By Rosalind Russell – The Jesuits of Canada have announced plans to give up two properties — the Anishinabe Spiritual Centre on Lake Anderson, located just south of Espanola and Villa Loyola in Sudbury.
According to the news release, the Jesuits are willing to engage with those who may be interested ahead of a decision deadline of January 31st, 2025.
Father Jeffrey S. Burwell says after three years of study, the decision was made for the order to focus its efforts on supporting existing Catholic parishes across the North.
He says the order had to acknowledge their limitations regarding resources and reduced personnel.
Father Burwell adds the order wants to sell the properties by the end of July of next year at the latest.
Villa Loyola was built in 1962 on 12 acres of land on the south shore of Long Lake and includes three conference/seminar rooms, two dining rooms, 27 carpeted bedrooms (single or double), each equipped with a private bathroom, a chapel and a specialized library/consultation room.
The Anishinabe Spiritual Centre, on property off Anderson Lake just south of Espanola, includes cabins, a chapel, a dormitory, a meeting room, a dining room and kitchen, as well as a gift shop.
Screenshot by Rosalind Russell