On
Pentecost weekend 2006, 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 constant rain on Saturday
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 mission today. On the Saturday morning, Fr. Paul
McAuley gave a presentation on the Spiritans. This was followed by a
personal sharing by Mr. Robert Di Nardo, one of our current Spiritan
seminarians studying in Ottawa. Robert also braved the rain to
provide the group with a wonderful BBQ lunch. 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 young 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 lively discussion of important issues facing our
Church today. 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 St. Joseph's Catholic Church in West Hill for the
annual Spiritan Pentecost Mass.
The day and the weekend drew to a close in the Church hall where all
gathered after the Mass for social time.
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.
