Learn about faith, justice, and education.

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—a woman whose vision for education, justice, and freedom continues to inspire generations.

For those of us who identify as followers of Mary Ward, this involves more than changing some of our habits or the brands we buy in the supermarket. Stepping out of our comfort zone - based on the charism of Mary Ward, a woman who walked across Europe to serve her Sisters/friends, challenged the ecclesiastical hierarchy of her time, and was imprisoned for it - definitely involves much more.

From a very young age Mary Ward felt a divine calling to do something special in the world. It took her many years to discern exactly what God was calling her to do.  Many outer voices interfered through out her life, but once she perceived and embraced God’s inner call, she remained steadfast and her legacy lives on.

YET, the advent of Christmas invites us to step into a transformative story; One that is ongoing and  calls us to actively participate in reshaping our lives

My name is Eleyna and I am a 15 year old girl activist who wants to make a change in the world! Attending this year’s International Day of the Girl Speak Out at the UN headquarters was a lifetime experience. I came as a representative from Toronto, Canada, for the Loretto Sisters  and the Mary Ward Centre, and as a planning member for the Working Group on Girls.

Ultimately, my participation at the HLPF reaffirmed my commitment to advocacy. It strengthened my resolve to confront gendered expectations and to champion inclusive, compassionate spaces where every voice—especially those of women and girls—can be heard and valued.

I am so grateful to have been able to contribute to our shared report! It is especially meaningful for me to share my skills with the work of the Mary Ward Centre as I discern my own vocation, and a joy to use my “researcher muscles” for the first time since finishing my PhD. My work on this included some consulting on methodology and analysis, background research, and writing/editing.

In collaboration with the Mexican Consulate of Protection in Toronto and CHHA Radio 1610 FM, we will meet consuls from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Ecuador, Dominican Republic and Uruguay, for promoting higher commitment from the consuls to raise awareness and prevent people from becoming victims of human trafficking, and more active protection actions for those who were already victimized by either sex and/or labour trafficking and exploitation. 

With new strategic directions recognizing our capacity for delivery, the Mary Ward Centre now focuses on youth and adults, no longer providing programs for elementary students.  We are currently discerning how to make these resources accessible with a self-facilitation model (e.g. All About the Saints, World of Wonders, etc).

The Mary Ward Centre organized two virtual side events during the HLPF in collaboration with the IBVM-Loreto Generalate NGO to the UN and many other organizations. Recordings of the events are available on The Mary Ward Centre YouTube page.

The Mary Ward Centre invites you to read our new report entitled "Breaking Barriers: The Urgent Need to Accelerate Gender Equality for Young Women and Girls".  Learn about the challenges and opportunities experienced by young women and girls (aged 15 to 24) in Canada in relation to gender equality and access to decent work. 

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