On Thursday, May 14, dozens of Academy faculty, staff, students, and alumni trekked down to Ottawa to take part in the 9th Annual March for Life activities on Parliament Hill. Proudly flanking the OLSWA banner in their school hoodies, the Academy delegation marched the streets of downtown Ottawa in unison with family and friends, despite coming from their various hometowns and provinces, as students have returned home for the summer.

Academy Students and Alumni on the March with Marc Cardinal Ouellet

“The presence of so many people, the majority being young, makes a hopeful and significant statement about the future of our society, and the pursuit of a true culture of life,” said Cassie Farrell, president of the Paul Sanders and Janine Lieu Pro-Life Club at OLSWA. “As the Academy grows, it is important that it be in touch with the Canadian pro-life movement, since we are all working towards the same end.”

This year’s event, entitled Exodus 2009: A Future without Abortion, marked 40 years since the legalization of abortion in Canada. Despite the dark clouds and pouring rain, a record-breaking 12,000 people took part in the activities. The day began with several prayer services, including filled-to-capacity Masses at Notre Dame Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Basilica. At least 11 bishops were in attendance at the Masses and subsequent activities, including our own Ordinary, Bishop Michael Mulhall, Archbishops Terence Prendergast SJ of Ottawa and Thomas Collins of Toronto, members of our Episcopal Board of Advisors, and Marc Cardinal Ouellet of Quebec City, an Academy friend and supporter. This year’s event once again featured internationally-renowned Christian musician David McDonald, as well as moving testimonies from members of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign.

On Friday, April 17th, 2009, friends and supporters of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy were invited to join together in celebration and thanksgiving at the Fundraising Gala Dinner. The event provided an excellent opportunity for the entire OLSWA community to spend a wonderful evening together in fellowship, while also fundraising for the Academy.

We have much to be thankful for during this most holy season of Easter. Recently, Archbishop J. Michael Miller, C.S.B. (Vancouver) and Archbishop Thomas Collins (Toronto) also graciously accepted the invitation to join Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, S.J. (Ottawa) and Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Pearse Lacey (also of Toronto) as members of OLSWA's Episcopal Advisory Board. Our own Bishop Michael Mulhall (Pembroke) has been instrumental in helping us secure the support of three archbishops. What an honour to have these five modern apostles standing alongside of us to offer their advice and support.  

Archbishop Thomas Collins (Toronto)

Archbishop J. Michael Miller (Vancouver)

Archbishop Miller writes, "Institutions which combine the thrill of liberal learning  with a passion for the fullness of truth are a blessing to the world of higher education and to the Church. Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy deserves praise and support for its courageous initiative in shaping the mind and forming the heart in service of the Truth. Bravo to Barry's Bay!"

Archbishop Prendergast prays for Dr. Warner at his 2008 Inauguration

Archbishop Terrence Prendergast (Ottawa)

 May we be worthy of these words and of these men. Let us give thanks!

Announcing a New Academic Dean: Dr. Keith Cassidy

After more than a year of seeking God’s will for the next Academic Dean, the Holy Spirit has answered our prayers in a marvellous way. I am pleased to announce that upon the unanimous recommendations of the Academic Dean Search Committee, the Executive Committee of the Academic Senate, and the Board of Directors, I offered the deanship to Dr. Keith Cassidy on April 7th, and he humbly and enthusiastically accepted. Dr. Cassidy is retiring as a professor and seasoned faculty leader after 40 years of service—the last 35 years at the University of Guelph. He was the 2007 OLSWA graduation speaker and an external member of the Academy’s Academic Senate. His support of our mission springs from his passionate and effective leadership for decades in promoting the Culture of Life through his own discipline of History and in countless other ways. He was with us for this spring’s 2009 Graduation Ceremony, and he will begin working full-time by July 1st.

Dr. Cassidy Addresses the 2009 Graduation Reception

"I am very happy to accept the position of Academic Dean at OLSWA and am deeply appreciative of the trust which has been placed in me. I will try to the best of my abilities to live up to that trust and continue the development of this remarkable institution. In doing so I am very aware of the work of those who preceded me in the office – Prof. Scott Nicholson and Dr. Christine Schintgen – and recognize the high standard which they have set."

February 2009

“Love...is an ever fixed mark that looks on tempests and is never shaken...” (Sonnet 116)

Shakespeare’s romance The Tempest portrayed a fantastical island where justice and forgiveness played out amidst the workings of magic, betrayal, and love. The beginning of the play found the sorcerer Prospero (Alex McCune), the rightful Duke of Milan, marooned with his daughter Miranda (Theresa Wilson) after being set adrift twelve years earlier by the duke’s ambitious brother. Shortly afterwards Prospero’s enemies were scattered on the island during a furious gale raised by the magician. Prospero’s spirit-servant Ariel (Sally Beresford) gracefully flitted about the stage, luring characters into her master’s plan. His other servant, the hideous monster Caliban (Jonathan Quist), burst into the scenes with furious rage. Justice and forgiveness triumphed in the end when Prospero’s enemies fell in his power, and the magician finally relinquished his arts.