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Provides information about the IBVM, Loretto Sisters in Canada community including recent happenings, events, our spirituality, what we do, and how to get involved. Promoting education, justice, spirituality and pastoral care. Read more Welcome to Loretto Sisters Congregation of Jesus, Canada region Meet Mary Ward Join Us, Becoming One Latest Updates View All Updates Are you searching for a way to make a difference? Explore a life rooted in faith, guided by the Spirit, and dedicated to service. Learn how to begin your journey with the Loretto Sisters today. Learn more Spirituality Through the Ministry of Spirituality we actively encourage and support others Learn more The Loretto Sisters (Congregation of Jesus) are an active community of Catholic women seeking to spread the Gospel as ‘Contemplatives in Action’. Learn more Mary Ward (1585 - 1645) founder, an English woman who held a strong conviction “that women in time to come will do much,” continues to inspire and challenge women today. Learn more Loretto | CJ Canada has had a presence in Canada for over 175 years and continues with our mission to educate and inspire young women. Learn more CJ Events The Call of the Heart Book Launch: Reflections on Women of Faith, Courage and Vision. Tue, May 27 Toronto Details Virtual event - Seeking safety, finding exploitation Tue, Dec 10 https://bit.ly/HOPE-DANGER-MIGRATION Details The Hope of Advent Fri, Dec 06 Georgina Details Load More "Do your best and God will help." More about Mary Ward

Provides the IBVM|Loretto Sisters Canadian Leadership location and contact information as well as links to our ministries. Contact us Location Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary Canadian Leadership Office 70 St. Mary Street Toronto, ON M5S 1J3 CANADA Tel: 416-483-2238 Fax: 416-485-9884 admin@ibvm.ca Write us Submit Thanks for submitting! Or Email Us At: admin@ibvm.ca Key access Loretto Alumnae Past pupils. Associates Sharing the charism and mission of the IBVM. Loretto College Residence Affiliated with the University of St. Michael's College @ U of T Mary Ward Centre Education, Spirituality and Justice Ministry Loretto Maryholme Encouraging individuals and groups to explore and restore the energies needed for personal, communal and world transformation. IBVM Archives Learn more about IBVM History Mary Ward International Development network of the Institute for the support of the life and Mission throughout the world. IBVM Worldwide Links Connect to our global network

Offers information on how the Loretto Sisters were founded and arrived in Canada. Our Story The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary was founded by an Englishwoman, Mary Ward, in 1609. Her dream was to begin a new kind of community of women religious - an independent self-governing congregation patterned after that of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), free of the confines of the cloister, and responding to the urgent needs of her time. Though Mary Ward was imprisoned by the Inquisition and initially condemned by the Church, miraculously her charism lives on in the members of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary throughout the world. Mary Ward’s Institute was brought to Ireland in 1821 by Frances Teresa Ball. She had established an independent foundation in Dublin since international events made it impossible to maintain ties with either England or Europe. The sisters became known in Ireland as Loret(t)o Sisters. In true Irish missionary style, Teresa sent her Loreto companions to far-flung corners of the earth, to India, to Mauritius, to Gibraltar and then to North America. On September 16, 1847, five Loretto sisters from Ireland, including Rev. Mother Teresa Dease (Foundress), landed at Cooper’s Wharf in Toronto. They began the work of educating the children of the many Irish immigrants who had come to Canada. In spite of great hardships and limited resources, this small foundation survived and began to grow, eventually spreading to the United States. By 1881 the long distance from Ireland and difficulties in communication with a distant Motherhouse warranted that the Institute in North America become an independent branch. With a common vision and spirit, and with the advent of technology to promote rapid communication, the sisters of the original “Irish” branch and those of the “North American” branch of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary were reunited in September of 2003. They now form one Loreto (Loretto) branch of Mary Ward’s Institute, with missions in every continent. Learn more: Who we are Our Spirituality Mary Ward Institute Archives Where We Are Our historical chronology 01 1. Beginnings: Mary Ward Mary Ward was an Englishwoman who was born in North Yorkshire in 1585, at a time of persecution for Catholics, into a family determined to live their Catholic faith no matter what the cost. Her greatest desire as a young woman wa s to be a religious. There were no convents in England at that time and all religious communities had been suppressed by Henry VIII by 1540. Mary travelled to Flanders in France to join an existing community of cloistered sisters. There, it became clearer to her over time that she had a different calling. She returned to London, England to seek clarity about what work God had for her to do. In 1609 she received inspiration in prayer that, whatever her call, it would be to the Glory of God. IBVM Founder Mary Ward (1585-1645) as a young woman (circa 1609). The North American IBVM story Download the presentation

