Archbishop Leo Travels to Martyrs’ Shrine for Hispanic Pilgrimage

On August 17, 2024, approximately 1,500 Hispanic Catholics from different parishes of the Archdiocese of Toronto (and beyond), gathered to celebrate once again the Annual Hispanic Pilgrimage. The place for this event was at the Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland, Ontario - a place with beautiful landscapes and a welcoming spiritual atmosphere.

For more than two decades, the Council of Hispanic Priests has called all Hispanic Catholics to a renewal of faith, a time to share together in prayer and celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin. The aim is to host the pilgrimage on the Saturday closest to this feast of our Church (August 15).

At 8:30 a.m., pilgrims began to arrive and congregate at the papal altar of the Shrine. Once many people had arrived and following the schedule, the day began with the enthronement of the Image of the Virgin of Guadalupe and the prayer of the meditative Holy Rosary led by the community of St. Mary Parish in Brampton.

Following this was a time of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The community of St. Catherine of Siena Parish led this very special and holy hour. At the feet of the Blessed Sacrament, prayers were offered for all our Latin American countries represented on their respective flags. It was a moment where participants were able to raise their supplications to our God to help Latin American countries, especially those that are going through very difficult times.

Also, many of those present had the opportunity to receive reconciliation with God through the sacrament of confession since we had many priests willing to serve this service of mercy.

This year, this popular Hispanic pilgrimage had a special touch. Attendees had the good fortune and blessing of having the presence of the Most Reverend Francis Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto.

“We were all very happy to be able to receive his teachings directly from our pastor. For 30 minutes, Archbishop Francis gave a teaching to all those present on the theme of Walking and journeying with Mary, building a world of peace,” said Fr. Edgar Romero who serves at Our Lady of Guadalupe parish and lead organizer of this year’s pilgrimage.

“We learned, among many other things, how to be authentic devotees of the Virgin Mary; she was the first blessed one and how Christians can follow Jesus through Mary.”

The day concluded with the celebration of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary presided by Archbishop Leo and concelebrated by more than 20 priests of the archdiocese and guests, 4 deacons and all the Catholic faithful present. During the homily of the Holy Mass, His Grace explained the origin and meaning of this feast of the Dogma of the Assumption of the Virgin and the hopeful message for all Catholics because what the Virgin Mary received as a special gift from God, we have as a promise of eternal life.

“We thank and acknowledge all those who every year commit themselves and collaborate to make this pilgrimage a reality,” continued Fr. Edgar. “To all the priests who are members of the Hispanic Priests Council, to their respective communities for their participation. To the Jesuit Fathers, especially Fr. Christopher for the support and welcome he gives us in the Shrine. Once again, we thank Archbishop Leo for accompanying us and sharing with us, his people. May God reward each one of you with abundant life and health and may the Virgin Mary always accompany you.”

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