Search Results

Explanation of Loretto Sisters' inspiration and mission including a retrospective video. Becoming One The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM) and Congregation of Jesus (CJ), currently two different congregations, are becoming one. As Mary Ward women, we are determined to accomplish and celebrate this process that will lead us to the union of hearts and minds. Beginning on January 31st, this page will contain resources from the Spiritual Journey process and other information leading up to merger later this year. Timeline to Merger ● January 23 - 30: Mary Ward Week 2025, celebrating Mary Ward as a Pilgrim of Hope ● February to July: A worldwide Spiritual Journey of prayer and reflection, open to our associates, alumni, and any friends who would like to pray with us ● July 31: Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, on which each IBVM sister will take a formal vote to join the CJ ● November 4: Our official merger date, pending an affirmative outcome. November marks the founding of the Loreto branch in 1822 in Ireland by Teresa Ball, and will also be the day on which IBVM sisters become CJ sisters Visit our Spiritual Journey

A glimpse of our community of Sisters who live at Presentation Manor Presentation Manor Presentation Manor is a retirement residence where our senior Sisters live. They are active in many different pursuits and provide support to others in the community and beyond. A glimpse into the lives of our Sisters living at Presentation Manor We hope this glimpse of the community, written by Helen Cameron ibvm, gives you a sense of the vibrant lives of the Loretto Sisters whose ministry of prayer and presence is the backbone of our Institute. Presentation Manor: What's in a name? Several months ago, a sister who lived at Loretto College asked what we “did” at Presentation Manor. Trying to explain, I was lost for an answer, because there are so many ways I could have responded. So, I asked and I listened, and I read the monthly calendar of events and activities, and I will try to give you some sense of what life is like here. First of all, one of the things that might help is to listen to the wise words of one of the Basilian Fathers, who plays the piano every day with a great deal of artistry, and accompanies the cantors on a Sunday morning. I was practising for a Liturgy recently, and moaning about not being able to sing as I once used to do. His remark was that we can all continue to do 'something', to use our gifts a little, even if we can't do that in quite the same style as we once did. Point taken. So if one can smile and greet, but not much more, that is a great contribution to other people's spirits. If one can read in public, one can volunteer for the ministry of Reader at Mass. If a new resident comes to the dining room and looks baffled by the crowd and the noise, a welcoming wave to an empty place at the table goes a long way to making someone feel at home. Smiles in the hall, both from residents and staff, time spent in the front reception area, playing Scrabble, sharing the newspaper or a cup of coffee, or enjoying a conversation: these are all times well-spent. At least one of us has been 'adopted' by one of our young weekend receptionists who phones the sister when she comes to work, so that they can find time for a visit and a chat (She's missing her granny!). There is a variety of talents among us. Marion Pacey not only supports a number of the card and Bingo games, but has knitted over 1,000 “mask holders” that have helped us keep ourselves and our visitors safe since the first COVID outbreak. Cabrini Fahlman has made major contributions to the hard work required to make our gardens beautiful, and also can be counted to visit the residents in assisted living, to help with sewing, and generously to devote her time when she sees someone in need. Christine Leyser, one of the “founding mothers” of our presence here, is still very involved. She initiated the now well-used Library, the Tuck shop which responded to a need during COVID, and the outdoor bird feeders, as well as working with Rosemary Albon and others in implementing a quite-thorough recycling program. Christine is always on the move, and is probably engaged in many more activities than we actually know. Yvonne Steffler, who came later, reads at Morning Mass, and brings a wonderful smile with her when she checks incoming mail, delivers packages, and makes lovely items for sale at the Tuck Shop. Yvonne still maintains close contact with friends in Keswick and Niagara Falls. Ursula Witkowska helps provide music for Sunday Liturgy, serves both with the Liturgy Committee and with the “on call” team for medical emergencies among us, and is part of the inter-community “Together for Mission” committee, as well as enjoying a game of Euchre. Some others of us, still with an incurable longing for knowledge and wisdom, read theology and history, attend online classes, participate in workshops