Montreal (Ontario), October, 22, 2024 – For the past three years, the Jesuits of Canada have undertaken a thoughtful and communal discernment process to address apostolic challenges posed by financial and personnel limitations. To ensure that they can continue their mission in a sustainable way, the Jesuits have decided to no longer own or manage Villa Loyola and the Anishinabe Spiritual Centre. Therefore, they are announcing today their intention to withdraw from their responsibilities within these institutions by July 31, 2025.Â
“This decision has not been made lightly; it reflects our current realities and ongoing commitment to the greater mission of serving the people of northern Ontario. While we must acknowledge our limitations regarding resources and personnel, it does not mean we are retreating from our commitment to the Great Lakes region or the Indigenous peoples we have been privileged to walk alongside,” said Father Jeffrey S. Burwell, SJ, Provincial of the Jesuits of Canada.Â
This period of reflection led the Jesuits of Canada to recognize that, in order to face these challenges and better serve where the need is greatest, they have determined that it is in the best interest of their mission to shift away from owning and administering these two centres, allowing them to focus more fully on core ministries among the parishes of the region.Â
The Jesuits of Canada remain committed to their mission of serving the Indigenous peoples of Manitoulin Island and supporting local parishes. As part of this commitment, they are refocusing their efforts on strengthening ministry on Manitoulin Island while transitioning away from Villa Loyola and the Anishinabe Spiritual Centre.Â
The future of Villa Loyola and the Anishinabe Spiritual CentreÂ
The Jesuits of Canada are deeply committed to ensuring that the mission of Villa Loyola and the Anishinabe Spiritual Centre continues to serve the Church of northern Ontario. The Jesuits are actively seeking potential buyers among their current collaborators within the local, faith-based, and Indigenous communities who share their Catholic and Ignatian values and vision. Their hope is that these institutions will continue to offer spiritual guidance, support, and education for generations to come.Â
Although this difficult decision marks the imminent end of one chapter, it also signals the beginning of a new one, where the communities of Villa Loyola and the Anishinabe Spiritual Centre can play a key role in determining their own future. This transition offers an opportunity for renewed collaboration among local communities, diocesan leadership, and Indigenous groups. By refocusing resources, the Jesuits wish to strengthen their parish ministry in the Manitoulin region.Â
The future of Villa Loyola and the Anishinabe Spiritual Centre is not yet determined. Input from the Jesuits’ current collaborators in the region will be crucial as they look toward the future.  The Jesuits will engage with them in discerning the future of Villa Loyola and the Anishinabe Spiritual Centre. If no acceptable plan is received by January 31, 2025, then both Villa Loyola and Anishinabe Spiritual Centre will be placed upon the open real estate market.Â
Update: This press release was edited on November 6, 2024 to clarify the process of the property sale.Â
Source : Jesuits of CanadaÂ
 Â
For additional information :
José Sánchez
Director of Communications
Jesuits of Canada
cancommunications@jesuites.orgÂ