Dr. Mary Jo Leddy is one Canada’s truly “heroic citizens” and national treasures! In 1991 she founded Romero House – inspired by Archbiishop Oscar Romero of San Salvador, who spoke out against injustice, poverty and torture – believing that refugees could and must be treated differently than they had previously been. 

She is an Adjunct Professor at Regis College, University of Toronto, Senior Fellow, Massey College, University of Toronto, journalist and writer, founding editor of Catholic New Times, an independent national Catholic newspaper, columnist for Toronto Star. She has been active in several human rights and peace groups, is a frequent radio and TV commentator, and witness for Parliamentary Committees.  She has lectured on various topics nationally/ internationally. She was Campaign Co-Chair for Gerard Kennedy M.P., a member of PEN Canada Board of Directors, chair of Writers in Exile Committee, member, Board of Massey College, and national co-chair, Keep the Promise Campaign Against Child Poverty.

She has received numerous academic and civic awards including, inter alia, The Governor General’s Bronze Medal, the Ida Nudel Human Rights Award (1983), the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews Human Relations Award (1987), Award for Distinguished Contribution, Roman Catholic Communicators of Canada (1990), Best Publication Award, College Theology Society (Canada and USA), The Ontario Citizenship Award (1993), Order of Canada, 1996. 

Her many publications include, Why are we here? A Meditation on Canada ( 2019) The Other Face of God: When the Stranger Calls Us Home (2011), Our Friendly Local Terrorist, (2010),  Radical Gratitude (2003)