P. Denis Pion, s.j.

Denis Pion is a Jesuit priest, ordained in 1968. After completing the years of formation proper to the Jesuit Order, he studied French Literature at the University of Nice, France, where he received a doctoral degree.  His academic career was mostly spent at the University of Sudbury as a professor of Religious Studies.  Since his retirement form teaching in 1998, Fr. Pion has been devoting his time to spiritual direction, to giving retreats and to directing people through the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius.  Although he exercises his ministry primarily at Villa Loyola and within the Sudbury region, he does on occasion give retreats elsewhere.

Fr. David Louch, CSsR

David Louch is a Redemptorist priest, ordained in 1972. He has a doctoral degree in theology;  however, he has not pursued an academic career.  Fr. David has spent many years in formation   ministry for his congregation; he has been a parish priest and a member of the Redemptorist Parish Mission Team.  He has also taught college courses and given many workshops and seminars. Currently, Fr. David is a member of the Redemptorist Community at Holy Redeemer  Parish in Sudbury, where his assignment is "evangelization and outreach." Fr. Louch is Formation Director for the Canadian Redemptorists and a member of the leadership team of the Edmonton-Toronto Province of    Redemptorists.

Mrs. Linda Labelle
Linda Labelle has worked extensively in spiritual direction.  She has her Teachers of Adult certification from Cambrian College; her B. A. (U. of Sudbury); and her M. A. in Ministry and Spirituality from Regis College (Jesuit).  With a special interest in Ignatian spirituality, Linda began her training at the Guelph Centre of Spirituality. She also earned her Diploma in Spiritual Direction from Regis College.  She has facilitated various retreats, days of reflection and discernment.  Her special passion is directing people through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.  Linda is also a member of Spiritual Directors International and has her own private practice in spiritual direction.  She is currently the Coordinator of Faith Development and Evangelisation for the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie.  One of her most recent projects includes a spiritual direction formation process which provides teaching, sharing, and supervision.   Linda has recently (Feb.13/08) been inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu, which is an international Jesuit honour society.  "The purpose of the Society shall be to honour students of Jesuit institutions of higher education who distinguish themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service" (Bylaws).

Fr. Philip Chircop, S.J.

Fr. Philip Chircop is a Jesuit priest born on the Mediterranean Island of Malta.  He earned two Licentiate Degrees, one from the State University of Malta with emphasis on Pastoral Theology and Communications and another from the "Centre Sèvres Facultés de philosophie et de théologie" in Paris with a focus on Spirituality.  He has worked in high school, university and parish settings in various capacities.  More recently, in Canada, he has been mainly involved in retreat work. He is an artist at heart and loves all things beautiful and soulful.  He strongly believes that beauty is a uniquely wonderful entry into the mystery of the God "whose centre is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere".   Fr. Philip considers himself a seeker, always looking for fresh and creative ways to proclaim the Good News hopefully helping "fellow pilgrims on the way" to embrace real and radical changes that lead to transformation in Christ Jesus.