and conferences which take place here at Presentation Manor or online, and try to keep ourselves aware of the larger world. Some of us follow hockey and baseball with passionate intensity, especially watching the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey – will they or won’t they? And there is always plenty of ice cream, once you know the ‘schedule’. Others of us intentionally work at being good conversationalists at the table, sharing news, laughter and memories. Juliana Dusel, who helps with lectoring at Mass, also brings a huge sense of the history of IBVM to her table conversations because of her ongoing work in archives, while others of us share stories and insights from our travels and ministries. Our laughter in the dining room is contagious. Helen keeps in touch with Mary Ward sisters and friends in other countries, maintains contact with a number of former co-workers, especially from Guelph, connects with former pupils (some back to the early ’60s), and makes a little music when she can. As a hobby she follows Anglo-Saxon history and language online. Bridget Nazareth chairs the committee for Pastoral Care and is a generous driver. Four Sisters make up the “Loretto Team”: (L to R) Celima Lindsay, Bridget Nazareth, Ursula Witkowska and Pat Grant (who also serves on the Presentation Manor Board); they plan prayer and provide events for the Sisters who live ‘independently’ of nursing care and supervision. Lynn Cira, of course, is responsible for the Sisters in Assisted living, as well as all business that has to be conducted with Presentation Manor management. The best walker of us all is Maria Lanthier, who has explored every nook and cranny of the neighbourhood on foot, and discovered secret pathways we hardly guessed existed. Edna Martin is enjoying a slightly new view after a move into a different room, but is happy with the beauty of the spring flowering trees. Different sisters have daily patterns that can be observed: Anne Murray heading to the Bistro for a coffee refill, while Marianna Gignac has 3:00 o'clock tea in the community room with whoever shows up. Sheila Zettel recently celebrated her 90th birthday, and was given a beautiful orchid to honour the occasion; Judy Kidd has enjoyed its beauty, too, but the question is, will the cat with the mysterious indigenous name leave the plant in its pot on the shelf? It’s early days yet – watch this space! Meanwhile, Mary Van Hee still finds ways to help the poor and maintains her contact with Combermere, while Norma Kirvan helps and companions many of the residents (including IBVMs) in Assisted Living. The sisters who reside in Assisted Living are very much a part of the community, whether by their prayers, their presence, or the joy they bring to the rest of us. Mary Laverty had a most entertaining visit with the new Archbishop: the laughter could be heard right down the hall! Rose Caneuill continues to be comforted by the animals she holds so caringly, while Mary Ellen Scanlon still enjoys contact with her beloved family. Mary Julia, we trust, is praying for the rest of us, just as she always did in days when she was more active. Many of us still remember her delicious meals at Brunswick Avenue. Maria Heinrich is perhaps the most peaceful of us all, and her face constantly conveys a sense of serenity, even when communication is difficult. April was an exciting month, first with Holy Week and Easter, then a visit from our new, friendly and relaxed Archbishop Francis Leo (What fun we all had on that occasion!) and finally culminating in the 100th birthday of Donata Dean, who had two full days of celebration with family, then with IBVMs and Christian Brothers. The month closed with a number of sisters attending the 175th celebrations at St. Paul’s Basilica. Now in the early part of May we are working to establish a brand-new Residents’ Council for Presentation Manor, with nominations and balloting underway. We have lost three Sisters fairly recently, Sheila Smith, Mary Martin Raczynski and Josepha Brown, and they are greatly missed, although some of us still add pieces to the jigsaw puzzle in memory of Sheila’s efforts, but we have gained two valuable members, Jeanne Cover and Angela McAuliffe, who arrived shortly after Easter. We hope they are feeling welcome and at home here. Adjustment to such a large community takes time. Life changes, often quickly, here at Presentation Manor, but there is a permanence to it as well, supported by the faith and friendship of the other residents, who give us the confidence we need to navigate an experience that is new to all of us. We can say, in the words of the Rankin Family song, “We’ve never been here before”, and know that there are learning curves still ahead of us that we cannot even imagine. And Jesus, the Risen Lord, is present in it all, and is our Companion on the journey. Learn more: Our Story Our Spirituality Mary Ward Institute Archives Where We Are "Do your best and God will help." More about Mary Ward

