His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo Celebrates Annual Parish Feast of the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady at St. Paschal Baylon Parish

A profound spirit of joy and reverence filled St. Paschal Baylon Parish this Sunday as His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, presided over the annual parish celebration of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The celebration, which drew nearly 1,000 parishioners, clergy, and community members, commemorated the Assumption—one of the most significant Marian feasts in the Catholic Church, honoring the moment when the Blessed Virgin Mary was taken body and soul into heaven. The event reflected the parish’s deep devotion to Our Lady and its vibrant multicultural character.

The solemn Mass, celebrated with great reverence, was marked by stirring hymns, sacred readings, and heartfelt prayers dedicated to the Blessed Mother. A highlight of the liturgy was the ceremonial crowning of the image of Our Lady by Cardinal Leo, a symbolic act recognizing her queenship and maternal care for all the faithful.

In his homily, Cardinal Leo spoke movingly about the family as the “domestic church,” the foundational unit of both the parish and wider society. Drawing from the example of the Holy Family, he emphasized the critical role of parents in nurturing faith and values within the home. “Families are the first place where faith is taught, lived, and passed on,” he said. “In today’s fast-paced world, strong family bonds grounded in love, unity, and prayer are vital for personal and communal wellbeing.”

Following the Eucharistic celebration, Cardinal Leo led a rosary procession through the parish parking lot. Hundreds joined in this prayerful act of devotion, lifting up intentions and meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary in a show of deep faith and community solidarity. The procession concluded with a special blessing of the children, highlighting the parish’s commitment to passing on the faith to future generations.

One of the most poignant moments of the celebration was the presentation of cultural offerings from the parish’s diverse communities. Baskets symbolizing Italy, the Philippines, and Korea were brought forward during the Mass, celebrating the parish’s rich cultural mosaic and its inclusive spirit. The gesture exemplified the unity in diversity that characterizes St. Paschal Baylon Parish.

A hallmark of the parish is its vibrant multicultural ministry. Weekly Masses are celebrated in English, Italian, Filipino, and Korean, ensuring that parishioners of all backgrounds feel welcomed and spiritually nourished. This multilingual approach is a testament to the parish’s mission of inclusivity and hospitality.

The parish is staffed by the Scalabrini Fathers, a religious congregation renowned for their pastoral care of migrant and multicultural communities. Their continued service has been instrumental in cultivating a strong sense of belonging and spiritual growth among parishioners from diverse cultural traditions.

Following the liturgical celebrations, the parish community gathered for a festive afternoon of food and fellowship. Volunteers served delicious dishes from various cultures, reflecting the parish’s heritage and spirit of hospitality. Traditional dances from the Philippines and Korea were also performed, delighting attendees and showcasing the talents and traditions of the community. The festivities culminated in lively communal dancing, transforming the parish grounds into a joyous celebration of faith, family, and unity.

The annual feast concluded with a renewed sense of community and spiritual inspiration. As parishioners departed, their hearts were filled with gratitude and a strengthened commitment to building loving, faith-filled families, following the example of Our Lady.