Loretto Sisters' calendar of events Events Click on any event in the calendar for more information. October 2026 Today Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 27 7:00 p.m. Sunset Tai Chi 28 7:00 a.m. Cross-Border Strategies to Prevent Human Trafficking 29 Day (1/3) Silent Retreats 2026 30 Day (2/3) Silent Retreats 2026 1 Day (3/3) Silent Retreats 2026 2 3 2:00 p.m. Called by Name: An Invitation to Religious Life 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Day (1/8) Silent Retreats 2026: 3, 6, and 8-Day 16 Day (2/8) Silent Retreats 2026: 3, 6, and 8-Day 17 Day (3/8) Silent Retreats 2026: 3, 6, and 8-Day 18 Day (4/8) Silent Retreats 2026: 3, 6, and 8-Day 19 Day (5/8) Silent Retreats 2026: 3, 6, and 8-Day 20 Day (6/8) Silent Retreats 2026: 3, 6, and 8-Day 21 Day (7/8) Silent Retreats 2026: 3, 6, and 8-Day 22 Day (8/8) Silent Retreats 2026: 3, 6, and 8-Day 23 Day (1/3) Caregivers' Retreat 24 Day (2/3) Caregivers' Retreat 25 Day (3/3) Caregivers' Retreat 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Next Event Multiple Dates Silent Retreats 2026: 3, 6, and 8-Day Oct 15, 2026, 10:00 a.m. Loretto Maryholme Details

Information on how the Loretto Sisters have aided refugees coming to Canada and links to related ministries. Ministry to Refugees and Displaced Persons Read the CJ Position paper The Loretto Sisters have been responding to the needs of refugees fleeing countries ravaged by war and famine and seeking a new homeland since the late 1970’s. At that time the Loretto community in Canada responded by sponsoring a Vietnamese family of seven, including two parents and five children. As Loretto sisters journeyed with this family they became intimately acquainted with the many challenges and difficulties the newcomers had to endure as they struggled to adjust to their losses, learn a new language, adapt to a new culture and ultimately, manage to achieve the goal of gainful employment and economic independence. Since that time, the Loretto Sisters have sponsored refugees fleeing civil strife, war and famine, from various countries of origin including Ethiopia, Eritrea, Rwanda, Central America and Afghanistan. This has been a rich and rewarding ministry that continues to the present, bringing the Loretto Sisters many new and cherished friends. Settlement Assistance involves a whole gamut of activities. These include helping newcomers to access health care, social insurance (SIN) numbers, social assistance and other social services. Newcomers often have basic survival needs for clothing, housing and food. Some need to be taught basic survival skills such as how to use public transit or access telephone and internet services to find what they need on a day-to-day basis. Many newcomers need access to language training and where necessary, assistance finding employment. All newcomers appreciate support; someone to care about the losses they have had to endure, someone to cheer them on as they overcome challenges and difficulties, someone to recognize and acknowledge their achievements as they realize their dream of a new beginning here in Canada. Position paper on migration, labour exploitation, and human trafficking. The Congregation of Jesus (CJ), a UN-registered NGO, is the CJ's global mission for justice and policy advocacy, bringing the voice of faith-based civil society to multilateral decision-making processes and serving as a key coordinating mechanism that connects the CJ's grassroots initiatives with global policy advocacy. It facilitates collaboration between regions, amplifies local voices, and ensures that collective actions effectively contribute to international efforts to eradicate human trafficking in all its forms. As part of this action and commitment, the Congregation of Jesus* produced a 2025 Position Paper on Migration, Labour Exploitation, and Human Trafficking, led by sisters and team professionals in Albania, Hungary, Slovakia, Kenya, West Bengal (India), Spain, and Canada, bringing together the network's experiences and corresponding recommendations in the following areas: 1) Technology and human trafficking; 2) Human trafficking routes; 3) Vulnerability of women and children; 4) Labour exploitation; 5) Access to justice and human rights; and 6) Human trafficking and climate change. PDF FILE Congregation of Jesus Ministries to End Human Trafficking Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Loreto Generalate NGO Office Read More Read More PDF FILE Position Paper: Migration, Labour Exploitation, and Human Trafficking Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Loreto Generalate NGO Office Read More Read More PDF FILE Backgrounder: Congregation of Jesus Anti-Human Trafficking Mission: From Grassroots Action to Global Advocacy Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Loreto Generalate NGO Office Read More Read More World Refugee Day 2021 On June 20th, we celebrate the United Nations World Refugee Day . The theme for World Refugee Day 2021 is the power of inclusion. 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. Latest Updates Cross-Border Strategies to Prevent Human Trafficking That spirit of working together was at the heart of Cross-Border Strategies to Prevent Human Trafficking, an ancillary event of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. The gathering brought together people working in Canada, Mexico, India, Indonesia and international anti-trafficking networks, offering different perspectives on one shared question: how can we reach people earlier and strengthen prevention across borders? Landing Day 2026: Friends and Companions in Mission Sarah Redikopp, Mission, Charism, and Vocations Animator, Loretto Ministries Today, we celebrate 179 years of the Loretto Sisters in Canada! On Landing Day, we remember the histories of the Canadian CJ province and reconnect with the mission that animates our community. This year brings extra celebration, as the first Landing Day since the unification of the two branches of Mary Ward’s Institute (the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Congregation of Jesus) in Nove Join Our Mission: Youth Engagement Animator for Social Justice Advocacy The Mary Ward Centre, is seeking an energetic, creative, and faith-inspired Youth Engagement Animator for Social Justice Advocacy (Youth Animator) to accompany and empower youth and young adults (ages 15-35) as leaders for justice, peace, human dignity, and the integrity of creation. 1 2 3 4 5