Frequently asked questions you may have when considering a decision to join a religious community such as the Loretto Sisters. Frequently Asked Questions When considering something as serious as a decision to join a religious community, you may have any number of questions regarding lifestyle, finances, training and ministry, and what you can expect to encounter as a woman religious. Below you will find a Q & A section that may help to answer some of your concerns. Frequently asked questions Do I have to be a practicing Catholic to join the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Loretto Sisters? Most religious congregations of women are formally recognized and incorporated as officially Roman Catholic. New members must be fully-initiated Catholics, and be able to supply a letter of reference from a pastor or chaplain in the local congregation where they worship. If I become an IBVM Sister, where would I live? You would live in a community with at least one, but perhaps as many as five or six other sisters in housing rented or owned by IBVM Sisters. This housing might be in the form of apartments or houses. Who chooses where this community is located? The leaders of the Loretto Sisters in Canada would make this decision, in consultation with the Sisters whose responsibility it is to help women explore the possibility of religious life. As a sister, will I be paid for the work I do? Most sisters who are not retired receive a salary for their work from the organization for which they work. So, for example, if you were to work as a teacher, you would be paid by the school board which employs you; the same would be true of other agencies or organizations. All salaries, wages and pension cheques are redirected into a community fund that supports all of the sisters. Out of this fund, all the Sisters’ needs are provided for, since part of our commitment is to share everything as a religious community. How are my individual needs addressed in terms of food, clothing, shelter and vacation? Each month, every local community house receives sufficient money to cover the living expenses, utilities, rent, etc. of the sisters that live there. Will I have a choice as to where I work and in what areas of ministry I would become involved? Keeping the mission of the IBVM in mind, you would be encouraged to use your talents and gifts to the fullest. Every involvement in ministry is made in consultation and discernment with an IBVM advisor, and the discernment around your ‘placement’ is made in terms of where the greatest needs are and how you, with your own particular gifts, might respond. Can I maintain relationships with family and friends? Yes, you would be encouraged to continue these relationships. Do Loretto Sisters have time for vacation? We believe that making personal time, and taking time for holidays, is very important for our physical, psychological and spiritual health. We consider leisure time to be part of a balanced lifestyle. How long does it take to become a Loretto Sister? It takes about nine years from the time when you become a candidate with the community until you make Final Vows, sometimes called “Perpetual Commitment”. Can I leave at any time during the formation process? A decision to discontinue the process and leave the congregation is yours. That is true during the formation process as well as after you take vows. Can the community of Loretto Sisters decide, at some stage, not to allow me to continue in the process of becoming a member? The answer to this is “Yes”, because the process of incorporation or becoming a member in a community is always a mutual decision between the community and the new member. If it becomes apparent that a woman is having difficulty living the many challenges of religious life, there would be a lengthy discernment and discussion, and she could be asked to leave the congregation if her belonging is not a good “fit” with the community. Can I pursue higher education, and will it be funded by the Loretto Sisters? Ongoing education is possible and even encouraged. Each woman’s situation is evaluated on its own merit. “How happy a thing it is to love God and serve him in truth.” -Mary Ward

