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Walking Home from Oak-Head
There is something about the snow-laden sky in winter in the late afternoon
that brings to the heart elation and the lovely meaninglessness of time.
Whenever I get home — whenever — somebody loves me there.
Meanwhile I stand in the same dark peace as any pine tree,
or wander on slowly like the still unhurried wind,
waiting, as for a gift, for the snow to begin which it does
at first casually, then, irrepressibly.
Wherever else I live — in music, in words, in the fires of the heart,
I abide just as deeply in this nameless, indivisible place,
this world, which is falling apart now, which is white and wild,
which is faithful beyond all our expressions of faith, our deepest prayers.
Don’t worry, sooner or later I’ll be home.
Red-cheeked from the roused wind,
I’ll stand in the doorway stamping my boots and slapping my hands,
my shoulders covered with stars.
Mary Oliver
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Join us for 2025's Winter Solstice!
| | News from the Loretto Sisters | | |
Becoming ONE
The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM) in Canada (also known as Loretto Sisters) has entered a new chapter in our shared story of faith and mission. From November 4, 2025 onward, they will be known as the Congregation of Jesus — fulfilling the vision of their foundress, Mary Ward, in unity of hearts and minds.
As Mary Ward women, the Loretto Sisters joyfully embrace this step of becoming one with our sisters around the world, deepening our commitment to works of education, promotion of justice and peace, ministries of spirituality and pastoral care.
When the two congregations of apostolic women religious, the Congregatio Jesu and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM-Loretto), became ONE, they merged Congregatio Jesu finally fulfilling Mary Ward's dream of a united congregation of active apostolic religious women, under one leader, with the same constitutions as the Society of Jesus.
Numbering about 1800 members across 40 countries, they continue the legacy and charism of their foundress, the Venerable Mary Ward, through their commitment to works of education, promotion of justice and peace, ministries of spirituality and pastoral care.
Congratulations to all!
For more on this story visit www.congregatiojesu.org
| | Our mission as a spirituality centre continues to be "To encourage individuals and groups to explore and restore the energies needed for personal, communal, and world transformation." | | |
We are welcoming 2026 registrations for our Silent & Themed Retreats; reservations for private retreats on your own timing in Dease, Blackbird, or McMahon cabin; and group bookings for Fensom Cottage and Edgar House as well as the cabins.
The gratitude expressed by our guests for the many opportunities to restore, rest and go back into their busy lives refreshed is unending: spending time in these sacred spaces of beauty, stillness on the grounds, snoozing on the swing in the wrap-around porch, a sense of safety that opens into serenity and awe, sitting with a trusted spiritual director for holy listening…
We hold this space to provide a safe wondrous oasis in which many can take some time to catch a breath and nurture mind, body & spirit as they resume their journeys feeling - truly blessed.
Click here to see which kind of retreat is perfect for you!
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'Something more than ordinary'
...has happened over these past 25 years (time to celebrate!) and we have laid the foundation for it to be so in the many years ahead. Holding this gentle, cozy and restorative space for you is our joy and our ministry to you.
Thank you for being part of the journey!
Click HERE if you would like to support this ongoing ministry.
Please consider gifting the cost of attending a retreat or an overnight cabin stay to a loved one or a friend. If you don't have someone in mind, you may want to consider donating towards our 'Namaste Bursary' which makes it possible for someone to come to Maryholme who otherwise would not have the financial means to make it happen.
Bless you.
"As my first experience at a silent retreat, this was the right choice... everything included, beautiful and serene. The food was amazing, plentiful, and very healthy. My spiritual direction session was really fascinating. I loved that it was open to other aspects of cultures, religions, and faiths. I felt heard, and given some guidance on certain ways of approaching why I was here. Thank you, I really needed this."
Guest, October 2025
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We deeply appreciate your donations toward furthering the ministry of Loretto Maryholme in this sacred space.
Thank you.
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"The beauty of a snowflake falling softly on the land, Is the mystery and the miracle of God's great, creative hand."
Helen Steiner Rice
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Exciting News!
In 1946 the Canadian Loretto Sisters bought our location, with most of the contents, as a place for the sisters to rest and renew, and re-named it "Maryholme".
The original green cabin beyond beside the gardener's shed, beyond the barn (now Dease cabin) was named after Sr. Constance McMahon IBVM who used an inheritance to provide the funds purchase this land and buildings.
McMahon has always been a favoured destination for summer stays, especially with its wrap-around deck and cheery, sunny interior. We are so pleased to announce that McMahon is being "winterized" so that it can be enjoyed year-round, and new features are being added: a newly vaulted ceiling, large ensuite bathroom now combining washroom & shower area, and kitchenette re-arranged for greater ease and function. This gem will be ready by February 2026 - be the first to book the refreshed space for a retreat!
