Archbishop Leo visits St. Catherine of Siena Parish, leads Corpus Christi procession

Archbishop Francis Leo traveled to St. Catherine of Siena parish in Mississauga to celebrate Mass on the Feast of Corpus Christi. 

The parish, which is served by the Missionaries of St. Charles – Scalabrinian Fathers, indicated that it was a special time for them to have the archbishop present to not only commemorate the Feast of Corpus Christi, but also to honour their patron saints, St. Catherine of Siena and St. John Salabrini.

“This was a momentous and memorable event for the parish,” said Fr. Jose Gabriel Forero, c.s., pastor of the parish.

“Especially for the vast multicultural congregation here who came out in record numbers to attend Mass and to join in the street procession followed by festivities and entertainment on the parish grounds.”

Well-flanked by altar servers of the parish carrying a canopy to cover the Blessed Sacrament, Archbishop Leo led the Corpus Christi procession through the crowded streets for all to adore. “Overall, this was a tremendously joyful experience and Spirit-filled day that everyone here will remember for years to come,” said Fr. Forero.

“Our most sincere gratitude goes out to His Grace, the Most Reverend Francis Leo, for accepting our invitation and being present with us on this occasion.”

The Missionaries of St. Charles-Scalabrinians are an international community of religious missionaries dedicated to the service of migrants of differing cultures, religions and ethnicities. They are a religious apostolic community called by God to share in the mission of the church by helping migrants discover and carry out the plan of salvation during human migration and within their lives.

The Congregation was founded on November 28, 1887 by Saint John Baptist Scalabrini (1839-1905), Bishop of Piacenza, Italy. In addition to St. Catherine of Siena parish, they also serve at St. Paschal Baylon parish in Thornhill, several parishes in the province of Quebec, as well as at various locations throughout the United States, Haiti, Dominican Republic and beyond.

In addition to their pastor Fr. Forero, St. Catherine of Siena parish in Mississauga is blessed with Fr. Tiziano Paolazzi, c.s. as associate pastor and Fr. Santo Cigolini, c.s. in residence.

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