On January 31st, 2026 more than 200 friends, community members, staff, residents, and supporters gathered in person and online to celebrate the 80th birthday of one of the founders of Romero House, Mary Jo Leddy. The function was a beautiful tribute to a life shaped by radical welcome, deep faith, and an unwavering commitment to those seeking safety and belonging. Through stories, laughter, and shared memories, we honoured Mary Jo’s life and the many communities that have grown around Romero House over the past 35 years.
One of the most moving moments of the celebration was a speech by Father Jack Costello, S.J., longtime friend and co-founder of Romero House. His words remind us that Romero House was never just a place — it was, and continues to be, a living expression of Mary Jo’s simple and powerful promise: “Yes, you are welcome here.”
We are honoured to share his speech with you below. (You can also watch the celebration on our YouTube channel.)
“ Romero House—and the refugees who were welcomed and made it their home
Dear Mary Jo—HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
You have been—and are now—the ‘mother’ of so many who have come to you and to Romero House over the years!
You always said—and you still say:– “Yes, you are welcome here!”
You have never said ‘NO’ to a knock at the door. We know that in you!
And we all love you for it!
You received everyone who came… hoping… asking… fearful… EVERYONE!
You listened… you laughed –(your great laugh!)–.
You gave strength and calm.
And you loved across endless days and nights
of painful waiting alongside many mothers–and families–with little ones.
You made so many feel (even through their tears and loss) that you were there…
You were there…
to strengthen…to console… and to just accompany….
for weeks… and months, and even years—when, it seemed, nothing more could be done…
Waiting.. along with our cherished lawyers, and also the very difficult ones—
for Immigration Canada to ‘decide.’
With joy I now recall your generous team of helpers…and the residents
…of those earliest years.
Lorne Howcroft.—our Board Chair who did everything well with Mary Jo,
—and did it—from finances to fixing toilets, with love and laughter,
Winkie Simpson, our faithful, funny, and so competent, no-nonsense nurse —who laughed and
worked alongside Lorne and Mary Jo—with the same lightness and joy—sometimes chagrin!
Then the rest of us…including the annual or bi-annual crop of young interns.
And so big in our lives, the dear, new arrivals—often just mothers—
who became not only receivers at Romero House but givers—
through Mary Jo’s quiet example and endless strong support—each day
–and often during the nights– of anxious waiting:
“They are not just residents, they are our community,” she insisted.
Ghidei Mahmoud—with her five–Semir, Amir, Ibtisam, Entisar and Juwaher;
Zeinab Warah, with her three: Hashi, Samia and Yusuf—
along with Mulu, Mama Miriam, suffering George who required 3 towels at his nightly bathtime!
—and so many more—over the years.
They were—and are—‘us’, Mary Jo insisted. They belong! And they honour us…
It was love, true generosity, and solid spirit that carried this off so abundantly and so well.
When the Colombians arrived from the border we met wonderful new friends—including Sara and Jhon and their children; Marcel and Patricia (both doctors) and their children; and other companions driven by huge pressures to seek a new life—and safety.
And just a short word about now… This ‘thanks’ is exclusively directed to, and about Mary Jo–and the early years of Romero House.
Now– some 35 years after Ghidei and her five first knocked at the Keele Street door that evening– Francesca Allodi-Ross, serves as Director, along with new workers and new refugees, of course– with Mary Jo– now known as ‘Founder’–still mothering and serving. And laughing!
Indeed, the beat goes on.
To end:
Thanks now…to the wonderful staff whose generous, silent, and endless work has ‘kept us all out of jail!’ And special thanks to our Board members–led by Michael McMorrow.
Warm thanks and with warmest wishes, Mary Jo, from all of us who accompanied you and Romero House over the years,
Jack