version of the KBE as well as the training sessions for volunteers. _________________________________________________________ Toronto Council Fire Restoration of Identity Project at Nathan Phillips Square IBVM, along with many other faith based groups, Religious Congregations, the Archdiocese of Toronto and other Churches has contributed financially to this project begun in 2016 and slated for completion by 2022. The “Spirit Garden” will have a highly visible Turtle Sculpture monument to honour victims and families impacted by the Residential School system. There will be a Teaching Lodge, a Gathering Space and an Amphitheatre … spaces for teaching, learning, sharing and healing. Fundraising continues for the on-going maintenance of the space and to support on-going programming. With assistance from the TD Bank, a Sovereign Wealth Fund will raise money from businesses and corporations as well a s groups and individuals. The city and the Province also contribute. __________________________________________________________ Shareholder Association for Research and Education (SHARE) - IBVM is a member of SHARE, along with many other faith based groups and Religious Congregations. Since 2016, “reconciliation” has been a central pillar in SHARE’S program. Working with indigenous partners, SHARE advocates using a position as shareholder to engage with companies and Corporations by exercising voting rights to advocate for indigenous rights. The Reconciliation and Responsible Investment Initiative (RRII) works to help build a vibrant indigenous economy and supports indigenous investors in prudent management of their communities’ financial resources consistent with their values. SHARE works to influence corporate policy and operational activities involving indigenous peoples, their lands and resources. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maryholme Spirituality Centre - Sisters in Spirit Memorial Cairn The Sisters in Spirit memorial cairn was built and blessed in 2004 with each stone in memory of a missing or murdered aboriginal woman or girl. The ritual and site were prepared in collaboration with the First Nations people from Manitoulin and Georgina Islands and sponsored by the Anglican, Catholic, and United Churches of Keswick and Sutton, Hospice Georgina, and the Loretto Sisters. In recent years, a medicine wheel was planted near Blackbird log cabin built by two local indigenous men. Both sites allow reflection and education on the need for justice and reconciliation and a relationship built on deep respect. __________________________________________________________ Toronto Justice Circle Photo Exhibit: “Dispossessed but Defiant” at Mary Ward Centre (Feb 24 – Mar 6, 2020) This photo exhibition of 72 panels depicts the history of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, the Palestinians, the Tamils of Sri Lanka and the victims of Apartheid in South Africa. The photos all bear witness to a dark history of people who stand united to have truth spoken, wrongs made right, and access to the opportunity to live with dignity. The exhibition examined different aspects of indigenous peoples’ experiences of dispossession, and their inspiring struggles to resist these processes. The aim of the exhibit is to inform and spur action on the dismantling of unjust structures of culture, economy and politics by effecting a transformation of mind and heart in viewers.

At Pentecost we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit comes into our world to instill in us the energy that we need to play our role in the humanizing project of the Father that Jesus calls the reign of God. We are called to act as the Spirit does, as individuals and as a Community, because we believe that God cares for us all. We know there are 'things to be said' about the wrongs in our world and God 'wants us to say them'. Some of us because of age, energy, mobility or health, are limited in the way we can work against injustices, inequities and hurt. Others of us can do that on behalf of those that cannot. And the ministry of prayer is a power-house just as valuable as other forms of advocacy in which some of us can engage. Some time ago, Pope Francis said that what he wants the Church to be is a "happy Church with the face of a mother, who understands, accompanies and caresses". Let's be the faces of that Church, filled with the gifts of the Spirit of Pentecost. Evanne Hunter, IBVM with thanks to A. Gittens & J.A. Pagola

Laudato Si' Week 2021 begins May 16 and runs until May 25. The time frame coincides with the date, May 24, 2015, when Pope Francis signed his first solo encyclical and the first-ever papal document centred on the environment. This year's theme is: "For we know that things can change" (LS 13). It is also a time to reflect on what the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us and prepare for the future with hope. Participate in Laudato Si' activities and events

Prayers and intentions for May/June 2021

April 22, 2021 is Mother Earth Day. This year's theme is "Restore Our Earth". The theme of restoration brings hope at this time of growing concern and anxiety about the future. All living beings rely on earth’s ecosystems, her water, air, land and oceans to provide everything needed for life. The good news is that nature is amazingly resilient. Earth has the potential to recover from the harm we have inflicted on her if we work with nature and act now to change the way we are doing things. Take Action on Behalf of the Earth 1. Make a personal pledge to reduce your CHG emissions. 2. Engage in acts of solidarity with justice seeking communities. 3. Show your support for increased climate action. For the Love of Creation: Join the 2021 Faith in Action Campaign Environmental Defense: is a Canadian advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and a healthy environment. Toronto Environment Alliance: is an advocacy organization that works with the community and individuals to promote a greener Toronto. Learn about the problem of plastic and how to reduce your plastic footprint.

He Is risen! Alleluia! Let us celebrate the gift of new life!

March 24 was the anniversary of the assassination of St Oscar Romero. Sr Gemma Simmonds CJ was invited to preach at the annual service in honour of Sr Oscar Romero at St. Martin in the Fields Anglican church. Watch the service

The Mary Ward Centre along with various partner organizations recently hosted "Extending our Embrace", an online event celebrating UN World Interfaith Harmony Week. Watch the highlights Photo collage People over the world dance Closing prayer and ritual Watch the event Consider joining us at future events!