Explains what spiritual direction is and how a spiritual director supports people as they try to follow the lead of God in their lives. Spiritual Direction Spiritual Direction involves walking with someone on their spiritual journey, and supporting them as they try to follow the lead of God in their lives. The Spiritual Director or Companion is someone who: listens with sensitivity and compassion fosters a contemplative atmosphere of trust and safety is nonjudgmental in approach respects confidentiality respects the freedom of others to make choices for themselves stays with and supports the person through struggles and difficulties. In the process of sharing with another in spiritual direction, we become more aware of the presence of God in our daily lives and inner experience. We are encouraged to respond to God’s personal invitation with openness and trust. Am I ready for spiritual direction? Spiritual Direction requires: openness and honesty as well as a desire to grow in self awareness faith that the Spirit of God is at work in our lives a desire to discover how one is being led by that Spirit Spiritual Direction is a ministry within the Church. Those exercising this ministry are persons who have received specific training and formation and have been affirmed as having the necessary gifts for this calling.

Learn about our Loretto Education Liaison and how she provides students and teachers with learning opportunities in Canada and worldwide. Education Liaison The Loretto Sisters have been acknowledged and acclaimed leaders in Education, both here in Canada and in many countries throughout the world. Our historical involvement with education in Canada includes the founding of elementary and secondary schools in the last century as well as extensive involvement in Catholic Separate School Education, particularly in Ontario and Saskatchewan. The Loretto Sisters actively foster an ongoing relationship with schools that have a Loretto name and heritage, as well as schools that are associated with us, or named after the IBVM founder, Mary Ward. We wish to honour and continue our very special connection with all of these schools, both here in Canada and throughout the world. The Loretto Education Liaison seeks to nurture an awareness and understanding of IBVM /Ignatian spirituality in these school communities. The Loretto Education Liaison provides students and teachers with an opportunity to learn about current IBVM initiatives in Canada and throughout the world, and to become better acquainted with the extraordinary life, ministry and charism of our founder Mary Ward. The promotion of justice and peace is an important aspect of this work. Through the Education Liaison, schools are able to establish links with the worldwide IBVM Justice and Peace Network and with the NGO office at the United Nations in New York.

175th Anniversary Celebrating the 175th Anniversary of the Loretto Sisters' Arrival to Canada September 16th, 2022 marked 175 years of the Loretto Sisters' presence in Canada and their continuing mission to educate and inspire young women. View 175th Mass AFL Celebrates IBVM Day TCDSB Loretto Day Proclamation Our History The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary was founded by an Englishwoman, Mary Ward, in 1609. She pioneered a new way of religious life for women – ‘contemplatives in action’ within a self-governing congregation, free of enclosure, and responsive to the urgent needs of the time. Mary Ward’s Institute was brought from England to Ireland in 1821 by Frances Teresa Ball where they became known as Loret(t)o Sisters. In response to requests Teresa sent sisters to India, Mauritius, Gibraltar, and then to Canada when Bishop Michael Power asked for teachers for the growing population of Irish immigrant children in Toronto. On August 5, 1847 Teresa Dease, Gertrude Fleming, Ignatia Hutchinson, Valentina Hutchinson, and Bonaventure Phelan left Ireland, landed on September 16 at Cooper’s Wharf in Toronto, and began the first Catholic school on September 29. Despite hardships, deaths, and limited resources this small foundation grew to start new missions in Canada and the United States. Today IBVM Loretto Sisters serve in Albania, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, East Timor, Ghana, India, Ireland, Kenya, Mauritius, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, South Africa, South Sudan, Spain, Tanzania, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam, and Zambia. Founder Teresa Dease 1820 - 1889 Our Celebrations On September 17, 2022 a special anniversary Mass was celebrated at St. Michael’s Cathedral, Toronto, in honour of the founding of this mission. View our gallery of photos taken at the ceremony. The Angel Foundation for Learning Celebrates the Sisters On January 23, 2023, The Angel Foundation for Learning and the TCDSB will celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM) in Canada. Read more about their celebration of the work of the Loretto Sisters on the Angel Foundation Website. Click on the image below to read more on the AFL Website. The First Five: Loretto Sisters in Historic Irish Toronto Walking Tour The walk explored the early history & sites related to the Loretto Sisters and Toronto's early Irish community. Read more Our Celebrations AFL Celebrates IBVM 175th Closing Celebration: September 16, 2023

