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On Tuesday, October 8th, Sabrina Chiefari (Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph Ministry for Social Justice, Peace and Creation Care), Sr. Sarah Rudolph (Mary Ward Centre) and Jannath Naveed (Youth Representative) hosted a webinar for CSJ and IBVM Sisters to learn about the joint work their respectives ministries have been undertaking on the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. They shared their efforts to produce a civil society report on the UN Sustainable Development Goals in 2023, ongoing participation at the UN High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Developing, including hosting educational events, and newcomer youth-focused advocacy at national and international levels. You can view a recording of the webinar here.

On Tuesday, September 3rd, the Mary Ward Centre, in collaboration with the Magdala Colloquy and St. Basil’s Catholic Parish, hosted a special Vespers celebration in honor of St. Phoebe, a deacon and leader in the early Church. Held at St. Basil’s Parish, the event brought together members of the St. Basil’s and USMC communities for an evening of prayer, reflection, and fellowship. The Vespers was a moving tribute to women of faith and service, with a focus on the inspiring life of St. Phoebe. Together, we prayed for the grace to follow her example of listening to the cries of those who suffer and responding in ministry. The celebration concluded with a warm gathering, where participants shared conversations about the vital role of women in the Church and their ongoing contributions to the mission of service and leadership. The prayer to St. Phoebe, written by Elizabeth Young, RSM, served as a heartfelt reminder of our call to communion, participation, and mission. PRAYER TO ST. PHOEBE All pray together: God of Vision, You see beyond our horizons and enlarge our tents. You draw us into communion, participation, and mission. Inspired by St. Phoebe, our Deacon forbear in faith, may we hear the cries of those who suffer, discern our response with the Holy Spirit, and reach out in ministry to share the Good News with all creation. May we proclaim your Reign, in which all are kin, welcomed with healing and hope. May our Church lead and serve in the spirit of Jesus, who raised up those bowed down. God of Vision, light our way that all might shine. St. Phoebe, pray for us. Amen (Words by Elizabeth Young, RSM)

Director of the Mary Ward Centre, Audrey Ferrer, attended the international IBVM Safeguarding Conference in Nairobi, Kenya from June 1st to 8th. Around 40 participants representing ministries from over 13 countries learned from expert Tina Campbell, the safeguarding consultant working with and for religious congregations in the Catholic Church. The purpose of the conference was to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to help make sure their organization is run in a way that actively prevents harm, harassment, bullying, abuse, and neglect. As Tina emphasized, "How can we create cultures of loving care and kindness in our communities?" Some of the topics covered included learning about types of abuses, vulnerabilities and grooming, cognitive distortions, responding to concerns and allegations, the accompaniment of victims, risk assessments, and current and emerging challenges. By Audrey Ferrer

A project developed among us Lorettos at Presentation Manor, a few months ago, that came out of a discussion about how we could become more engaged in our process of “Becoming/Being One.” The suggestion was made that we could each adopt the members of a region or province of the Congregation of Jesus to pray for (and, if we wished, to communicate with) as we wait for the final canonical steps of our Merger to be completed. A list was posted in the community room, and we signed up. Although some provinces and regions have amalga- mated, so that the South American CJs are one province, and some countries have both IBVMS and CJ sisters working there - occasionally together - we have covered almost all of the Congregation of Jesus with our prayers. A few of us have established good email contacts with a few Sisters, and we are finding that we are all deeply root- ed in Mary Ward and her vision: for education, for service to the poor, for the care of women, for justice. Whether a Sister in Cuba shares the life of poor villagers, a Slovakian Sister does religious education in war-torn Ukraine, or a Chilean Sister makes an online presentation about the ethos of her school and how it is inspired by Mary Ward, we are already one. Every little step and every prayer bring us closer together. By Helen Cameron, IBVM

We are excited to announce the creation of a new position within our organization: Executive Director. Today, August 12th, we warmly welcome Dolores Kwapien to our Loretto family. Dolores will be taking up this vital role, bringing with her a wealth of experience and personal gifts that will greatly benefit our community. As Executive Director, Dolores will provide overall management leadership in several key areas, including IBVM-sponsored ministries, operations, human resources, and finance. Her varied experience and dedication make her an excellent fit for this position, and we are confident she will enhance our mission and work. Join us in welcoming Dolores Kwapien and supporting her as she begins this important role.

