Daughters of St. Mary of Leuca
The Daughters of St. Mary of Leuca is an international Catholic religious congregation dedicated to echoing Christ’s love through charity, hospitality, and early childhood education. Guided by the spirit of their newly beatified foundress, Blessed Mother Elisa Martinez, the Sisters live out a profound charism rooted in the protection and care of young children, the marginalized, and single mothers. Originating in the coastal sanctuary lands of Apulia, Italy, in 1938, the order officially received Pontifical approval from Pope Pius XII in 1943 before spreading its missionary wings globally. Today, their vibrant presence serves as a beacon of faith, prayer, and educational excellence across numerous dioceses worldwide.
Charism, Spirit, and Global Mission
The foundational mission of the Daughters of St. Mary of Leuca flows directly from the heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Recognizing the unique vulnerabilities of early childhood and the profound needs of the modern family, the Sisters devote themselves to cultivating spaces where Christ’s love is felt through practical, daily service. Their apostolate spans elementary education, parish ministry assistance, and specialized childcare centers. In every community they enter, the Sisters are renowned for blending deep contemplative prayer with a warm, maternal pedagogy that prepares children both academically and spiritually for the journey of life.
Our Ministry in Courtice: St. Mary of Leuca Daycare
In 1994, the Sisters extended their compassionate hands to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough, establishing a lasting home in the Clarington community. Operating the St. Mary of Leuca Daycare Centre located at 3810 Courtice Road North, the Sisters have provided over three decades of loving, specialized childcare.
- The Montessori Approach: True to their pedagogical tradition, the Sisters incorporate elements of the Montessori Method, ensuring that children grow through purposeful, structured exploration.
- A Nurturing Environment: The licensed facility accommodates toddlers and preschool-aged groups, providing families with a deeply trusted, faith-integrated foundation for early learning.
- A Connected Faith Community: The convent and daycare enjoy a perfectly synchronized relationship with their adjacent neighbors, creating a unique “faith campus” along Courtice Road.
The Sisters work hand-in-hand with St. Therese Roman Catholic Church, anchoring parish ministry and walking alongside families from early infancy through their sacramental updates. As children graduate from the Sisters’ foundational care, they transition seamlessly into school-age programs next door at Monsignor Leo Cleary Catholic Elementary School (CES). This tight-knit trinity of Parish, School, and Convent ensures that the youth of Courtice are raised in a continuous, supportive environment of unified Catholic community, lighting spirits and building unity from their very first steps.