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.

Online Resources Menu Teresa Ball 200th Anniversary Digitised Archival Material Online Resources "Go set the world on fire with the love of God" - Teresa Ball, IBVM Teresa Ball and Loreto Education Upcoming book to be released in December 2021 written by Deirdre Raftery. Link Wikipedia: Frances Mary Teresa Ball Wikipedia the free encyclopedia entry providing basic information. Link The life of Mother Frances Mary Teresa Ball Digital edition of the book written by Henry James Coleridge in 1881. Link Ball, Frances (1794 - 1861) An "Encyclopedia.com" entry providing details of her life. Link Mother Frances Mary Teresa Ball A brief entry on "Catholic Answers" website with details of her life (audio version also available). Link Frances Mary Teresa Ball An entry in the Illustrated Catholic Family Annual (1884). Link Article: Catholic Convent Schools and the History of Irish Girlhood [...] An article written by Mary Hatfield for the Journal "Irish Economic and Social History 2020, Vol. 47 ( I ) 59 - 77". Link [...] Constructing Childhood and Space in Dublin Boarding Schools Link A chapter from "Urban Spaces in Nineteeth-Century Ireland" written by Mary Hatfield. Lesson: Teresa France Ball A slideshow produced by Harvey Casey. Link Teresa (Frances) Ball A slideshow produced by the "Loreto Education Trust." Link Back

Warmest greetings to all members worldwide. IBVM and CJ are in the final stage of our preparatory process of merger, which will be completed with the canonical step of uniting the two congregations in November this year. A basic premise of the Spiritual Exercises is that the Creator deals directly with the creature and the creature deals directly with the Creator. Constitutions and Change What are the CJ Constitutions? 01. The Constitutions of the Congregation of Jesus consist of two volumes - those of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and a modern document. Volume I expresses our Ignatian Spirituality and way of proceeding and Volume II reflects our feminine 21st century way of living the Ignatian model of religious life. In them the members of Mary Ward’s congregation find inner strength and an understanding of what it means to be focussed on ‘the greater glory of God’. From Volume II, Constitution 7.5 we state that ‘When we are courageous and eager to respond to the call of love, the Constitutions provide guidance and inspiration; when we are weak in our efforts to cooperate in the way of service, they provide assistance and strength. The Constitutions encourage us to make our own the spirit of Mary Ward and to invite others to join us. They call us to ponder her words and her life, and the gifts that she has bequeathed to the Church and to the world through us.’ How do they help us? 02. What happens now with the Merger of IBVM and CJ? 03. With the Being One merger of The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Congregation of Jesus (Congregatio Jesu) on November 4, 2025 a modern document will be written that will represent all 1800+ members. The present IBVM Volume II and the CJ Complementary Norms will inform the new document. A Constitutions Commission of six international members and two facilitators have been working on this inspirational and living document. A worldwide ‘Conversation in the Spirit’ synodal discernment process will be undertaken by the members over the next few years. Topics to cover will include identity, charism, mission, community, vows, governance, formation. Matters of procedure and custom are placed in a directory or in various handbooks. How will this happen? 04. When will the process begin? 05. In early 2026 the members will begin this reflection process. Every two months they will engage in personal reflection and in small group discerning conversations on a particular focus. A province/region contact person makes a synthesis of the recommendations from groups and sends them to the Constitutions Commission. They will reflect on the material and add, amend, change the content as needed. 07. When will it finish? The final steps in the discernment process will happen when all aspects, those desired by the members and those required by canon law, are addressed and included. Also, there will be an overall consensus among the members that we have done as best we can at this moment. The draft document then is presented for a final discernment at a General Congregation, an event where CJ representatives from every province/region discern and make decisions on behalf of all members. The members will take a vote on the document and, if ratified, it becomes our new Volume II. Joyful singing of Alle-alle-alle-luia will ring out! Come Holy Spirit, help us to reflect, listen, discern wisely.