Provides unique opportunities to volunteer at a Loretto Sisters' ministry. Volunteer Garden Volunteer at Loretto Maryholme Tuesdays 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (noon) May 9 to September 26, 2023 So many of our gardens are the results of volunteer participation and are admired by our many guests. If you'd like to help, come any Tuesday morning and spend some time between 10:00am - 12:00pm. Bring your gloves, sunhat, water bottle and bug spray. Students needing community service hours are welcome. Call ahead if possible or just come. You are always welcome. Thanks in advance! Read More: Loretto Maryholme's website

What is Ignatian spirituality and its principles. Ignatian Spirituality Ignatian spirituality is rooted in the conversion experience of Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) through which God called the worldly courtier and soldier to become a saint. Reflection on his experience led him to realize that what God had done for him, God desired to do for others. Ignatius formulated his Spiritual Exercises as a guide for those who were to lead men and women in this process. Ignatian spirituality is Trinitarian – Ignatius experienced God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit in community. It is Christocentric and incarnational, seeking and finding the risen Jesus in all persons and things. It is active and apostolic, never separating the love and service of God, from that of neighbour and creation. The call to be a supportive community of contemplatives in action wherever the need is greatest, requires the ability to discern God’s call, and for a kind of prayer and a way of life that is not cloistered or monastic in its regularity. All of these features made Ignatian Spirituality especially attractive to Mary Ward and her followers who sought "all things to the greater glory of God". Ignatius of Loyola (1491 - 1556) Founder of the Jesuits and author of the Spiritual Exercises Learn more: Our Story Our Spirituality Mary Ward Institute Archives Where We Are

Offers the Loretto Sisters' mission statement and how we work to accomplish its objectives in a variety of ways. What We do Today, Loretto Sisters in Canada work to accomplish the objectives of our mission statement in a variety of ways. These include works of education , promotion of justice and ministries of spirituality and pastoral care . Loretto Sisters can be found working in a wide range of ministries and occupations such as: working with refugees and immigrants coordinating parish social ministry programs teaching in University settings working in homeless shelters serving as Diocesan Directors of Education, Spiritual Directors and Chaplains advocating for justice at the United Nations We are committed to those works that promote the dignity, well-being and inclusion of all persons, particularly women and children. We seek to be empowering of others in our relationships and in our way of ministering. We value collaboration and seek to partner with those who share our values. Ministries Justice Education Ministry of Spirituality UN-NGO Mary Ward International Our Mission We are women called by God to a life of prayer and service, committed to enriching the lives of God’s people, especially women, and to the promotion of justice, peace and integrity of creation. “Divine love is like a fire which will not let itself be enclosed; for it is impossible to love God and not to labour to extend God’s honor” -Mary Ward

Gives information on Mary Ward's vision and the Loretto Sisters' ministries devoted to spirituality. Ministry of Spirituality Mary Ward, our founder, very much wanted the women who followed her to be “contemplatives in action”, to be women who continually nurture a deep and authentic Christian spirituality within themselves, whose actions necessarily flow out of a life of prayer and union with God. Prayer and discernment based on Ignatian Spirituality are at the very heart of our lives as Loretto women. Through the Ministry of Spirituality we actively encourage and support others as they seek to respond to God’s invitation and presence and in their lives. We do this by serving as Chaplains, Parish Ministers, Prayer Guides and Retreat Directors and through the Ministry of Spiritual Direction or Spiritual Accompaniment. Sisters who are no longer able to be engaged in active ministry continue to participate in this ministry through the Ministry of Prayer. Loretto Maryholme is a Spirituality Centre located on Lake Simcoe, just north of Keswick, approximately one hours driving distance from Toronto. The property of 12.6 acres is a sacred space of peace and beauty. Programs and facilities are offered to individuals and groups seeking to restore the energies needed for personal and communal transformation. The Centre provides directed, guided or private retreats and days of reflection, as well as programs that promote ecological awareness, community building and faith development. The facilities are available for rental to individuals and groups whose activities are within the mandate of the Centre. Ministries Pray With Us Loretto Maryholme Centre Mary Ward Centre - Spirituality Spiritual Direction

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