For over 400 years, Jesuits and their colleagues have had a presence in Canada.  Today they work coast to coast –  from Vancouver to St.John's.  In this series igNation invites you to join us as we travel across Canada stopping at cities where there are Jesuit apostolates to read personal reflections about the city and the work being done there.  Today’s stop –  Regina, Saskatchewan.

My Regina is probably the most underrated capital city in Canada. It happens to be on the Trans-Canada Highway half way between Winnipeg and Calgary. It’s also smack-dab in the middle of the Prairies. To those unaccustomed to the beauty of the changing Prairie landscape, I invite you to notice the horizon – where the earth meets the sky, for real! Self-driving cars? They were made for the Prairies. One can set the cruise control and practically relax! And then, seemingly out of nowhere, comes the Regina skyline.

Let me tell you about my Regina, Queen City of the Plains.

As well as some of the country’s friendliest people, Regina is home to Wascana Park, a 2300 acre area in the heart of the city. Its focal point is Wascana Lake ("Wascana" comes from the Cree word Oscana  or pile of bones in reference to the plains bison bones found scattered in the vicinity in the early years.) One of North America’s largest urban parks, on any given summer day one will encounter runners, cyclists, families and friends picnicking, naturalists, fountains, canoers and kayakers in abundance (in winter drop the canoers and picnickers and add the cross-country skiers). There are festivals year-round, and walking trails that meander extensively through the city. The Saskatchewan Legislative Building, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Science Centre, and University of Regina are all located within Wascana Park, as are other cultural landmarks. A day in Wascana Park is the quintessential Regina experience. And all the original trees were hand planted!

On the U of R campus is the home of the Jesuits on the Prairies – Campion College, the only Jesuit undergraduate Liberal Arts College in Canada. Campion provides an academic university experience with the added bonus of engaged learning, campus ministry, social justice outreach, Alpha Sigma Nu (the Jesuit Honour Society) and other student groups. Faculty, staff, and students all contribute to the community that makes Campion well respected and admired on the larger university campus.

Campion isn’t the only place the Jesuits have a presence in Regina, though. The Mother Teresa Middle School  (MTMS) is a Jesuit Academy which provides an enhanced, holistic, middle school education to Regina's vulnerable inner city youth. Though no Jesuits are on staff at the school, the connection between Campion and MTMS has been intimately linked since its conception in 2007. As well as Jesuit regents who have been through Regina, student volunteers from Campion’s engaged learning program spend time during the school year at the school. This year for the first time, a Jesuit Volunteer is here to work with the school as well.

Friends on the Outside (FOTO), a ministry founded in Regina by John Matheson, SJ, reaches out to inmates and ex-inmates, their families and friends. As well as visiting the Regina Provincial Correctional Centre, they provide support and friendship, meeting weekly at a local pizza place for coffee, conversation, and laughter.

All throughout the Archdiocese of Regina, one can find the Jesuits doing all sorts of ministries as well. Whether it’s helping out with masses at parishes, the Precious Blood Monastery, the Marian Centre, Visitation House, on the 11 First Nations in the File Hills Tribal Council, singing with the Campion Schola Choir, or guest speaking in any number of places, the Jesuit community is an integral part of Regina’s social, pastoral, and academic fabric.

I’m proud of my city, but I’m also realistic. Here are a few things that might deter the best reviews of my Queen City: 1) the necessity of keeping the ice scraper handy all year (just in case); 2) potholes (most particularly in spring but not necessarily; 3) wind, except when it keeps the mosquitoes away; 4) minus 40 degree temperatures in the winter (but it’s a dry cold). And if you don’t like football, this is not the city for you (go, Riders!).

Other Regina fun facts: Most days you can get anywhere in the city within 20 minutes. Regina receives more sunlight than any other capital city in Canada, but at night you can see the stars, even in the middle of the city. The sky is virtually clear of any smog, and the blue sky and clouds seem to stretch forever. Volunteerism that seems limitless, home of the RCMP, and Prairie pride on top of all of the above, make Regina the Crown Jewel of the Prairies.

Next time you’re travelling between Winnipeg and Calgary – take a break and stop in Regina. You won’t be sorry.