April 14, 2014 – On April 9, the Province hosted its 8th Annual Jesuit Provincial’s Dinner, in Toronto.
The evening honoured the Knights of Columbus, Ontario, with the Magis Award for their outstanding work in communities across Ontario. The Knights have been great supporters of the Jesuits, especially at Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland, Manresa Jesuit Spiritual Renewal Centre and the Jesuit Infirmary in Pickering, as well as other apostolates across Ontario. Knights of Columbus members and co-chairs for the evening, Russell Cadeau and Robert Sykes graciously received the Magis on behalf of all the Knights.
The Jesuit Golden Jubilarians; men celebrating 50 years in the Society of Jesus: Fr. Len Altilia, SJ, Fr. Michael Czerny, SJ, Br. Paul Desmarais, SJ, Fr. John Govan, SJ, and Fr. John Perry, SJ,were also honoured for their service to the Church. Fr. Len Altilia, SJ, whose extensive work has included a number of years in education and vocation work, and who now serves as President of St. Paul’s High School in Winnipeg was present; as well as Fr. John Govan, SJ, who is well-known for his expertise in St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises and who serves as a Master Retreat Director at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre in Guelph. The remaining honourees are overseas and were unable to attend: Fr. Michael Czerny, SJ, who serves as Personal Secretary to the President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace; Br. Paul Desmarais, SJ, who serves as Director of the Kasisi Agricultural School in Zambia; and Fr. John Perry, SJ, who is in northwest Africa teaching at the Kofi A. Annan Institute for Conflict Transformation.
The Most Rev. Archbishop Terrence T. Prendergast, SJ, Archbishop of Ottawa and the Most Rev. Bishop Wayne J. Kirkpatrick, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Toronto, also added to the joyous celebration.
The evening began with a Mass at The Church of the Good Shepherd and was followed by the reception and dinner. At the dinner guests were able to enjoy a photo montage of the Knights and Jesuits being honoured. Proceeds from the annual dinner go towards funding scholarships for young Jesuits in formation.
For more, please read The Catholic Register piece by Michael Swan, "God’s grace behind 50 years of Jesuit service."