Last month, our community came together in gratitude and celebration to honor the remarkable leadership that has guided us in faith and service. We extend our sincere thanks to the transitioning regional leadership team: Evanne Hunter, Mary Mallany, and Jane McDonell. With reverence, we acknowledged their dedication by saying, “We thank you for answering 'Yes' to your call as our regional leadership team for the past five years.” Their unwavering commitment has profoundly impacted our ministry, fueling our growth and devotion. We also express our eternal gratitude to Sisters Evanne Hunter, Jane McDonell, and Mary Mallany. Your wisdom and support have been beacons of light, guiding us through challenges with faith and grace. As we say goodbye to these esteemed leaders, we are filled with hope and anticipation as we welcome Sr. Carmen Diston as our new IBVM Region leader. The vision and dedication of Sr. Carmen promise to inspire and uplift us, continuing our mission to serve and grow in faith. Under her leadership, we look forward to advancing our ministry and seizing new opportunities with renewed vigor. In this time of transition, we trust in God’s guidance and are eager to support Sr. Carmen as she leads us into a future full of promise and purpose.

In anticipation of the Diocese of Charlottetown’s upcoming 200th anniversary, Bishop Joseph Dabrowski invited fellow archivist Debra Majer (Diocese of London) to lead a three-week project to kick-start a formal archival program. With the Loretto Sisters’ support, I joined for the final week to lend the project my professional support. Building on the decades of work of Father Art O’Shea collecting and organizing, the project resulted in the renovation of a dedicated archival space, organization of many artifacts (artworks, liturgical items, display cases etc.) and archival items (photos, papers, scrapbooks, blueprints). I worked specifically with re-housing and organizing the Bishops’ papers and parish records, as well as choosing materials for display. It was my first time working so intensely with Diocesan records and it was interesting to note the many similarities it held compared to working with congregational archives. Our Catholic Archives hold rich histories related to the development of our communities and nation. The development of a formal archival program ensures the continued safekeeping of these records and the future ability to make this information available to share the stories held within. I am happy to share that an archivist has been hired to continue this work on Prince Edward Island. By Michelle Pariag

Over 100 former students and teachers from Loretto Niagara gathered at Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre on May 26, 2024, to celebrate in word and song and renew connections over lunch.  Many attending the event also seized the opportunity to revisit memories with a tour of the former Loretto convent and school building.  Proceeds from this day will be used to support the work of the Loretto sisters at Loreto Nyakato, a girl's school, in Mwanza, Tanzania. The organizers,  Debra (Morrison) Kennedy and Laurie Morrison were pleasantly surprised and grateful for the strong response - over 150 alumnae and teachers inquiries - that Loretto Day 2024 generated. The Loretto sisters are fondly remembered by many and their mark on the history of Niagara is substantial.

