Let’s Celebrate the 175th Anniversary of  the Loretto Sisters (IBVM) 

On January 23, 2023, The Angel Foundation for Learning will celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM) in Canada, which is also the birth date of Mary Ward, the founder of the Loretto Sisters.

Arriving in Toronto in 1847, the Loretto Sisters have a long tradition of educational leadership and support. They founded and led a number of Toronto Catholic elementary schools including St Paul, St Patrick, St Mary and St. Alphonsus, as well as Loretto College School and Loretto Abbey. Both high schools continue to enjoy a close relationship with members of the Order. Bearing the name of its founder, Mary Ward Catholic Secondary School naturally has close ties with the IBVM. 

Did you know that Saint Mother Teresa was also a Loretto Sister? As an 18-year old, she joined the Order at Loretto Abbey in Rathfarnham, Ireland. The TCDSB’s own St. Mother Teresa Catholic Academy proudly carries on her spirit of charitable works in the Scarborough Community. 

Many of the Sisters served as teachers, and principals in TCDSB schools including Holy Family, Our Lady of Lourdes, St Anthony, St Basil, St Cecilia, St Helen, St James and St Martin. 

The Loretto Sisters also have a enduring legacy providing food, clothing, shelter and hope to newcomers. AFL is proud of its partnership with Sister Evanne Hunter and the IBVM to ensure that the Loretto Fund remains viable and is able to help the many students and their families arriving in TCDSB schools from around the world fleeing war, famine, poverty, or persecution. 

Thanks to the generosity of the Sisters, and with the support of those who give to the AFL throughout the year, the Loretto Fund has provided much needed assistance to hundreds of students arriving from Ukraine and other countries over the past year.