Teresa Ball's 200th anniversary Celebrating Two Centuries of the Irish Branch In August of 1821, M.M. Frances Teresa Ball returned to Ireland to found the Irish Branch of the Institute. M.M. Teresa Ball, having spent 5 years in training at the York Convent, was now prepared to make her return and serve the Irish community in providing education for girls following in Mary Ward's footsteps. 200 hundred years later, Our Sisters and community give thanks for Mother Teresa Ball’s fortitude and determination in living Mary Ward’s God-given inspiration. It is this continuation of inspiration and guidance that spurred Teresa Ball to say “yes” to founding branches of the Institute in Ireland and world-wide. Within her living years as Foundress of the IBVM Loretto Sisters she had 13 foundations in Ireland, and 37 Loreto Houses worldwide as distant as India (1841), Mauritius (1845), Gibraltar (1845), Canada (1847), England (1851), and Spain (1851). Subsequently each foundation, including our own in Canada, continued to grow leading to foundations Canada-wide and into the United States. Each sister who joined the various missions dedicated their lives to serving God through the ministries of the Institute. Each of the thousands of children who attended Loretto schools were witnesses to the spirituality of the Institute and benefactors of Mary Ward’s continued inspiration through Teresa Ball’s Irish Foundation and our own Canadian Superior, Teresa Dease. This legacy continues at our Loretto Schools; Loretto Abbey, Loretto College, Loretto Niagara Elementary and Mary Ward Secondary School. We invite you to explore this compilation of web-resources and discover the life and legacy of M.M. Teresa Ball, and snippets of archival documents related to the founding of our own province. Teresa Ball Online Resources Digitised Archival Material Menu Teresa Ball 200th Anniversary Digitised Archival Material Online Resources M.M. Teresa Ball Francis and the Curious Voice by M. McManus Original upload here:https://loretoeducationtrust.ie/teresa-ball/ Archives Open Day From Kathleen Fitzgerald, IBVM, Institute Archivist and Áine Mc Hugh, Project Archivist (Ireland) "The first Open Day of the Loreto Central and Irish Province Archives was held on Saturday 28th April 2012, in the school assembly hall, Loreto College, 53 St Stephen’s Green. The theme of the day was ‘The Life of M. Teresa Ball’, and its aim to highlight the life and achievements of M. Teresa Ball, and an unearthing of some of the treasures held in the Archives. We hope these talks and Brigid’s song highlighting the struggles, resolutions and achievements of M. Teresa Ball and those who worked alongside her, will serve to inspire all who heard or read them. Happy reading!"

