Dedication of the Parish in 1957

This beautifully restored film invites you to step back in time to December 20, 1959, when St. Paschal Baylon Church was solemnly dedicated by His Eminence James C. Cardinal McGuigan, Metropolitant Archbishop of Toronto. With reverence and joy, the Catholic faithful of Thornhill gathered to witness the blessing of their new spiritual home—a church that would soon become a beacon of faith, hope, and charity for generations of parishioners.

Established just two years earlier, on October 1, 1957, St. Paschal Baylon Parish began its mission to serve a growing Catholic community in Thornhill. Newly rediscovered footage now offers an even fuller glimpse into these sacred beginnings, including the laying of the cornerstone and detailed scenes from the dedication ceremony itself. These moments capture the excitement, devotion, and unity that shaped the first days of parish life.

At the heart of this foundation were the Missionaries of St. Charles—the Scalabrinian Fathers—who, inspired by their founder St. John Baptist Scalabrini, embraced their mission to serve Catholic immigrants and newcomers. From the very beginning, they have faithfully guided our community, nurturing its growth with steadfast devotion to Christ and His Church.

Restored in 2024 with care and gratitude, this historic footage preserves more than images—it safeguards the memory of a sacred day that continues to shape who we are as a parish family. It is a legacy of faith handed down to us, a reminder of the sacrifices and hopes of those who came before, and an invitation to carry forward the same spirit of unity, service, and love for the Eucharist into the future.

By watching this film, you are not only witnessing a significant chapter in our parish story—you are participating in the living tradition of St. Paschal Baylon Church, where the past, present, and future of our community remain beautifully bound together in Christ.