Spiritual Directors at Loretto Maryholme
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Jane McDonell
Founder and past director at Loretto Maryholme Spirituality Centre, Sr. Jane has been accompanying individuals and groups on their spiritual journeys both in Canada and abroad in England, India, and Ireland since 1990. Sr. Jane facilitates retreats, workshops, assemblies, and group activities. Along with her experience of fifty + years as a woman religious, Jane is a graduate of the Shalem Program for Spiritual Directors with additional training at Regis College, Toronto and Loyola House, Guelph. With a background in education, social work, refugee housing, and congregational leadership she brings deep listening and discernment skills to the art of spiritual accompaniment. The interplay of Mary Ward/Ignatian, evolutionary, and feminist spiritualities sustain her. The Enneagram, labyrinth, art, poetry, music, and the outdoors are avenues of exploration and encounter with the Divine. |
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Mary Lou Gormley
Mary Lou has been an active spiritual director since 2008 when she completed her Master of Ministry and Spirituality and the Diploma in Spiritual Direction from Regis College, at the University of Toronto. She is a member of Spiritual Director’s International and has offered this ministry both to individuals as well as groups in several retreat centres, parishes, non-profit organizations and in private practise, additionally Mary Lou is a spiritual direction supervisor for students exploring this call. Mary Lou’s interests and expertise are in the area of Ignatian, Celtic and Indigenous spirituality, the arts and their intersection with the Divine, nature as Holy revelation, body prayer and poetry as prayer. Her personal experience and professional training in the field of grief, loss and transition enhance her capacity to serve our community. She is a married mom of one, a step mother to three and a delighted Nana to seven grandchildren who continually provide her with windows to the Spirit at work. (By zoom only) |
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Dianne Towns
Dianne's journey in contemplative listening began as a child sitting beside a forest creek. Enchanted by the music of songbirds, whispering leaves and dancing waters, her heart encountered the Divine. She is both privileged and humbled to accompany individuals as they share their sacred stories. To the ministry of holy listening Dianne brings a background in education, administration, natural health, and massage therapy. She has trained with The Centre for Spiritual Growth Ottawa, and Loyola House Guelph and finds inspiration in the life and legacy of Mary Ward and Ignatius Loyola. Dianne continues to learn through the offerings and diverse perspectives of Spiritual Directors International. Poetry, music, live theatre, a moment in the company of the tree outside her window, and tea with a friend all bring Joy to her soul. Among the varied faces of her personal graced humanity is the gift of 50 years as a religious woman in the Sisters of St. Joseph. |
"Spiritual Directors... are not the chief agent, guide and mover of souls...
the principal guide is the Holy Spirit..."
St. Ignatius
- 2024 -
