Our Community.

Diane Wood is a lifelong learner and teacher. She spent her childhood in Japan, has traveled and lived in many different regions and cultural settings. She brought very young French students from Virginia on a winter field trip to Québec in 2000, where she experienced a deep and surprising love of the people and place. She completed a master’s degree in French and Francophone Studies, specializing in Québec Studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She has lived in Montreal since 2012, training to become a spiritual director at the Ignatian Spirituality Centre. She earned a second master’s degree, in Theological Studies, at Concordia University in 2018, where her thesis focused on the work of Teilhard de Chardin as a spiritual bridge to secular seekers in Québec. Diane works at a family law firm and volunteers as a spiritual director. Wife, mother, grandmother–she loves dogs, dark chocolate melting in her mouth, walking, yoga, and reading as many books as humanly possible.

Clara Maranzano was born in Argentina where she earned a degree as a French teacher (French as a second language) and worked also as a French-Spanish translator. In 2008, Clara and her family came to Montreal through the immigration program offered by Quebec. She obtained later a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia University, in translation (English to French), and then responded to a strong sense of vocation by joining the ranks of all those who aspire to fully live their discipleship in the ministry of the Church. She obtained a Bachelor of Theology from McGill University and a Master of Divinity from the Presbyterian College. Although not ordained, Clara understands her work in Dio (and previously in the Séminaire Uni) as part of the ministry that God intends for her to develop at this point of her life, and she enjoys immensely the contact with the students in the context of the Seminary.

The Reverend Ben Stuchbery is an Anglican priest currently serving a parish in Hudson, Quebec. Ben cares deeply about helping others explore their relationship with God. He also takes great joy in walking with others as they sort through who they are and who they are called to be, both in the church and in the world. Ben is a former participant in the MMI program. The reflections which emerged from his experiences in MMI played a significant role in his vocational discernment, eventually leading him to pursue ordination to the priesthood. Ben is also a musician, a Dio alumnus, a spouse, and parent of two young children.

Becky Coholon was raised in the Anglican Church in Nova Scotia where she is an active member of her parish. Currently, she is in her third year of a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Acadia University. As part of her degree program, she recently completed a minor in Theology with the Acadia Divinity College. In her free time, Becky enjoys spending time with friends, going outside, reading, travelling and trying new foods. She is passionate about human and social rights in her community and around the globe. She was drawn to MMI because of the opportunity it will provide for her to meet like-minded people and to create positive experiences for herself and for others. “The MMI program made a positive impact on my faith life and walk with God. I have cherished my time to meet with liked minded intern participants and the people at my placements. The time to reflect helped me to continue with reflecting on daily activities and experiences in my life. Lastly, the program encouraged me to go deeper in my faith inside and outside of a church setting, I will use this experience to acknowledge that I am capable of doing anything with God’s love.”

Klaus Simon Bondoc (Simon) is originally from the province of Tarlac and Negros Occidental in the Philippines but now considers Calgary Alberta, on Treaty 7 land, to be his home. He was baptized Catholic, grew up in the Christian Missionary Alliance, and now belongs to the United Church of Canada. He is happiest when simply sharing space or a good meal with others. He also loves to cook, sing, and go for nature walks and bike rides. When it comes to his Christian faith, he is particularly passionate about advocating for the liberation and empowerment of marginalized people through community-building and education, especially for queer, racialized, and migrant youth. “I hope that people see God’s love through Christ-followers who follow a justice-seeking, Spirit-filled, radically inclusive faith,” he says. Simon applied for MMI because he felt he had grown a lot during the pandemic, but did not have the capacity to put all he had learned into action. “MMI gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to discern life and the future as a young Christian. I am grateful for the opportunities and the tools I was given to discern, meditate, be empowered and enjoy the city of Montreal. I leave this program feeling like I’m ready for the next stages of life.”

Jessica Millaire is from Morrin-Heights, Quebec in the Laurentians where she is a member of Trinity Anglican Church. Currently, she is finishing her studies at John Abbott College in science. In the future, she hopes to work to protect the environment. In her free time she loves to paint, draw, ski, swim, and go for walks with her dog in the woods. “The MMI program gave me the opportunity this summer to explore a Montreal community organization, and my role in this placement. Through the theological reflections, and in meeting a group of other individuals taking part in the same process, I was able to reflect on how I can add to the community with my given strengths, and where I am called to continue exploring, having God as a constant guide.”