On Pentecost
weekend 2005, several men and women retreated from the hustle and
bustle of Toronto and gathered at Maryholme, the Sisters of Loretto
retreat center, on the shores of beautiful Lake Simcoe for the
purpose of vocational discernment. The cooler than usual temperatures
and the periodic rain did not dampen the spirits nor the Spirit of
the retreat. 
The retreatants were joined over the three days by several Spiritan
priests, Lay Spiritans and VICS volunteers who shared stories of
their journey within the Spiritan family. The Spiritans believe that
vocation is not limited to priesthood. Our Spiritan family includes
priests, Brothers, lay men and women, married and single, who in
various ways have made a commitment to the Spiritans.
Fr. Mike Doyle welcomed the group on the Friday evening and presented
an overview of the Church today at the beginning of the new
millennium. On the Saturday morning, Fr. Paul McAuley gave a
presentation on calling and mission today. This was followed by a
personal sharing by Mr. Robert Di Nardo, one of our current Spiritan
aspirants. Later in the day, John and Katie Flaherty told the story
of their vocational journey that began as VICS volunteers in the
Caribbean and has led them presently to commit to the Lay Spiritans.
Fr. Obinna Ifeanyi shared his Spiritan story from the point of view
of a newly ordained Nigerian priest thrust into this strange country,
Canada. Apart from the stories and sharings, the weekend was
punctuated by laughter, informal sharings, wonderful meals and
fellowship, and periods of prayer and quiet reflection.
Sunday morning saw a wonderful presentation by Ms. Kathy Murtha who
recalled the life changing experience of teaching in the highlands of
Papua New Guinea. After lunch, the group packed up and departed from
Maryholme but the retreat was not over for they all drove to Toronto
and reassembled at Our Lady of Good Counsel Caribbean Catholic Church
and Centre for the annual Spiritan Pentecost Mass. A lively choir and
an enthusiastic congregation created a true spirit of Pentecost joy
during this Mass presided over by Fr. Michal Jurkowski, a newly
ordained Spiritan priest from Poland. In the homily, Fr. Obinna
Ifeanyi spoke of the Christian vocation to create a "Pentecost
of love."
The day and the weekend drew to a close in the Church hall where all
gathered after the Mass for a taste of Caribbean hospitality.
Welcome
to the site of the TransCanada Province of the Spiritans. We are a
Roman Catholic Religious Congregation of over three thousand members,
founded in 1703. Our missions are spread worldwide. While we may be
found involved in many diverse ministries, we have dedicated
ourselves to working with the poor and in those situations where the
Church has difficulty in finding ministers. We hope you enjoy your
visit to our site and that while browsing you will keep us in your
prayers. May God bless you.
