TCDSB Mary Ward Day
- Jaime Gutierrez
- 17 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—a woman whose vision for education, justice, and freedom continues to inspire generations.
This year’s celebration brought together the Angel Foundation for Learning (AFL), TCDSB senior leadership, the Mary Ward Centre, and student leaders from Loretto Abbey, Loretto College, Mary Ward Catholic Secondary School, and St. Mother Teresa Catholic Academy. The day was designed not only to remember Mary Ward’s life, but to invite young people to actively reflect on how her values can shape their own sense of vocation, leadership, and social responsibility today.
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 shared leadership and mutual respect. 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. George Danfulani, Superintendent of Nurturing Our Catholic Community, emphasized the TCDSB's pastoral plan "Growing in knowledge with justice" as a focus for the day's learning to put our faith into action.
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. Through story and historical context, Sr. Evanne traced Mary Ward’s courageous journey in 17th-century England, her commitment to the education of women, and her unwavering trust in God’s call, even in the face of persecution 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 and challenging young people to discern how their gifts can meet the world’s deepest needs.
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, adult leaders, and the Mary Ward Centre staff team, reinforcing a key Mary Ward value: shared mission. 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 Mass, celebrated with deep reverence and active student participation, presided by Fr. Peter Choi, with the presence of fr. Prakash A. Lohale, OP. Music, readings, and prayers were led by students, embodying the spirit of a living, youthful Church.
Mary Ward’s Legacy, Alive Today
More than a commemoration, Celebrating Mary Ward’s Legacy 2026 was an invitation—to courage, to justice, and to joyful freedom. 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, and students who made this celebration vibrant, meaningful, and hope-filled.
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