The University of Dayton regretfully announces Cardinal Francis Leo cannot be with us on campus Tuesday, Oct. 14, to mark the International Marian Research Institute (IMRI) and the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives (IPI) anniversaries. Cardinal Leo, a two-time UD graduate, canceled his visit because of the passing of his father. The University extends its deepest sympathy to Cardinal Leo and his family during this difficult time and holds them in its prayers.
The International Marian Research Institute (IMRI) and the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives (IPI) have made the following adjustments to events planned to celebrate their anniversaries this week:
- Anniversary Mass: 12:30 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception.
- Anniversary Event: IMRI/IPI will host an event at 5 p.m. at the Roger Glass Center for the Arts to recognize their anniversaries. The event will feature a presentation by Dr. Neomi De Anda, Executive Director, International Marian Research Institute and professor, UD Department of Religious Studies, on the topic of Mary, Mother of Jesus, as a woman of hope. This will be followed by a Marian Vesper Service.
Media still are invited to join us for the IMRI/IPI anniversary event at the Roger Glass Center for the Arts. Please RSVP to mediarelations@udayton.edu if you plan to attend.
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Original release posted Oct. 7, 2025
Cardinal Francis Leo, archbishop of Toronto and a two-time University of Dayton graduate, will visit the University Tuesday, Oct. 14, to recognize milestone anniversaries for two Catholic institutions on campus.
On Tuesday, Oct. 14, Cardinal Leo will celebrate Mass at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception 12:30-1 p.m., and deliver a lecture, "Mary's Gazes in a Polarized World" 5-7 p.m. at the Roger Glass Center for the Arts. Both events are free and open to the public.
Leo’s visit is part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the International Marian Research Institute and the 30th anniversary of the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives at UD. Leo graduated from the joint International Marian Research Institute program between UD and the Marianium in Rome, earning his sacred theological licentiate in 2002 and his sacred theological doctorate in 2004. He taught at UD for several years for the International Marian Research Institute. The archdiocese of Toronto also is a diocesan partner of the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives.
Pope Francis appointed Leo as Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto in February 2023 and elevated Leo a cardinal in December 2024. Cardinals serve a pivotal role in the Catholic Church as advisors to the pope and participate in the conclave to elect a pope, among other duties.
Since 2007, Leo has been a member of the Priestly Fraternities of Saint Dominic. He co-founded the Canadian Mariological Society in 2014 and served as auxiliary bishop of Montreal from September 2022 until he became archbishop of Toronto.
Neomi DeAnda, executive director of the International Marian Research Institute, said the program was thrilled when Leo was named an archbishop and cardinal within a two-year period. Having the opportunity to host his return to UD has made the joint anniversary celebration for both institutes even more meaningful, she said.
“In its 50 years, IMRI has been known as a global leader in conversations and research around Mary of Nazareth, the mother of Jesus; her Catholic dogmas, and her many cultural expressions,” DeAnda said. “Looking ahead to the next 50 years, IMRI strives for the study of Mary from many diverse perspectives based within the Catholic and Marianist mission of the University of Dayton.”
For many years, the archdiocese of Toronto has been a virtual learning community diocesan partner with UD’s Institute for Pastoral Initiatives. The UD Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation is a primary initiative of that institute, offering hundreds of online, multilingual courses on Catholic faith formation, ministerial certification assistance and global pastoral services available to anyone around the world.
Sister Angela Ann Zukowski, executive director of the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives, praised the partnership between UD and the archdiocese Leo leads, and said she looks forward to expanding their efforts throughout Canada.
“The Archdiocese of Toronto's team continues to collaborate with our UD IPI team, designing new online courses that address the needs of the church,” Zukowski said. “Our collaboration with the Archdiocese of Toronto has been prophetic, strong and creative over many years. Together, we address emerging needs within the Canadian Catholic Church.”
Doors for the public lecture open at 4:30 p.m. and attendees can park in the S1 or D lots. RSVP for this event by emailing Jeaninne Chaffin or calling 937-229-3126.