Policy on how we provide goods and services to people with disabilities Accessible Customer Service Plan Providing Goods and Services to People with Disabilities The IBVM Canadian Region (Loretto) is committed to excellence in serving all customers/guests including people with disabilities. Assistive devices We will ensure that our staff are trained and familiar with various assistive devices we have on site or that we provide that may be used by customers/guests with disabilities while accessing our goods or services. Communication We will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability. Service animals We welcome people with disabilities and their service animals. Service animals are allowed on the parts of our premises that are open to the public. Support persons A person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to have that person accompany them in the public areas of our premises. Fees will generally not be charged for support persons, except for the standard charges for residence and meals. We will notify customers/guests of this through a notice posted on our websites and in material distributed to inform customers/guests of our courses, retreat and spirituality programs, residence and other services. Notice of temporary disruption In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities for customers/guests with disabilities, Loretto will notify customers/guests promptly. This notice will be clearly communicated (either by posting a notice, sending an email or making a phone call) and will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available. Training Loretto will provide training to employees, volunteers and others who deal with the public or other third parties on our behalf. Training will also be provided to people involved in the development of policies, plans, practices and procedures related to the provision of our goods and services. This training will be provided to new staff within 90 days of their start work date. Training will include: An overview of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of the customer service standard Loretto’s plan related to the customer service standard How to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities How to interact with people with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a service animal or a support person How to use any equipment or devices on-site which may help with providing goods or services to people with disabilities What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty in accessing Loretto’s goods and services Staff will also be trained when changes are made to our accessible customer service plan. Feedback process Customers/guests who wish to provide feedback on the way that Loretto provides goods and services to people with disabilities can call the IBVM Canadian Leadership Team at 416-483-2238 or email us at ibvmadm@rogers.com . All feedback will be delivered to the to the IBVM Canadian Leadership Team. Customers/guests can expect to hear back within 30 days. Notice of availability Loretto will notify the public that our policies are available upon request by posting them on the website for the Loretto Sisters in Canada ( www.ibvm.ca ). Modifications to this or other policies This policy was last reviewed and approved on February 12, 2015. Any policy of Loretto that does not respect and promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities will be modified or removed.

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Provides information about the Loretto Sisters' commitment to past students and links to Loretto Alumnae Association. Loretto Alumnae The Loretto Heritage The Loretto Schools and Loretto College Residence are an important part of the Loretto (CJ) heritage in Canada. Loretto sisters were known for their excellence in education as well as their commitment to Christian formation. Loretto continues to actively foster an ongoing relationship with those schools which began as Loretto Schools and are now Catholic Secondary Schools. Loretto Sisters also seek to nurture a continuing relationship with those Catholic Separate schools where there was a strong Loretto presence in the past, as well with the schools that bear our name or that of our founder Mary Ward. A gathering of Loretto College Residence Alumnae and IBVM Sisters at Loretto Day celebrations in 2006 Visit the Loretto Alumnae Association Learn more about the Loretto Alumnae Association and get updates on news and activities.

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.

Provides information about the IBVM, Loretto Sisters in Canada community including recent happenings, events, our spirituality, what we do, and how to get involved. Meet the Loretto Sisters CJ Worldwide Meet the Loretto Sisters Living Mary Ward’s charism today through education, justice, spirituality, and pastoral care. The Congregation of Jesus in Canada is part of an international community of women religious founded by Mary Ward in 1609. Inspired by her vision of freedom, justice, sincerity, and joy, we continue to respond to the needs of our time through ministries that foster human dignity, compassion, and hope. Across Toronto and Canada, we serve through education, spiritual accompaniment, social justice initiatives, care for seniors, and partnerships that strengthen communities. Through ministries such as Mary Ward Centre, Loretto Maryholme, and Presentation Manor, we seek to accompany people on their life journey, helping to build a more just, peaceful, and caring society. Who we are Justice ✤ Sincerity ✤ Felicity Stories & Updates More news Cross-Border Strategies to Prevent Human Trafficking That spirit of working together was at the heart of Cross-Border Strategies to Prevent Human Trafficking, an ancillary event of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. The gathering brought together people working in Canada, Mexico, India, Indonesia and international anti-trafficking networks, offering different perspectives on one shared question: how can we reach people earlier and strengthen prevention across borders? Landing Day 2026: Friends and Companions in Mission Sarah Redikopp, Mission, Charism, and Vocations Animator, Loretto Ministries Today, we celebrate 179 years of the Loretto Sisters in Canada! On Landing Day, we remember the histories of the Canadian CJ province and reconnect with the mission that animates our community. This year brings extra celebration, as the first Landing Day since the unification of the two branches of Mary Ward’s Institute (the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Congregation of Jesus) in Nove Join Our Mission: Youth Engagement Animator for Social Justice Advocacy The Mary Ward Centre, is seeking an energetic, creative, and faith-inspired Youth Engagement Animator for Social Justice Advocacy (Youth Animator) to accompany and empower youth and young adults (ages 15-35) as leaders for justice, peace, human dignity, and the integrity of creation. 1 2 3 4 5 Called to Something More? Explore a Vocation to Religious Life Explore a life rooted in faith, inspired by Mary Ward, and dedicated to serving God and others. Discover a vocation with the Congregation of Jesus. Learn more CJ Events Upcoming Past Multiple Dates Silent Retreats 2026: 3, 6, and 8-Day Thu, Oct 15 Loretto Maryholme Details Caregivers' Retreat Fri, Oct 23 Loretto Maryholme RSVP Called by Name: An Invitation to Religious Life Sat, Oct 03 10 Montcrest Blvd Details Multiple Dates Silent Retreats 2026 Tue, Sep 29 Loretto Maryholme Details Cross-Border Strategies to Prevent Human Trafficking Mon, Sep 28 https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/PO Details Load More Spirituality Through the Ministry of Spirituality we actively encourage and support others Learn more Loretto Sisters, Congregation of Jesus | Canada, 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 Congregation of Jesus has had a presence in Canada for over 175 years and continues with our mission to educate and inspire young women. Learn more "Do your best and God will help." More about Mary Ward