You will need your guest password to access the Loretto College Handbook. Loretto College Handbook

Archival material Menu Teresa Ball 200th Anniversary Digitised Archival Material Online Resources In 1847, Bishop Michael Power travelled to Europe to recruit aid and funds to serve the growing Catholic population in Canada. Upon his return, he wrote to M.M. Teresa Ball whom he had visited during his voyage to again request that Sisters be sent to serve as educators. M.M. Ball responded favourably with her plans to send 5 Sisters aged 30 and under to start a community in Toronto. She sent these members of the flock out with the words that Saint Ignatius used to dismiss his children “Go brother, and set the whole world on fire with the love of God.” Scroll down to explore the galleries below to view correspondence between Bishop Michael Power and M.M. Teresa Ball, as well as a note that she gave one of our sisters leaving Ireland for the Canadian Mission in 1857. LETTER WRITTEN BY BISHOP MICHAEL POWER TO REV. MOTHER TERESA BALL, 25th June, 1847 Power letter to Ball Page 1 LETTER WRITTEN BY BISHOP MICHAEL POWER TO REV. MOTHER TERESA BALL, 25th June, 1847 Power letter to Ball Page 2 LETTER WRITTEN BY BISHOP MICHAEL POWER TO REV. MOTHER TERESA BALL, 25th June, 1847 Power letter to Ball Page 1 LETTER WRITTEN BY BISHOP MICHAEL POWER TO REV. MOTHER TERESA BALL, 25th June, 1847 1/2 Transcription OF LETTER WRITTEN BY BISHOP MICHAEL POWER TO REV. MOTHER TERESA BALL IN RATHFARNHAM, IRELAND Toronto, 25th June 1847 Madame I have just returned to Toronto and I feel more convinced than ever that a branch of your community will succeed admirably after a short time in Toronto. I cannot inform you of the number of scholars (boarders) you might have because you are as likely after a few months to have fifty as twenty. As soon as you are known, the good ladies whom you intend sending out will have as much as they can do. As a matter of course, it will be my business to see especially in commencing that they may have no reasonable motive to complain. I shall immediately see where I can find a convenient residence in order that every thing may be ready at their arrival of a few days afterwards in case that I cannot know the precise time of their coming. I have written today to the Rev. D. O'Connell of SS. Michael and John's [sic] to advance whatever sum of money may be requisite for defraying their traveling expenses. The day school will, I hope be numerously attended after a few weeks and the common school by a great number. However, I am aware that for a short time there may exist among Protestants a slight prejudice, but when the parents will find that they can give a chance of a better education to their daughters than in any other establishment they will certainly avail themselves of the Transcription OF LETTER WRITTEN BY REV. MOTHER TERESA BALL TO BISHOP MICHAEL POWER Loretto Abbey Rathfarnham Dublin 20th July 1847 Most Honored Lord, "I was gratified with your Lordship's letter, dated from Toronto, 25th of last June. I wrote today to inform Dr. O'Connell P.P. of Sts. Michael and John's Chapel that five of our Nuns will be prepared to sail from Kingstown to Liverpool 2nd August to proceed by the Packet, which will sail 3rd August for Boston U.S. "The sixth Religious selected to complete the number desired by your Lordship exchanged this life, we trust, for heaven 5th of last July: possibly a candidate for Religious life may offer at Toronto and be trained to supply the place of one, who we hope, will intercede for the little colony, who go to propagate the holy faith under the auspices of the sacred hearts of Jesus and Mary and under the patronage of our glorious protector St. Michael. "No Titles[?] can be more appropriate for the numbers of our Institute, than that of the Diocese. It will not be easy to supply the places vacated by our Sisters, who volunteer for Canada we wish to send steady persons, who will be creditable abroad, as they have been edifying in their native country."Since writing the above Dr. O'Connell P.P. called and will be ready for our five to sail from Kingstown 10th August and from Liverpool to New York U.S. 11th August by the "Garrick". Passages for each from Liverpool to New York 25 pounds[?]