about us
Loretto Maryholme is a spirituality centre owned and administered by the Loretto Sisters of The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM). It is a ministry of the Canadian Loretto Sisters with a special focus on the areas of justice, education, and spirituality.
Located on a hilltop overlooking Lake Simcoe near the town of Keswick, Ontario, this historic family estate of a 1870s house and three smaller buildings offers a place to rest and renew oneself. As you travel down the lane of tall pines and spirea to the spectacular lake view and surrounding property you can feel yourself relaxing into God's peace and beauty -into sacred space.
Our mission is to encourage individuals and groups to explore and restore the energies needed for their personal and communal transformation.
We offer programs and our facilities for
Individuals and groups are welcome to attend the Centre's programs offered throughout the year. As well, the Centre and its grounds may be booked by groups who wish to run their own events and programs.
The facilities are best suited to those who desire a peaceful atmosphere in a beautiful setting. Individuals, couples, women's and men's groups, church and school staffs, justice and social service agencies, planning and development groups, yoga and bodywork programs, artists and writers, and other similar individuals and organizations appreciate this sacred space.
Why not take the opportunity to "come away and find rest for your soul"? Whether you come for a short or extended stay give yourself time in this sacred space to gain some perspective. Return to home and workplace feeling rested and strengthened.
Located on a hilltop overlooking Lake Simcoe near the town of Keswick, Ontario, this historic family estate of a 1870s house and three smaller buildings offers a place to rest and renew oneself. As you travel down the lane of tall pines and spirea to the spectacular lake view and surrounding property you can feel yourself relaxing into God's peace and beauty -into sacred space.
Our mission is to encourage individuals and groups to explore and restore the energies needed for their personal and communal transformation.
We offer programs and our facilities for
| • community building activities | • ecological awareness education |
| • days of reflection and solitude | • faith and spiritual development |
| • directed/guided/private retreats |
Individuals and groups are welcome to attend the Centre's programs offered throughout the year. As well, the Centre and its grounds may be booked by groups who wish to run their own events and programs.
The facilities are best suited to those who desire a peaceful atmosphere in a beautiful setting. Individuals, couples, women's and men's groups, church and school staffs, justice and social service agencies, planning and development groups, yoga and bodywork programs, artists and writers, and other similar individuals and organizations appreciate this sacred space.
Why not take the opportunity to "come away and find rest for your soul"? Whether you come for a short or extended stay give yourself time in this sacred space to gain some perspective. Return to home and workplace feeling rested and strengthened.
Our Heritage
Loretto Maryholme and Roches Point have a unique history.After the War of 1812, York (Toronto) was considered vulnerable to further attack. New lands were sought and because Roches Point, then called Keswick, "was deemed to be a safe haven" it was proposed as the capital designate for Upper Canada. (See historical sign at the gate.)
In 1874 Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Premier of Canada, leased land to Sir James Edgar, MP for Ontario West Riding, and his wife Lady Matilda Edgar. They transferred their house in Lefroy to the new estate but after some time moved it across the road. After a second house burnt to the ground they built the present structure. In 1885 they added a second storey and the home was named, "The Pines".
In 1889 Sir James died but the home remained in the family until the death of Lady Matilda in 1910. (You can find photos and more information in a wonderful book called, My Dearest Wife, The Private and Public Lives of James David Edgar and Matilda Ridout Edgar by Maude J. McLean and Robert M Stamp.)
In 1912 "The Pines" was sold to the George H. Fensom family of Otis-Fensom Elevator Company fame. They added the "back suite" bedrooms to the main house. Later they built the adjacent servants' lodge, the log cabin, and the small cabin/sheds.
In 1946 the Loretto Sisters bought the property with most of the contents as a holiday retreat house and re-named it "Maryholme".
In September 2001 Loretto Maryholme opened as a Spirituality Centre where "individuals and groups could explore and restore the energies needed for their personal and communal transformation".
On July 16, 2006 we marked the 60th anniversary of our property ownership. We planted a ginkgo tree which can live to a thousand years.
The Sisters and their associates continue to enjoy "Maryholme" as well as 2000+ people who come each year for the Centre's programs and/or to book the facilities. All leave refreshed and renewed.
To honour the history of this sacred space the buildings have been re-named. Main building - Edgar House; servants' lodge – Fensom Cottage; log cabin – Blackbird Cabin (2 local First Nations men built it in 1928); green cabin – McMahon Cabin (Sr. Constance McMahon IBVM purchased the property with an inheritance.)