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History of St. Paschal Baylon Parish

St. Paschal Baylon Catholic Church was established on October 1, 1957 by His Eminence James C. Cardinal McGuigan, Archbishop of Toronto. The parish was entrusted to the Missionaries of St. Charles (Scalabrinians), a congregation founded by St. John Baptist Scalabrini, whose mission is to serve migrants with compassion and faith. The church was dedicated on December 20, 1957, marking the beginning of a sacred mission rooted in the Eucharist and hospitality.
 
Italian Foundation and Early Beginnings
The parish was founded by two dedicated Scalabrinian priests, Fr. Vincent Lo Savio, C.S., and Fr. Ralph Villella, C.S., who began ministering to the growing community of Italian immigrants in the Thornhill area.
While the church building was still under construction, Masses were celebrated at Veteran’s Hall, providing a temporary spiritual home for the faithful. During this time, the Italian community—many of whom were skilled tradespeople—came together to lay the foundation stone of the church and contribute their labor and devotion to building the parish.
Under the pastoral leadership of Fr. Lo Savio and Fr. Villella, St. Paschal Baylon became a center of Italian Catholic life and faith, where the Eucharist, family, and tradition were deeply cherished.
 
Growth of the Filipino Community
In the early 1990s, the parish began welcoming many Filipino families who brought vibrant devotion, especially to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Eucharist. In 1993, monthly Filipino Masses were introduced, led by Fr. Mario Lorenzana, the first Filipino Scalabrinian priest at the parish.
The Filipino Support Group (FSG) was formed to foster fellowship and organize traditional devotions such as Flores de Mayo, Simbang Gabi, and Santo Niño celebrations, enriching the spiritual life of the parish. Filipino Masses are now celebrated every Sunday afternoon, drawing many faithful.
 
Welcoming Korean Catholics
Responding to the growing Korean Catholic population in Thornhill, the parish began offering Mass in Korean twice monthly starting in 2016, with the support of the Archdiocese of Toronto and the assistance of visiting Korean clergy, including Fr. Charles Nham of Opus Dei. These Masses are held on the first and third Sundays of each month in the evening.
This ministry exemplifies the parish’s ongoing commitment to the Scalabrinian charism of welcoming migrants of all backgrounds.
 
Our Patron Saint
The parish is named for St. Paschal Baylon (1540–1592), a Spanish Franciscan brother renowned for his deep love of the Blessed Sacrament. He is the patron saint of Eucharistic congresses and societies, inspiring our parish’s Eucharistic-centered life and mission.
From celebrating Mass at Veteran’s Hall to building a vibrant, multicultural parish community, St. Paschal Baylon Catholic Church continues to be a welcoming home of faith, hope, and charity for all who seek Christ.