Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, paid tribute to the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine (SSJD) on its 125th founding anniversary, saying the whole church is grateful for its ministries. “In you, [we] see something of God’s goodness and grace,” Archbishop Hiltz said at a eucharist held at the SSJD Convent in North York, Ont.
SSJD was the first religious community for Anglican women in Canada, founded in 1884 by Hannah Grier Coome, a native of Carrying Place and Belleville, Ont.
“The whole church rejoices with you,” said the primate. “We are grateful for your service.”
He praised the SSJD for its ministry of prayer, companionship, spiritual counsel, scholarly research and writing, and practical service to those in need
In addition to St. John’s Rehab Hospital, which it founded in 1936, the SSJD provides guided retreats, customized sabbatical programs and workshops. More than 100 people attended the celebration on Sept. 8, which coincided with the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
