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Day of Recollection

On Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011 entire student body spent quality time with the Lord in a lovely corner of the world, near a lake surrounded by trees quickly turning out their vibrant fall colours. For this annual Day of Recollection, students set aside schoolwork and other occupations of the busy Academy life, to allow for reflection and prayer. The day began with short addresses from the President and the Dean of Students, followed by Mass, lunch, and then an inspiring talk from the Academy's Chaplain, Fr. Paul Burchat of Madonna House. He asked this important question: "Do we as Christians know how to take care of ourselves spiritually?"

Afterward, Fr. Paul and OLSWA's new Associate Chaplain, the much-loved Fr. Joseph Hattie, OMI, made themselves available for confessions all afternoon while students and staff commenced the "great silence" in which they strolled about the property or knelt before the Blessed Sacrament in quiet reflection. During the afternoon, Dr. Timothy Gray, the respected Biblical scholar from Denver, Colorado, delivered an address to the congregation about the Word of God. His passion for Scripture was plainly visible and his speech gave his listeners lots to think about as they continued the afternoon in silence. Just before supper, everyone reconvened for Vespers and Benediction. The evening was spent enjoying Frisbee, a bonfire and songs, and even some lake-swimming by the more adventurous. The Academy returned home late that night, spiritually, mentally, and physically refreshed.

Oath of Fidelity

On Monday evening, Sept. 19, 2011, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom was happy to have Bishop Michael Mulhall drive down from Pembroke to celebrate Mass once again at St. Hedwig Church. At the start of every school year, the OLSWA faculty publicly pledge fidelity to the teachings of the Church at a Mass celebrated by His Excellency. It is also an occasion for a few pastoral words to the students and staff at the beginning of the school term.

That evening, the Bishop began his homily saying that the commencement of studies in the fall is "a moment of great joy... a moment to gather and rededicate ourselves." The day’s Gospel had taught about putting one's light in a prominent place and not hiding it under a barrel. His Excellency exhorted his sheep to "be a light of joy... a joy that can be shared with others." He also reminded them that it is God who lights the candle—who is the Source. Following the sermon, the faculty members knelt at the foot of the sanctuary, recited together the Nicene Creed, and pledged the Oath of Fidelity to the Magisterium in their work as teachers. The choir then struck up Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, a fitting accompaniment to the joyful occasion. After Mass, the Bishop then joined OLSWA staff and students for and enjoyable dinner to celebrate the new Academic Year.

New Residences Blessed

Several OLSWA carpenters, including second-year student Jamie Hanlon and alumnus Ben Baklinski, spent this past summer building a homey duplex a few blocks from the school to accommodate the growing numbers of students. The attractive residence was designed by Mr. James Hanlon, who also oversaw its construction. The Academy was very grateful to have Bishop Mulhall come and bless the two new men's residences on September 19, 2011. Students and staff, board members and builders, attended as the Bishop made his way through the two houses, blessing each room. The divided building was dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, and the young men living there are happily settled into their new home. As tokens of appreciation for their handiwork, Richard Sauro, Chair of the Board of Directors, presented awards to the construction crew at the OLSWA community dinner that night.

Bishop Mulhall with students and staff in St. Peter's during the blessing ceremony.

St. Peter and St. Paul residences.

One Last Kick at Summer

OLSWA students hit the sand this past Saturday (September 10th) at the annual Pro-Life Beach Volleyball Tournament. Thirteen teams were produced from within OLSWA ranks, staff and students alike; individual teams of four had been practicing all the preceding week between classes and during their spare time, shaping up for game day. Many spectators showed up to cheer on the colourful teams such as The Great Warriors, the Waka Waka, and The Secret Weapons. The games began in the early afternoon and continued under a bright and sunny sky until the final round produced a winning team: the Holy Guacamoles. The sun-bronzed, smiling students stayed long enough for a photo-shoot before heading back from the beach, satisfied with this last chance to soak up some rays before the weather changes. Proceeds collected from participating volleyball teams were given to the Paul Sanders and Janine Lieu Pro-Life Club.

Tournament organizer, Paul Taylor, presents winners Luke, Emily, Elliott and Stephen with their prize--hot apple pie

Return to OLSWA - 2011/2012

Another year and another intake of students have arrived at the Academy. This past weekend, which marks the beginning of OLSWA's twelfth year, was dedicated to welcoming the newcomers and introducing them to the Academy and to Barry's Bay. Activities over the weekend included a beach party, a town scavenger hunt, volleyball, karaoke, and a hike that the students will remember for as long as it will take to recover! Elizabeth Morris, 19, from Edmonton, AB, stated that the weekend's experience gave her a "great community feeling" to start off the semester. Matthew Krol, 23, from Cornwall, ON, (member of the winning team of the annual scavenger hunt) expressed his appreciation of how the orientation weekend gave him "a chance to get to know classmates" outside of the classes which were to begin soon.

