The Big Maps

The John M. Kelly Library at the University of St. Michael’s College is pleased to present an exhibition celebrating the donation of the records of the Sisters of Service (SOS) to the library’s Special Collections: Archives and Rare Books.

This exhibition, The Big Maps: The Sisters of Service as Canadian Trailblazers, tells the story of the SOS and their contributions to Canadian social, religious, and women’s history. The SOS are a uniquely Canadian, untraditional women’s religious institute whose century of work spans immigration services, teaching, nursing, social work, and more. Guided by the motto ‘Look at Big Maps,’ which co-founder Fr. George Daly, CSsR kept framed on his office wall, the SOS remained simple and flexible in their rules and customs, enabling them to adapt to the diverse communities they served across Canada. From their founding in 1922, to their century service, “The Big Maps” embodies the unconventional spirit of these trailblazing women.

On October 23, 2025, we welcome Dr. Mark McGowan, Emeritus Professor of History & Celtic Studies, University of Toronto and the Principal Emeritus, University of St. Michael's College, for a lecture to mark the opening of the exhibition. His talk, Immigration, the Catholic Churches, and the Sisters of Service: 1896 to 1937, was recorded and is available to view online.

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to Natasha D'Costa for her design work on all elements of the physical exhibition, James Roussain for his guidance and editorial work, Malgorzata Zajkowska for her work in preparing items for display, and the John M. Kelly Library Special Collections team.

Special thanks to the Friends of the Kelly Library and the Sisters of Service for their generous support of this exhibition.

Additional thanks to Lillian Hogendoorn and the University of Toronto Libraries for their technical support in hosting this digital exhibition.

This exhibition was curated by Francesca Rousselle.