Archbishop Leo travels to St. Thomas Parish in Markham

On July 5, 2024, the Most Reverend Francis Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto traveled to St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Markham to dedicate and consecrate the parish’s new altar.

“In a special way this evening – a very historic moment for the life of this community – as we will dedicate and consecrate a new altar,” Archbishop Leo said during his homily. “To dedicate and consecrate means that it is blessed and reserved for a very special purpose. The altar is only to offer up the holy sacrifice of the Mass to God. To worship God. It is set aside for a noble and holy purpose.”

His Grace continued his inspirational homily saying that, “we too, body and soul, are consecrated to God. Just like the altar, we have been sanctified by the Holy Spirit, created by our heavenly Father, temples of the Holy Spirit and are members of Holy Mother Church, the bride of Christ. This happened to us at Baptism.”

The Parish of St. Thomas the Apostle, Markham, was established by His Eminence, Gerald Emmett Cardinal Carter, Archbishop of Toronto, on January 6, 1982. Fr. Siro Lunardon, the founding Pastor, celebrated the first Mass on January 13, 1982 in the Chapel of the Sisters of St. Mary Leuca and the first Sunday Mass on January 17, 1982 in the gymnasium of Mother Teresa Catholic School.

During its history, the parish has been grateful for the service of a number of clergy. The Basilians, the White Fathers, and diocesan priests have celebrated Holy Mass, preached, and administered sacraments over the years. On November 30, 1986, the parish church was opened with Cardinal Carter officiating the Mass of Dedication.

Fr. Allyn Rose, current pastor at St. Thomas the Apostle led the process of this recent beautification of the sanctuary and new altar which was dedicated and consecrated by His Grace, Archbishop Leo.

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