In an emotional event held in the district of Suchitoto, the Association for the Development of El Salvador (CRIPDES), the Sisters of Loretto, and the Marianella community came together to honor the memory of Marianella García Villas. Marianella, a prominent human rights defender, philosopher, lawyer, and president of the Independent Human Rights Commission of El Salvador, gave her life denouncing the violence endured by the poor during the country's armed conflict. Images by Diario Co Latino. The Symbol of a Continuing Struggle Marianella García Villas is remembered not only as a martyr for human rights but also as a symbol of the history, organization, and struggle of the Salvadoran people. The La Bermuda community, named in her honor by the local population, has become a living testament to her legacy and commitment to social justice. The Dedication of the Sisters of Loretto The Sisters of Loretto, hailing from Canada and the USA have played a crucial role in the development of the Marianella community. Since the community's foundation, they have provided unwavering support to the 75 families that comprise it. They have supported various projects, from land purchases to educational and social initiatives, demonstrating their commitment to the principles of justice and equity that Marianella championed. During the commemoration, students from the Las Américas Educational Complex performed a folkloric dance in gratitude to the Sisters of Loretto, highlighting their presence and continuous support in the region. This expression of gratitude reflects the positive and lasting impact of their work in the community. Images by Diario Co Latino. A Lasting Tribute The event also included the unveiling of a bust of Marianella and a mural created by artist Juan José, which honors key figures in the fight for human rights, including Saint Óscar Arnulfo Romero, Marianella García, Evanne Hunter of the Sisters of Loretto, Father Mark Jendrysik, and Father Tilo Sánchez. This mural not only beautifies the community but also serves as a constant reminder of the sacrifice and dedication of these leaders. Keeping the Memory Alive The purpose of this event is to keep the memory of Marianella García alive and pass on her legacy to future generations. "Marianella is an example for them because this is how one can make a difference in the world,” concluded Sr. Evanne Hunter. Her message resonates strongly, inspiring both young and old to continue the fight for human rights and social justice. The commemoration of Marianella García Villas not only honors her memory but also reinforces the commitment of the Sisters of Loretto and the entire community to defend human rights. Through their work and dedication, the Sisters of Loretto continue Marianella’s legacy, striving for a more just and equitable world for all. Based on an article by Gabriela Sandoval from Diario Co Latino

April 22, 2024, the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM) was pleased to hold an official welcoming ceremony in their acceptance of its newest candidate, Wendy Ip, who began her journey with IBVM in mid-2023. This journey stage is one of many as she continues to discern the Lord’s call for her life. How does one know they are being called? Wendy mentions that, “Sr. Lynn Cira, IBVM, had once asked me this, and I can only say it is like a seed that has been planted by the Lord in my heart. The seed grows and it blossoms. I found a shift had occurred.  It was a shift from what I could do, to what the Lord would have me do. It is one that invites me to a journey of absolute trust despite all the uncertainties, disappointments, and even feelings of fear. It is only in trusting in our Lord that I will be able to do His will. This desire to do His will and not my own is simply a natural product of my love for Him, my understanding of His love for us, and it is my only best response to His love. With that, I contemplate how we might nurture the hearts of others to allow us all to better embrace the love of God so that we all can be a light of God’s love for one another. In addition to being an IBVM Candidate, Wendy Ip volunteers for both United Nations Women and the Mary Ward Centre. In March 2024, on behalf of IBVM, she attended the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women with several IBVM from across the globe.

On Friday, April 12, at the Catholic Education Centre, the TCDSB celebrated International Women's Day 2024. Members of the Board, and Senior Staff joined teachers and students (from both Elementary and Secondary Schools) for “CELEBRATE WOMEN 365”. The audience was delighted to watch student's creative performances in music, dance, and oral speaking. Three sessions of “Circle Talks” led by guest Facilitators enabled students to learn about opportunities for women to use their talents for the good of society. The “Ode to Mary” was a beautiful, prayerful tribute to Mary the Mother of God, a wonderful role model for young women. Sister Evanne Hunter IBVM was invited to present the “Sister Evanne Hunter Young Women in Leadership Award” given annually by TCDSB to two graduating students: Caterina Galego (Grade 8, Sts Cosmas and Damian), and Victoria Ndoja (Grade 12, St Patrick) This was a wonderful celebration of the talents of young people and a learning experience that highlighted the need to empower young women to take a leading role in society and make our world a better place for all citizens of the world and our Common Home, the earth.

These are words to reflect on He is not here. Do not be afraid! Mary Do not touch me. Alleluia Go tell my disciples. My Lord, is Risen. Peter John Were not our hearts burning within us?