Art on the Park

Between April 25 and 28, 2012, Sisters Virginia Varley and Betty Lou Knox and Loral Dean exhibited their latest works at Regis College, today a Jesuit graduate faculty of theology at the University of Toronto. Paintings were beautifully displayed in this historic building previously owned by the family of William Christie, of cookie fame. In 1926, the Sisters of St. Joseph acquired the property and it became St. Joseph's College.

Vatican II... The role of women religious

In this article, Sister Ellen Leonard shares her experiences and perspective of Vatican II.

Fifty years ago, on Oct. 11, 1962, Pope John XXIII formally opened the second Vatican Council. Catholics who experienced Vatican II were profoundly moved by changes to their understanding of church and its mission in the world. The Council was for them a formative experience, one that is difficult to communicate to younger Catholics. All Catholics were invited by their bishops to receive the teachings of the Council, and women religious received the teachings with enthusiasm.

Sister Betty Lou’s Farewell to Creative Works Studio

On Dec. 1, 2011, at the annual CWS Art Exhibit, Sr. Betty Lou Knox bade goodbye to Creative Works Studio after 13 years in ministry there. When asked what her role was, Sr. Betty Lou did not hesitate, "I was there to support the dream."

Art on the Park

Between May 5 − 8, over 250 people viewed the creations of seven artists who have been painting together for the last eight years, a group that includes Sisters Virginia Varley and Betty Lou Knox.

Sister Virginia explained the benefits of working together this way, "The advantage of painting together is that we are guaranteed a day of painting a week and during the sessions we pick up the energy of the others who are painting. We have a sense of an art community and fondly see ourselves as The Toronto Group of Seven."

Sr. Ellen Leonard Co-edits a Book for Joanne McWilliam

"Joanne McWilliam taught me at St. Michael's in my doctoral studies. As a woman in theology and religious studies she mentored many graduate students. I am grateful for her inspiration and friendship over many years," said Sister Ellen of her relationship with Joanne. Sister Ellen co-edited the book From Logos to Christos: Essays on Christology in Honour of Joanne McWilliam with Kate Merriman. "The editing was a work of love," she said.