Dear Friends,

A Special Invitation

We extend a warm invitation to you, regardless of your age or background, to  join us in a candlelight Rosary procession prayers at 3100 Weston Road (soccer field), Toronto, on June 1 at 8 p.m. as we celebrate the first Saturday of the month, a day of special devotion to Our Lady of Fatima. This devotion was requested during our Lady's apparitions in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917, and it is a time when we honor her and seek her intercession for world peace and the conversion of the world. We warmly invite all to be part of this inclusive and spiritually enriching event. Your presence is not just valued, but it is crucial to the spirit of the gathering.  We look forward to welcoming you!

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Allow us to share with you a transcript of an inspiring talk from the late Fr. Basil Cembalista in 2008. This remarkable priest built the Marian Shrine of Gratitude in 2005, a place of profound spiritual significance. The shrine, which was the setting for the recent Rosary procession gathering, stands as a powerful testament to the healing power of faith and the intercession of Mother Mary.  In his talk, Fr. Basil prophetically describes the shrine as 'the place that belongs to the people' and assures us that 'Mother Mary will protect this place forever, whether I am here or not.'

For those unfamiliar with Fr. Basil Cembalista, he was the remarkable priest (+) who constructed the Marian Shrine of Gratitude in 2005. The construction of this shrine was inspired by a miraculous event- the healing of his eye by our Lady. This transformative occurrence occurred when he had a freak accident while gathering firewood in the bushes behind the monastery, and his vision was completely restored. This momentous healing was the first of many at the shrine, solidifying its sacredness and spreading its fame in Canada and worldwide. We invite you to experience this healing power for yourself, a testament to the strength of faith and the hope it can bring.

The audio of his talk was played at the recent candlelight Rosary procession, a significant event held annually at 3100 Weston Road, Toronto, on the eve of Mother's Day, May 11.  This day, just two days before the feast day of Our Lady of Fatima, holds special significance for the shrine and its devotees.  It commemorates the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917, and it is a time when we, inspired by our shared faith and devotion, honor her and seek her intercession for world peace and the conversion of the world.  This event, steeped in history and spirituality, is an opportunity for you to deepen your connection with your faith and feel inspired by the spiritual significance of the shrine.

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From Fr. Basil Cembalista:

This place belongs to Mother Mary. The unique owner of this place is Mother Mary. She counts the people here; she holds the people. All the people feel good in this place. All the people forgot their problems who come here in the day. How many people have converted to faith in this place and continue. I'm surprised this week that I am here every day two to three times. All the time, there are lots of people: young people, children, families, and all kinds of people. I am here now to see this place, but all the people who come here feel good. This (place) is a peaceful heaven. This place is a place of peace- Mother Mary! A place of love (and) happiness.  God bless!

Mother Mary will protect this place forever because I was only the instrument. All directions, from the first time, from that corner, I feel something different. My eye is excellent, and I wanted to thank Mother Mary, and yes, I accepted her. It is like in the beginning, it was mine. After, all changed. Come, all of you! Now, this holy place belongs to the people. It does not matter if I am here or not.

I am happy that Mother Mary guides and helps people. This nation, for Mother Mary, no problem. All the people of the world are somehow indebted to Mother Mary. They are the children of Mother Mary, who gave this big gift to all of us. When Jesus died, he said, Son, this is your Mother. Mother, this is your child. Children of Mary represent all humanity. 

Thank you for coming. If you have some problem, come here, (say) "Mother Mary, I need you." Children, when they are crying, go to their Mother. "Mother, I need this. Mother, I don't feel good". Mother Mary says, "ok!" This happens in this place! Thank you!