Marie Thérèse, Ministry at the Margins & Bergamo’s Ministry of Hospitality
Come home to Bergamo to explore Marie Thérèse’s vision and how it is being lived out today through the Ignatian Spirituality Project.
When: Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 2:00–5:00 PM
Where: Bergamo Center for Lifelong Learning, Dayton
Cost: Free (coffee service provided)
RSVP: Please register by February 27, 2026
Join the Bergamo Center for Lifelong Learning and the Ignatian Spirituality Project (ISP) for a Lenten afternoon of reflection and prayer.
The afternoon will feature reflections led by Sr. Laura Leming, FMI (North American Center for Marianist Studies) on Marie Thérèse de Lamourous’ courageous leadership of the Miséricorde in Bordeaux. Together, we will explore how we can extend her enduring expression of hospitality—offering welcome, dignity, and renewal to people seeking to transform their lives.
While rooted in different traditions, the Marianist charism of hospitality and the Ignatian mission of companionship share a single heart: restoring hope to those at the margins. Bergamo invites the Marianist Family to carry Marie Thérèse’s spirit forward by supporting ISP’s work of offering spiritual companionship to people recovering from homelessness and addiction.
The afternoon will conclude with a Marianist liturgy starting at 4:00 PM, with Fr. Ted Cassidy presiding (fulfills the Saturday vigil obligation).
This event is especially meaningful for:
- Those connected to Lay Marianist family interested in living the charism of spiritual companionship with neighbors recovering from homelessness and addiction.
- Members of the recovery community and their supporters interested in learning more about spirituality
- Anyone seeking a deeper spiritual response to homelessness and addiction
- Stakeholders in Dayton interested in supporting the work of ISP financially
The Ignatian Spirituality Project (ISP) is a national network of spiritual companionship for people rebuilding their lives from homelessness and addiction. We believe that while housing and treatment are essential, authentic recovery also requires a place for the spirit to heal. Through retreats and reflection circles, we provide “scaffolding for the soul”—a foundation of dignity, hope, and belonging that helps recovery last.
“God’s gift has helped me see my own deep worth and the worth of every person.”
– Kevin Graves
ISP Ambassador of Hope
“The internal resources, the spiritual gifts, are really as important to human flourishing – not just surviving, but thriving”
– Christine Curran
ISP Executive Director
