Celebrating Mary Ward’s Legacy 2026 at Loretto College, Toronto
- Jaime Gutierrez
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
On January 7, 2026, students, educators, faith leaders, and partners from across the Toronto Catholic District School Board gathered at Loretto College to celebrate the enduring legacy of Venerable Mary Ward—foundress of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary and spiritual mother of the Congregation of Jesus (CJ). Rooted deeply in the Gospel, Mary Ward’s vision for education, justice, freedom, and faithful courage continues to animate the mission and ministries of the Congregation today, inspiring new generations to live for the greater glory of God.
This year’s celebration brought together the Angel Foundation for Learning (AFL), TCDSB senior leadership, members of the Congregation of Jesus (CJ), and student leaders from Loretto Abbey, Loretto College, Mary Ward Catholic Secondary School, and St. Mother Teresa Catholic Academy. Grounded in prayer and shared faith, the day was designed not only to remember Mary Ward’s life, but to invite young people to reflect on how her charism—rooted in trust in God, courage in adversity, and love of neighbour—continues to shape vocation, leadership, and service in today’s world.
A Day Rooted in Encounter, Reflection, and Action
The gathering opened with prayer, a land acknowledgement, and words of welcome led by student leaders—setting a tone of reverence, shared leadership, and mutual respect. From the outset, the celebration reflected a deeply Catholic understanding of community: listening together for where God is leading. Participants were warmly welcomed by John Wujek, Executive Director of the Angel Foundation for Learning, who highlighted the importance of nurturing student voice and advocacy within Catholic education.
The heart of the morning was a compelling keynote by Sr. Evanne Hunter, IBVM/CJ, who presented Mary Ward as a “dangerous innovator”—a woman far ahead of her time and radically faithful to God’s call. Through story, Scripture, and historical context, Sr. Evanne traced Mary Ward’s courageous journey in 17th-century England, her commitment to the education of women as an expression of Gospel justice, and her unwavering trust in God’s providence, even in the face of persecution, misunderstanding, and institutional rejection.
Her reflection invited students to consider a deeper question: What is life asking of me?—echoing Mary Ward’s own attentiveness to God’s dream. Students were encouraged to discern how their God-given gifts might meet the world’s deepest needs, and how faith, when lived with integrity and courage, can become a transformative force for justice and hope.
Learning Through Dialogue and Experience
Following the plenary, students took part in rotating breakout sessions that connected Mary Ward’s legacy with contemporary issues:
Becoming Neighbours – exploring hospitality and solidarity with newcomers
Prevention of Human Trafficking – raising awareness and responsibility
Care for Creation – reflective meditation linking faith and ecology
Women in Leadership – celebrating voices, courage, and agency
Each session was co-facilitated by students and adult leaders, reinforcing a key Mary Ward value: shared mission. Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and Ignatian spirituality, these conversations created space for listening, discernment, and practical action inspired by faith. These conversations created space for honest dialogue, listening, and practical action grounded in Catholic Social Teaching.
Community, Gratitude, and Eucharist
A shared lunch—generously sponsored by Cataldi Fresh Market—offered time for connection and informal conversation, further strengthening relationships across schools and communities.
The day concluded with the celebration of Mass, the source and summit of Catholic life. Presided by Fr. Peter Choi, with the presence of Fr. Peter McKenna from Becoming Neighbours, the Eucharist gathered the community in gratitude and prayer. Through music, readings, and prayers led by students, the liturgy bore witness to a living, youthful Church shaped by Mary Ward’s spirit of courage, joy, and faithful service.
Mary Ward’s Legacy, Alive Today — A Living Charism
More than a commemoration, Celebrating Mary Ward’s Legacy 2026 was a moment of shared discernment and renewal—an invitation to courage, to justice, and to joyful freedom in Christ. As students left Loretto College that afternoon, they carried forward a legacy that began centuries ago but remains profoundly relevant today: educating minds, forming consciences, and empowering young people to become agents of change in their communities and in the world.
We are grateful to all partners, educators, chaplains, members of the Congregation of Jesus, and students who made this celebration vibrant, meaningful, and hope-filled, and who continue to carry forward Mary Ward’s charism in Canada and around the world.
Comments