We’re Better Together!
A celebration of Mary Jo and Community. 80 years young!
Saturday, January 31st – Hybrid Event
Party Theme
In true Mary Jo style, this party is not about her. It’s about all of us and who we are and can be together. The theme is: “We’re Better Together”, inspired by the current Canadian Council for Refugees campaign to build back support for an inclusive Canada.
Program
2pm
Reception: Light refreshments, opportunity to visit and view photo displays and slideshow
3pm
Welcome from: Her Worship Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto
Key address on the theme:
The Honourable Bob Rae, former Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations, former Premier of Ontario
Expression of thanks: The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, former Governor General of Canada
Brief tributes to Mary Jo and Communities:
Family: Jennifer Leddy
Graduate school: Mary Ann Hinsdale, IHM
Friend: Odile Gaudet
Regis College, University of Toronto: Kathleen McAlpin, RSM
Catholic New Times: Stephen Scharper and Lauretta Santarossa
Romero House: Jack Costello, S.J.; Hidat Mosa; Entisar Yusuf
PEN Writers in Exile: Fred Alvarado (video)
Presentation of scrolls
Alexa Gilmour, MPP for Parkdale-High Park from the Legislature of Ontario
Karim Bardeesy, MP for Taiaiako’n-Parkdale-High Park from the House of Commons
Reflection by Mary Jo
followed by birthday cake and socializing
5pm – Live Music by AMORE to close
In-Person: St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Toronto (151 Glenlake Avenue), 2-5 pm EST
Online: Via Zoom meeting 3pm EST
Leave Mary Jo a message!
Please also add a message/photos/video to the Padlet (online card). We would love to have photos to share from the many communities Mary Jo has been a part of over the years. We welcome your sharing of these on the Padlet, or you can send them to Paula Ocampo at paula@romerohouse.org.
Note: This event will take place in lieu of the Annual Howcroft Lecture. We’ll see you again in 2027 for the Lecture!