Dear Friends,
There is a saying that goes, 'You never know what you've lost until you see it gone.' While the Marian shrine may not be in our midst, its spirit and sense of hope are never lost. Today, hundreds of individuals, including some remarkable souls who pray there daily, have continued to visit the place since its apparent closure in August last year. Your visits and prayers, which testify to the shrine's importance in our community, keep its spirit alive. We are truly grateful to all of you; your support means the world to us and is a testament to our shared faith and resilience.
We want to emphasize that it is your unwavering support and patience that are the driving forces behind our efforts to preserve the Marian shrine. We have a plan in place to ensure its future and are diligently working to bring it back to our community. Your understanding and unity during this time are not only appreciated but also crucial. We are in this together, and your role in this journey is invaluable.
As always, we are thankful for those who have contributed to the shrine's history through extensive articles. The latest one, featured in Toronto Life magazine, beautifully captures the shrine's journey, which you, our community, have been an integral part of. It chronicles the events leading up to and after last year's sale, a testament to our shared history and unwavering resilience. We stand strong together, united in our commitment to preserve our sacred space.
Some of the videos about the shrine are proof of God's constant care for His children. The shrine, a sacred place that has been a haven for over two decades, provides solace, healing, and community. We are always in awe of how this holy place, which holds such deep spiritual significance for our community, serves our needs. It is a testament to our faith and our shared spiritual journey. We are deeply grateful for this divine gift and the spiritual nourishment it provides us. God is in complete control; we only need to pray and listen to His voice.
Isaiah 49:15 says, "Can a woman forget her infant, so as not to pity the son of her womb? And if she should forget, yet will not I forget thee." This verse reassures those feeling abandoned or forsaken that God is always with them and will never leave them.
As a reminder, please mark your calendars for May 11 at 8 p.m. We invite you to join us at 3100 Weston Road, Toronto (soccer field) for a Marian Mother's Day Rosary Procession. This event is a testament to our shared faith and a way for us to express our gratitude to our Lady for always listening to our cries. Your presence is a powerful symbol of our community's strength and unity.
Saint Jude Academy of the Arts’ Video on the Marian Shrine
Breakfast TV’s Coverage of the Marian Shrine
MPP Tom Rakocevic's Speech on the Marian Shrine
Toronto Preservation Board- October 10, 2023