Spiritual Directors at Loretto Maryholme
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Yvonne Prowse
Director of Loretto Maryholme Spirituality Centre, Yvonne made spiritual direction her full-time ministry in 2008. Since then she has accompanied diverse people from across the globe on their spiritual journeys, through retreats, workshops and individual spiritual direction. She has also trained and supervised spiritual directors from nearly every continent as the chair of training programs at Loyola House, Guelph. Yvonne’s ministry of holy listening was manifest earlier when serving people in poverty who longed to share their stories. Even earlier, as a child, she would listen to the Divine in the hush of a winter morning after a fresh snow; in the grace of a red-tailed hawk in flight; in the wind in a tree; in the mystery of the starry night sky. Yvonne holds an M.A. in spirituality and spiritual direction from Fordham University. Studies in indigenous spiritualities with elders from North America and Burkina Faso have also fostered her relationship with the Divine. Nature writing, poetry, many mystics –age-old and contemporary–, sacred scripture, strong ritual, ecological and feminist spiritualities, hiking in mountains, cross-country skiing, walking in forests or along the seashore, are among the sources that continue to nurture her. Yvonne has published articles on spiritual direction and eco-spirituality in North America, England and Germany. Her co-authored book, Nurturing Ecological Conversion: a Group Retreat Based on the Wisdom of Laudato Si, will be published by Novalis and Loyola Press in October 2025. |
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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
- 2025 -