To launch the re-open, we will introduce longer-stay specials ranging from a week to a month. Stay tuned to our website & social media to see which package might suit your planned 2026 time away...
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"The inspiration you seek is already within you. Be silent and listen."
Rumi
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"...The morning is crisp and clear as untrammelled fingers in praise.
To be here is to be affected, made more. Filled.
The creative energy of the universe. Drink it in, my friends..."
Richard Wagamese
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Come spend time in this sacred space. Rest, reflect and re-focus in an atmosphere of beauty, peace and solitude on the beautiful shores of Lake Simcoe.
Dease and Blackbird Cabins are available for personal retreats throughout the winter season, with McMahon Cabin becoming available for winter stays as of February 2026! Spiritual direction is available upon request. Self-catered meals.
Edgar House and Fensom Cottage are available for group overnight retreats and day use through throughout the week. Consider time away on weekdays for professional development, ministry planning, or healing time. Self-catered meals.
Writers, artists & creatives welcome!
Wifi accessible in all buildings.
Spiritual direction is available upon request.
Email booking@lorettomaryholme.ca
for availability.
We accept and prefer e-transfers. If mailing in a cheque payment, please note our new mailing address: Loretto Maryholme Spirituality Centre, 379A Bouchier Street, Keswick, ON L4P 3C8
We look forward to seeing you!
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"It was beyond my expectations. I felt incredibly replenished and healed in many ways. The space, food, atmosphere and energy are so peaceful, healing and comforting."
"Thank you for another life-affirming experience."
"It was rewarding to give this to myself. The experience was like being held in a warm embrace, really. I don't know these people and have been here once and yet it's safe and like coming home. This was a safe and kind way to spend time reconnecting with myself and Creator. Thank you."
"This was my first experience here at Maryholme. I absolutely loved the property, program and people. I will be recommending this retreat centre to friends and family and business owners. You will see me again."
This was my first visit to LMH. I found it to be so welcoming, clean ~ felt like home! I look forward to returning. Michele's food was delightful, delicious and presentation was beautiful. Vivian led/facilitated with such grace & knowledge. The yoga was yummy, the instructions so clear! The resources referenced were terrific. Yvonne was so present and supportive in a compassionate approach. Many thanks."
"I could relax into a trust that there was nothing required of me...I felt held here - and I usually do the holding.Thank you."
"Having been to this magical place before...it met & surpassed my previous experiences here. I appreciate the little updates from a couple of years ago. Fresh towels, the welcoming space, the group welcome, the thoughtful placing of comforts are so special. I came with spiritual intention & Dianne sat with me & we had a nourishing helpful conversation. And the food - well. I kept wanting to hug Michele after each meal. Eye catching, delicious, a work of art!"
"I feel I belong in his place. I can just 'be'. I cherish nature and feel enveloped in it here. Sharing it with the others - but in silence - is also important and has surprised me. It was a special gift to be able to talk with a spiritual director both last year & again this year. I had no idea how helpful it would be."
"A brief restful time to reset and be in my spiritual journey."
"Wonderful as always. Space is completely welcoming, charming & beautiful."
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Happy Solstice
The winter solstice time is no longer celebrated as it once was, with the understanding that this is a period of descent and rest, of going within our homes, within ourselves and taking in all
that we have been through, all that has passed in this full year which is coming to a close... like nature and the animal kingdom around us, this time of hibernation is so necessary for our tired limbs, our burdened minds.
Our modern culture teaches avoidance at a max at this time; alcohol, lights, shopping, overworking, over spending, comfort food and consumerism. And yet the natural tug to go inwards as nearly all creatures are doing is strong and the weather so bitter that people are left feeling that winter is hard, because for those of us without burning fires and big festive families, it can be lonely and isolating.
Whereas in actual fact winter is kind, she points us in her quiet
soft way towards our inner self, towards this annual time of peace and reflection, embracing the darkness and forgiving, accepting and loving embracing goodbye the past year.
"Winter takes away the distractions, the buzz, and presents us with the perfect time to rest and withdraw into a womb like love, bringing fire & light to our hearth”.
... and then, just around the corner the new year will begin again, and like a seed planted deep in the earth, we will all rise
with renewed energy once again to dance in the sunlight.
Life is a gift - Happy winter to you all...
Reflection by Brigit Anna McNeill
Art beautifully created by Jessica Boehman
| | Remember: Be a part of Maryholme's Solstice celebration on Saturday, December 20. See details above. | | |
Find your centre at our Centre.
Come and see ...
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