Third Cohort of Lumen Gentium Fellows Begins in Toronto as CAPP-Canada Plans Expansion to Other Cities
The third cohort of the Lumen Gentium Forum began its journey in September 2026, gathering for its first session at the Newman Centre of the University of Toronto. The evening began, as is customary, with 30 minutes of Eucharistic Adoration, followed by dinner and introductions from Forum Coordinators Brendan Steven and Robin D'Souza. CAPP-Canada Co-Coordinators Professor Danielle Morin and Dr. Cecil Chabot, together with Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) President Jeff Lockert, then offered introductory presentations on CAPP-Canada and the Lumen Gentium Forum, Catholic social teaching, and the principles of virtuous leadership.
As a flagship initiative of the Canadian chapter of the Vatican's Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation (CAPP), the Forum is a key expression of CAPP's mission to promote Catholic social teaching and its application in contemporary society. It is delivered in Toronto with the generous support and full collaboration of the Canada's largest Archdiocese.
The Fellows, a group of young Catholic professionals from diverse fields, will continue to gather on monthly basis for Eucharistic Adoration, dinner, small-group discussions, and presentations by senior Catholic leaders. Each month, they will read, discuss, and pray with foundational documents of Catholic social teaching, exploring how to apply its principles in their personal and professional lives and how to address some of the most pressing challenges facing society through the exercise of virtuous leadership grounded in Catholic social teaching. The last session of the year, in May, will be a full-day retreat.
As associate members of CAPP-Canada, Fellows are also invited to attend the CAPP's international conference in Rome and to participate in other initiatives and activities of the Canadian chapter.
Planning for the Forum's Expansion Across Canada
Prior to the opening session in September, CAPP-Canada's Lumen Gentium Forum leadership team gathered at the Archdiocese of Toronto's Pastoral Centre for a strategic planning session focused on the Forum's future development and expansion.
First launched in Toronto with the generous support and full collaboration of the Archdiocese of Toronto, the Forum is an initiative that CAPP-Canada seeks to extend to other communities across the country. Building on the experience of the first three cohorts, CAPP-Canada is exploring opportunities to establish the Forum in other Canadian cities, beginning with Montreal and Ottawa.
The goal is to extend this model of formation to young Catholic professionals across Canada, fostering a growing network of lay leaders committed to bringing the principles of Catholic social teaching into their professional and public lives.
Expressions of Interest for 2027 and New Local Chapters
Those interested in applying for the September 2027 cohort in Toronto are invited to register their interest to receive updates when applications open.
CAPP-Canada also welcomes expressions of interest from individuals and organizations interested in helping establish a local Lumen Gentium Forum in their own communities. Those interested in exploring this possibility can complete the form at the bottom of the same page.
We invite you to keep our Lumen Gentium Fellows in your prayers as they continue their journey of formation, preparing to transform our culture and share the Good News of Christ through their vocations and missions as Catholic lay people.
