Hello Mary,

"Snow was falling

so much like stars

filling the dark trees

that one could easily imagine

its reason for being

was nothing more than prettiness."

Mary Oliver

Something more than ordinary...

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."

"Bless this space, this ministry and all who provide sanctuary to the weary and those who've become aware that a deeper and more sane way of living is of the utmost importance.

Thank you all, to those who create the meals, who facilitate, organize, pray for us weary travellers, and all others.

Blessings on you & many thanks!

from the guestbook

Our hearts have truly been warmed by the return of so many guests from years gone by as many ventured out of isolation to come back to Maryholme to be immersed in the beauty of this sacred space and the warmth of those welcoming them ‘holme’. Smiles, laughter and hugs filled the air and were like rays of sunshine this past season, and the blessings of these will carry us through these next weeks and into the new year until we greet our guests again – such joy.

Our retreats were full this year, with retreatants sharing their breakthroughs and many testimonies of going home with more peace, rejuvenation and purpose – with spiritual direction as having been at the centre for many experiences.

And as is often reflected in nature and our surroundings, the facilities and grounds are continually maintained with great care and upkeep, always improving, adding to and beautifying as we go… quilts air drying on the line, additional library shelving planned to hold new sections such as Indigenous & Eldering themes, plus planning and replanting in the woods with new young saplings to replenish the forest. May we always be replanting, renewing and growing both inside and out …

May your winter be filled with warmth, health, beauty and gratitude.



"When the sunset and the twilight

In mingling hues are bent,

I can sit and watch the shadows

With my full heart all content.."

Mary E. Nealey

"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..."

- poem by Brigit Anna McNeill

- art beautifully created by Jessica Boehman

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 plus Fensom Cottage are available for personal retreats. Edgar House is available for group retreats on the weekends and for weekday corporate/ministerial/educational groups. Wifi accessible in all buildings.

Spiritual direction is available upon request.

Email booking@lorettomaryholme.ca

for availability.

We accept and prefer e-transfers. However, if you are mailing in payment via snail mail, please note our new mailing address is: Loretto Maryholme Spirituality Centre, 379A Bouchier Street, Keswick, ON L4P 3C8. Thank you.

"A wonderful, peaceful place with such a warm energy - like being wrapped in a hug! I came to work on my book and was able to focus, connect with myself, and loved how much sunlight streams in during the day. The docks, lake and labyrinth were a soothing and rejuvenating presence in my days as well. I hope to come back and write here again soon! Thank you!"

"This (Spiritual Eldering Guided Retreat) was a rich deepening experience. It provided me with immersion in spirit. A time with like-minded fellow journey walkers. A time of softening and a time to receive. Thank You!"

"Exceeded expectations. Eye-opening!" 

"The retreat exceeded any expectations I had coming to it. Peaceful, and re-invigorating to the soul. I concluded the 3-Day Retreat was more restful than a 1-2 week vacation. I did not have any specific expectations coming into this, but leave with a restful mind and a re-energized spirit. Thank you for sharing this little piece of heaven with the world! I shall definitely return."

"I have visited Loretto Maryholme many times and have attended about a dozen retreats. I have always had an enriching experience regardless of the type of retreat or whatever my personal mindset or circumstances have to be at the time. I really have no words to describe how meaningful this place is to me and what an integral part Loretto Maryholme has been in my life the years I have been coming here. I have met so many wonderful and wise people who have touched me greatly both spiritually and emotionally in such a beautiful and peaceful setting."

"The Silent Retreat was like I stepped in heaven for 3 days. The abundance of beauty and nature is indescribable. My personal healing journey was truly divine. My Metis Indigenous heritage was definitely surrounding me on these sacred grounds. I am so grateful for this experience. Will absolutely be returning. Thank you to all the staff that made this experience fruitful. I am returning to my normal life with a little bit of all of you & the healing grounds with me in my heart. Bless Be."

"I have had an extremely positive experience here. Thank you so much for cultivating such a lovely space and allowing me to be a guest here. It was so lovely to be able to use the time as I needed to, with some gentle guidance. I felt very comfortable and well cared for."

"Amazing as always. Feel very blessed to have the gift of Loretto Maryholme and Sister Jane once or twice a year. It grounds me. God's voice seems louder and clearer here. It is a magical, spiritual wonderful oasis from the crazy of life - my spiritual home and sanctuary."

"The welcome was warm & helped to orient to the agenda & intent. Like a "leaning" into the silence. You sense the care & consideration that has been given to the details so your stay can be a beautiful experience. The accommodations are very clean & organized. The land opens ip to receive you makorning silence an adventure. The food is simple & made with love. Spiritual direction is a supportive & insightful partner for the journey, holding space for your process. I am forever grateful to come to Loretto. It has contributed so significantly to my spiritual journey. Thank you."

Warm winter blessings to you all from the Maryholme team.

Holiday Office Hours:

Office is closed Fri. Dec. 23rd at noon until Tues. January 3rd at 9am