Archbishop Leo Meets with Bishops; Makes Several Visits Throughout the Archdiocese
Meeting with Bishops
The Most Reverend Francis Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, along with several other clergy from the Archdiocese had the opportunity to meet with Bishop Andriy Peshko, the Ukrainian Orthodox Bishop of the Eastern Eparchy as well as Archbishop Sotirios Athanassoulas of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada.
The meeting took place in late 2023, in advance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity that takes place each year from January 18-25. On January 21 at 4 p.m., Archbishop Leo and a wide representation of Christian leaders will gather to pray for the restoration of full visible unity. This will take place at St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Cathedral located at 45 Ferrier Street in Markham, Ont. and all are welcome to join.
On January 24 at 1:30 p.m., Archbishop Leo will be attending the Toronto School of Theology Ecumenical Worship Service to commemorate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity hosted by Regis College at 100 Wellesley Street West in Toronto.
St. Matthew's Parish, Toronto
In early December, Archbishop Leo visited St. Matthew’s Parish in Toronto to celebrate Mass and meet parishioners in the parish hall. It was a special occasion for parishioners as Archbishop Leo officiated the Rite of Enrolment for their Confirmation candidates.
“It was a privilege for all of us and for our children and adults to make their commitment in the presence of the Archbishop,” the parish said. “It was a time of grace and joyous celebration for all of us.”
St. Mary Immaculate Parish, Richmond Hill
Also in December, the Archbishop travelled to St. Mary Immaculate Parish in Richmond Hill to celebrate Mass for the St. Mary parish community. It was also an opportunity for His Grace to bless the parish's Monstrance that will be used in times of Eucharistic Adoration.
The Oblates
Archbishop Leo celebrated Mass last month for the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the Oblate Fathers of Assumption Province in Canada on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at the Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre in Mississauga, Ont.
“This is always a special occasion for us to say thank you to all, who want to share our Oblate charism and help us in our ministry,” said Fr. Pawel Nyrek OMI, Director of the centre.
St. Theresa's Parish, Shrine of the Little Flower, Scarborough
On December 10, Archbishop Leo attended St. Theresa’s Parish, Shrine of the Little Flower, in Scarborough, to celebrate Mass on the occasion of the parish’s 90th Anniversary.
The parish first held Mass upon opening their doors on December 10, 1933. The original church, with seating for 200, was built in order to serve the approximately 25 families who had been attending weekly Mass at the chapel of St. Augustine’s Seminary located just a short distance up the road. Archbishop Neil McNeil was on hand on that day in 1933 to bless the church and celebrate the first Mass.
St. Bartholomew Parish, Scarborough
In honour of the 50th anniversary of St. Bartholomew Parish in Scarborough, Archbishop Leo celebrated Mass and had took time to meet many of the parishioners. In his homily, Archbishop Leo paid tribute to all those who built the parish and all involved in keeping it a thriving spiritual community over the past 50 years. He also expressed that this anniversary is a good opportunity to reengage with the mission to continue to spread the Good News so that all may come to know and worship the Lord.