Once again, students come from all over Canada and the United States—as far east as the Maritimes, as far west as British Columbia, and as far south as Colorado. This first-year class of thirty-six has, for the first time in Academy history, more men than women, the numbers being a stunning twenty to sixteen. The returning students, however, had more than one surprise when they pulled into the Bay. Over the summer, St. Paul's men's residence had been turned into Blessed Kateri's women's residence, and a brand new men's duplex dormitory had been constructed and dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul.

Another change at the Academy was the coming of the new Dean of Students "team", Jason and Sarah Gould. The couple mingled with the students over this past weekend, participating in activities and getting to know names and faces of the 2011/2012 OLSWA crew. Most of the student body had arrived by Sunday evening, out of breath but excited for classes which were to begin the following day.

First-years form "OLSWA" during orientation activities

OLSWA hikers at Kluke Lookout

Perpetual Profession of Vows

Sister Maria Faustina and Sister Mary AugustineOn the Solemnity of the Assumption, August 15th, two young women, Sister Maria Faustina Collette and Sister Mary Augustine Hardy, took their final profession as Sisters of Our Lady Immaculate, an active Order of female religious, founded in 1977 in Cambridge, Ontario. The mission of the Sisters is focused on evangelization and teaching the faith.

Sisters Maria Faustina and Mary Augustine are two of a number of Sisters sent to complete part of their university education here at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom. Sister Augustine is going on to complete her studies at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, while Sister Faustina is returning for her third year here at OLSWA. As shining and inspiring examples to their fellow students and their teachers, we are honoured and delighted to have had some hand in their formation. Congratulations, Sisters, on this momentous step on your spiritual journey. May you, and all your fellow Sisters, go on to do great things for God and His Church!

Sr. Mary Regina's Solemn Profession

A reflection by Frances Platt ('06), fellow OLSWA alumna and friend of Sr. Mary Regina.

On August 11, 2011, in the Chapel of the Valley of Our Lady Monastery, two joyful young sisters, Sr. Mary Regina Anderson (an Academy Alumni, formerly Mary Beth Anderson) and Sr. Mary Benedicta, professed their final vows. They promised “stability under perpetual enclosure, the conversion of [their lives], and obedience according to the rule of St. Benedict and the Constitutions approved by the Holy See.” With their religious profession these sisters consecrated themselves fully to God, promising to dedicate their lives to quiet prayer. After they signed their vows before the congregation, Sr. Mary Benedicta and Sr. Mary Regina knelt before the other sisters and requested, “Pray for me, Sister.” Each sister responded by joyfully embracing the newly professed, saying, “The Lord be with you.” The love and joy which radiated from the faces of these contemplative sisters drew everyone to a realization of the incredible call to which these women have responded; they have given everything to God.

The Cistercian Monastery of Our Lady of the Valley is situated on a quiet country road in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin. Many people in the area do not even know about the sisters, since they are a cloistered order. Their charism is prayer, and they spend their days praying in the chapel and also praying silently as they work at cleaning, gardening, cooking, baking altar breads, and other daily tasks. Outwardly, it seems a predictable and somewhat mundane life. However, the Benedictine priest who said Mass reminded the sisters that their “Fiat” to God’s will was a yes to a life that is constantly changing. For the only constant of religious life is change, a continual growing closer to God.

We who attended the final vows were blessed to be present at the beautiful Mass with solemn chant and afterwards to hear some of the sisters share their musical talents. One of the greatest gifts for me was to speak with Sr. Mary Regina, and to see the love, joy and peace in her eyes. It was hard to say goodbye since I may never see her again. However, it was so beautiful to see her living out God’s will with joy and to know that she is praying, not only for me, but for the whole Church. As it said on Sr. Mary Regina’s prayer card, “Fiat mihi… So too, we ask God in prayer that His will be done in us.”

OLSWA friends of Sr. Mary Regina ('06) at her Solemn Profession at the Cistercian Monastery of Our Lady of the Valley in Wisconsin: Mr. John Paul Meenan, Frances Platt ('06), Deacon Kenneth Walker, FSSP ('05), Ben O'Brien ('09), Sr. Mary Regina ('06), Theresa Ulmer ('05).

Wojtyla Summer Institute A Success

Institute members discuss theology during a break in the seminars.From August 4-7 Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy (OLSWA) hosted its first annual Wojtyla Summer Institute for Catholic high school teachers. The theme of this inaugural institute was The Theology of the Body (TOB) and how to teach it in schools. Attendees from school boards and communities across Ontario were welcomed to OLSWA and the Madawaska Valley for this weekend conference.

The mission of the Wojtyla Summer Institute is to advance OLSWA’s mission of serving the Church by offering programs focusing on aspects of the Faith and Catholic social teaching which will be available to groups or individuals interested in further developing their understanding of Catholicism.

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