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Welcome to Our Lady Seat of Wisdom

OLSWA is a unique approach to the study of the liberal arts at the post-secondary level. In support of the Church's renewal in education we form young minds and hearts to play a role in the revitalization of authentic culture.

Student Spotlight: Michael

Michael Paul Hayden
Butte, Montana, USA
"The Academy has influenced my life in so many ways. Living in a community of strong Catholic men and women who love, live, and abide by their faith has fostered in me a deep sense of gratitude..."

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FRIENDS OF OLSWA NEW!
There is now a new and exciting way for American donors to support Catholic Higher Education! Click here for more information.

A donation to Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy allows this unique institution a chance to bring a liberal arts education in the fullness of the Catholic expression to students.

To donate through PayPal, please use the donation feature along the right of this page to easily make a one-time or monthly donation. Each donation will be issued a tax receipt.

OLSWA is registered with Canada Helps, a public charitable foundation that allows donors to give to their favorite charities through a process that is secure and easy.

Click on the image below to donate through Canada Helps.

For more information on Canada Helps, visit their website at www.canadahelps.org.

Please contact the Development Office if you have any questions. We can be reached by phone at 877-369-6520, or by email. Detailed information about possible ways you can contribute and become part of our family is available in the Contribute Overview section.

Twelve OLSWA Alumni Graduate from Redeemer University College

On May 23rd 2009, twelve alumni of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy graduated from Redeemer University College, the third year that a group of Academy alumni have received their degrees with a Bachelor of Arts from Redeemer. The warm, sun-filled day in Ancaster Ontario was a fitting complement to the accomplishments of these students. The graduates, OLSWA President Dr. Warner, and Redeemer’s faculty attended a luncheon in honour of the occasion, after which a splendid graduation ceremony took place in Redeemer’s auditorium, the culmination of the students’ efforts. Over 220 Redeemer students gratefully received their hard-earned diplomas from Redeemer’s president Dr. Justin Cooper, among whom were the Academy alumni, Carol Reaume (B.A. Honors), Stephen Vajdik (B.A. Honors), Anthony Burchat (B.A.), Patrick Craine (B.A.), Michael Fisk (B.A.), Alissa Golob (B.A.), Heather MacIntyre (B.A.), Rebecca Mombourquette (B.A.), Maria Nolan (B.A.), Mary Sawchuk (B.A.), Joseph Platt (B.A., B.Ed.) and Angela Reilander (B.Ed.). Our students did very well academically (as they usually do at Redeemer and the other universities they attend), many of them graduating ‘with distinction’. The professors and students at Redeemer are very impressed by the ‘Catholic contingent’ on campus, and the academic and personal relationship between OLSWA and Redeemer continues to flourish; this is real ecumenism in action.

OLSWA grads pose with Dr. Warner, Mr. Meenan, and Dr. Cooper and Dr. Ellens, President and Vice-President of Redeemer University College

On behalf of the 2009 graduates, we would like to extend our prayers and thanks to all of OLSWA’s faculty and supporters. We also thank our parents who have helped us in numerous ways to get us where we are today. Finally, a special thanks is due to our Heavenly Mother, the Seat of Wisdom, who has continually kept us safe, faithful and guides us perpetually towards her Son.

All the best in the years to come to our new graduates!

OLSWA Participates at March For Life

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

Standing faithful to the motto “Veritas Vos Liberabit” (The Truth Will Set You Free), the Academy has staunchly defended life issues, imbuing her students with a sense of responsibility in fighting the culture war for the cause of truth. As such, the March for Life has become a regular, yet informal Academy reunion over the years.

“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.

Ninth Annual OLSWA Graduation 2008-2009

The OLSWA Student Body of the 2008-2009 Academic Year

The Ninth Annual Academy Graduation was celebrated with great joy and solemn splendour. About 400 people filled Saint Hedwig’s Parish as the graduates, faculty, academic senators, priests, and deacons processed into the church accompanied by the music of the Academy Choir and the local children’s Sparrows Choir.

Fr. David May offering the 2009 Graduation Mass

The principal celebrant and homilist of the Graduation Mass was Fr. David May, Director General of Priests for the Madonna House Apostolate. Located in Combermere, Ontario, Madonna House is a lay community of consecrated men, women, and priests, who are devoted to caring for the physically and spiritually needy through their love and service. Fr. May preached on the life of St. Athanasius, emphasizing the importance of fidelity to Church teaching in an age which rejects Christ and the gospel of life. Our faith is no mere intellectual discussion, he emphasized, but a matter of life and death. He also spoke about Saint Anthony and the importance of The Desert, not as a physical getaway, but as a time of silence in which people can encounter God and come to know themselves. Fr. David concluded by saying that people meet God in simplicity and service and encouraged everyone to witness to the gospel without fear.

Gala Dinner 2009

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.

Fr. Holly, Dr. Warner, Archbishop Prendergast, and Bishop Mulhall enjoying the evening

The evening began at St. Columbkille Cathedral in Pembroke, with the celebration of Holy Mass by His Grace Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, S.J., of the Ottawa archdiocese. His Excellency Bishop Michael Mulhall was also in attendance, along with many priests and deacons. Maestro Uwe Liefländer of the Sacred Music Society and his OLSWA choir provided beautiful music that truly emphasized the glory of the Resurrected Christ.

Archbishops Miller and Collins Join Archbishop Prendergast on Episcopal Advisory Board

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 Collins has been a courageous voice for Catholic higher education as a university and seminary leader and as head of the largest diocese in Canada. Before being installed in Vancouver, Archbishop Miller was President of the University of St. Thomas (in Houston—a Newman Guide college) and then Secretary of the Congregation for Catholic Education in Rome. His international perspective makes his endorsement all the more remarkable.

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 Our New Academic Dean: Dr. Keith Cassidy

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

Dr. Cassidy wrote:

"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."