On Saturday, February 3, 2024 the Most Reverend Francis Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto celebrated Mass on the occasion of World Day for Consecrated Life at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica in downtown Toronto.

Bishop Ivan Camilleri, the archdiocesan Vicar for Consecrated Life offered appreciation and congratulations to the consecrated men and women at the start of Mass, “Thank all of you for your dedication and witness to the fruitful gift of consecrated life. Congratulations to those who have professed first vows and to those celebrating milestone anniversaries this year.”

In addition to Bishop Camilleri, Archbishop Leo was joined by Toronto’s Bishop Robert Kasun, CSB and Bishop Douglas Crosby, OMI from the Diocese of Hamilton.

“What a joy it is to be together and to celebrate such a wonderful gift!” exclaimed Archbishop Leo at the beginning of his homily. He continued, “here we are celebrating since 1997 this wonderful gift and I’m delighted to see so many consecrated men and women: fathers and brothers, sisters and mothers, all of you here present.”

His Grace went on to talk about the history of the Catholic community in Toronto and outlined the importance of the presence of consecrated men and women as integral in the building of the archdiocese as they were, “part of the dream and part of the wonderful family from the very start with Bishop Michael Power.”

“I was beautifully surprised to see how from the very beginning of the archdiocese’s establishment, the impact starting with the original four: Sisters of St. Joseph, Sisters of Loretto, the Basilians and the Jesuits; and since that time we’ve been enriched with so many newer communities forming together the body of Christ.”

Following Mass, attendees gathered for lunch with Archbishop Leo.

World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life started in 1997 by Pope St. John Paul II. The day is closely associated to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2 and was celebrated this year in parishes on February 3-4, 2024.

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