Offers highlights and explanations of Mary Ward's spiritual journey. Highlights of Mary Ward's Spiritual Journey Glory Vision One morning in 1609 when Mary Ward was in London, she had just made her meditation with, as she thought little fervour. While dressing she resolved to make amends for this by giving a large sum of money to a person who fervently desired to enter religious life but lacked the necessary dowry. According to Mary she was doing her hair before a mirror when she had a profound spiritual experience. She perceived clearly that it was not God’s will that she should enter an austere order, something that she was considering at the time, but rather that she was called to a more excellent state which would do far more to promote the glory of God. MW Ignatian Spirituality Ignatian Spirituality In 1611, Mary Ward was recovering from serious illness. While she was alone and in her bed she experienced an extraordinary state of mind, described as a state of repose and profound peace. She was given the grace to perceive plainly the manner of religious life she was to follow and the way in which she should organize her Institute. This brought a great light, consolation and strength, such that it was impossible for her to doubt that this knowledge came from God. Mary heard an inward voice directing her to adopt a similar way of life, in matter and manner, to that of the Society of Jesus. In the England of that time, Catholics were not allowed to practice their faith freely or openly and if they did so, they risked suffering the gravest consequences, including imprisonment and even death. Mary Ward and her companions had taken the three vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and were living a communal life together. They were ministering to the spiritual needs of their fellow Catholics under the most dangerous of conditions. They ministered to prisoners, the poor, the sick and the dying. This necessitated a certain mobility that earned them the name of “the galloping girls”. The idea of religious women being allowed to move about freely and go into places such as poor neighbourhoods and prisons was considered preposterous at the time. Women religious were strictly bound by rules of enclosure, rules which did not allow them to leave their convents or monasteries and move freely. The day was strictly ordered around communal recitation of the prayer of the church, the divine office. While Mary Ward and companions recited the divine office daily, they did so individually, enabling them to move about and minister freely. The inspiration to “adopt the same manner of life as the Society of Jesus” was a novel idea for women at the time. The desire to live this way as mobile apostolic women religious would meet significant resistance from church authorities and others. It would mean very great personal suffering for Mary herself and a lifelong struggle to gain canonical recognition for her Institute and its way of life. MW Just Soul Just Soul Experience While on retreat, and towards the end of completing the full Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius in 1615, Mary Ward received the last of the three significant illuminations that shaped her spirituality and her Institute. The first, in London in 1609, revealed that the ultimate purpose of her still unknown work was the glory of God. The second, in 1611, pointed the road or the path to that goal: “Take the same as the Society”, (the Society of Jesus or the Jesuits). The third illumination was received while on retreat in 1615. While Mary was at prayer, she received an illumination or vision of “a just soul of indescribable beauty”, a soul free from hampering earthly attachments, utterly committed to truth (“verity”), disposed and ready for every good work that served God and neighbour. Through this experience, Mary gained a great clarity about the qualities necessary for those with a vocation to her Institute. Mary Ward wanted those who were to serve in her Institute to strive for this state of openness to God that had been revealed to her, a state characterized by sincerity (truthfulness or integrity), justice and freedom.