. We have chosen Mrs. Anne Hutchinson for Reverend Mother she is 30 years of age; her religious appellation is Mary Joseph Loyola. "Her assistant will be Mrs. Fleming, called Mary Gertrude she is aged 27 years. Mrs. Dease in religion Mary Teresa is well educated and intimate with Mrs. Phelan known to us, by the name of Mary Bonaventura and prized. "The fifth is Sister to Reverend Mother, we style her Mary Valentina, she was educated in our school. All enjoy health and are are amiably disposed. If it meet your Lordship's wishes I can have a person with a religious vocation trained in the model school Dublin who can forward free schools in Canada by introducing the most approved plans for conveying knowledge. "Two were already benefited, a third is to join a class in the Model School next month. This is the 14th anniversary of our first filiation from this Abbey. Toronto will be the 10th Foundation from Loretto, Dublin. May it be equally prosperous with the preceding establishments. "Since I received the honor of your Lordship's visit, a very beautiful demesne superior to Rathfarnham has been added to our acquisitions: a fine house too on it. "All our Sisters enjoy their usual health. Soliciting the benefit of your Lordship's prayers, "With esteem and respect, Your humble servant in Jesus Christ Frances Teresa Ball "To Right Rev. Dr. Power" LETTER WRITTEN BY REV. MOTHER TERESA BALL TO M. PURIFICATION OULLAHAN, July 16, 1857 Teresa Ball Letter to M.Ouallahan Front of note sent by M. Teresa Ball to M. Ouallahan Teresa Ball Letter to M. Ouallahan Back of note sent by M. Teresa Ball to M. Ouallahan Ouallahan, Purification in Green Scrapbo Image of M. Ouallahan Teresa Ball Letter to M.Ouallahan Front of note sent by M. Teresa Ball to M. Ouallahan 1/3 TRANSCRIPTION OF LETTER FRONT S. Ingnatius used to dismiss his children with this sentence "Go brother, and set the whole world on fire with the love of God". I say the same through you on this occasion with 1000 loves to each dear child. BACK Written by Rev Mother Ball on my leaving Ireland for Canada on July 16. 1857 S.M of the Purification Oullahan I.B.V.M Back advantage. By requesting your Chaplain the Rev. Mr. Farrelly to inquire of Roche Bros. & Co. in Dublin of the day of sailing of the fastest ship of the line, you can engage passage of the ladies immediately. A clergyman who is going to New York intends speaking to some member of the firm in that city in order to afford you every convenience, but I am sure that by adopting the line I have marked out, you will not meet with the slightest difficulty in sending the good nuns to Liverpool. I had made up my mind to settle everything with the captain of the Yorkshire, which I was led to believe would sail from Liverpool on the 6th August, but I find now that she sails on the 1st July; but there are other ships in every respect as good and as comfortable as the Yorkshire, for instance, "The Queen of the South." I would like to know the day that the ladies are to sail, the probable day of their arrival in New York so as to have some one on the spot to meet them. I shall write also to the Bishop of New York to request one of his priests to watch for the arrival of the ship in order to avoid any delay or disappointment. You remember that I informed you that the Catholic people (mostly Irish or of Irish descent) are not rich. Some families are unable to educate their daughters, but many families will feel happy in being able to avail themselves of the opportunity of giving their daughters a good sound education. I beg of you to write to me by the mail of the 16th July or the hit of August, so that I may be fully prepared to have everything ready. I suppose it would be better not to furnish the house until their arrival. If they have those things which are necessary for the celebration of Mass, so much the better; they can bring with them in that respect as much as they please. Everything else can be had here as cheap as in Ireland. I have the honour to remain with many feelings of respect and kind regard, Madam, Your most obedient & humble servant in J.C. + Michael Bishop of Toronto P.S. I have written under the full impression His Grace, your Excellent Archbishop will sanction & recommend the undertaking: I said but a few words to His Grace on the subject, but he gave me to understand that if nothing was wanting but his approbation, it would be given. + M. Bp. of T. LETTER WRITTEN BY REV. MOTHER TERESA BALL TO BISHOP MICHAEL POWER, 20th July, 1847 Ball letter to Power Page 1 LETTER WRITTEN BY REV. MOTHER TERESA BALL TO BISHOP MICHAEL POWER, 20th July, 1847 Ball letter to Power Page 2 LETTER WRITTEN BY REV. MOTHER TERESA BALL TO BISHOP MICHAEL POWER, 20th July, 1847 Ball letter to Power Page 1 LETTER WRITTEN BY REV. MOTHER TERESA BALL TO BISHOP MICHAEL POWER, 20th July, 1847 1/2

Currently there is not a members section to this website. Close

Additional U of T & Housing Services Resources: Housing Services: Residence Features & Locations https://studentlife.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/SLC-2609-Housing-Residence-Comparison-Chart-FINAL-s.pdf Visit U of T: Take a Tour https://discover.utoronto.ca/tours University of Toronto, Faculty of Arts & Science: What is the College System? https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/future/student-experience/college-system Residence Application for 1st Year Students https://studentlife.utoronto.ca/task/residence-application-for-1st-year-arts-sci-students/ Residence Application Dates & Deadlines https://studentlife.utoronto.ca/task/residence-application-dates-and-deadlines/ Using Your T-Card https://tcard.utoronto.ca/using-your-tcard/