Toronto Archdiocese Hosts “A Day With Mary”

The Archdiocese of Toronto Hosted its First “A Day with Mary” on May 31st 2025, Feast of the Visitation. 

Newsroom (May 31, 2025, 16:45, Gaudium Press)  The Archdiocese of Toronto successfully hosted its first “A Day With Mary” celebration on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Villanova College (2480 15th Sideroad, King City). Hundreds of faithful gathered for this special event marking the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which featured prayer, catechesis, and joyful fellowship centered on devotion to Our Lady. The weather was damp and cool for spring and so while the event was planned on happening outdoors, Mass was celebrated at the indoor gymnasium, presided by Cardinal Francis Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, along with Bishop John A. Boissonneau and approximately 20 priests from the Greater Toronto Area.

Event Highlights

• Keynote Address by Dr. Josephine Lombardi: The renowned speaker delivered an inspiring talk titled “Mary, A Sure Sign of Hope”, reflecting on the Blessed Mother’s enduring role in the life of the Church.

  

• 

• Solemn Mass with Cardinal Frank LeoHis Eminence presided over the 11:45 a.m. liturgy, commemorating Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth. The cardinal emphasized the humility of Mary to go out to share the good news with her cousin Elizabeth. The Cardinal then explained that when Mary Spoke to Elizabeth, the child in her womb leapt for Joy; this Joy is always present when Jesus and Mary are present.

  

  Cardinal Leo then elucidated on the Magnificat which was the gospel of the day using examples from the book True Devotion to Mary by St Louis de Montfort. The Cardinal spoke about chanting the magnificat while at conclave and looking up at the roof of the sistine chapel the painting of Michelangelo, admiring the masterpiece and then realizing that Mary is the Masterpiece of God. He stressed that Mary is the mold who fashions us into Jesus, She is the surest and shortest way for us to Jesus.

  

  His Eminence explained that when we honour the Mother of God, we honour God as we are also while keeping the commandments, explaining how Christ gave Mary to St John as his and also our Mother and so we by duty of keeping the commandments ought to honour our Mother.

  

  Quoting St. Louis de Montfort, he continued: When the Holy Spirit finds Our Lady in our Heart through True Devotion, the Holy Spirit flies to us and fills us with His Fruits. Cardinal Leo explained then how to increase our relationship with Our Lady: by bringing Mary home into our families, our work and all the areas and relationships of our life. He stressed the importance of doing the consecration to our Lady using the method of St Louis de Montfort as found in the aforementioned book.  Cardinal Leo then said we must speak to Mary as we speak to our mother openly honestly without fear, and we must speak to others about Our Mother and the role she played in our salvation.  Imitate her virtues her faith her charity her purity. Lastly he suggest we pray to Jesus a prayer of St. Anselm:

  “O good Son,
  by the love you bear your Mother,
  to grant to me that I may truly love her.
  And you, O Good Mother,
  I beg you by the love that you bear your Son,
  to pray for me that I may truly love him.”

  

• Holy Rosary Procession & Crowning: In the afternoon, despite the inclement weather, attendees joined in a moving procession, culminating in the crowning of a Marian statue.

• Faith Formation for All Ages: While adults reflected on Dr. Lombardi’s talk and powerful witness testimonies, children participated in engaging catechesis sessions.

• Music, Food, and Fellowship: The joyful atmosphere included hymns, shared meals, and opportunities for families to connect.

A Day of Grace and Renewal

The event provided a meaningful opportunity for the faithful to grow in devotion to Mary while strengthening bonds as an archdiocesan family. Many expressed gratitude for the chance to pray together with Cardinal Francis Leo, who encouraged attendees to imitate Mary’s faith and generosity.

“Seeing so many families united in love for Our Lady was truly uplifting,” said one participant. “The Rosary procession, especially, was a powerful moment of prayer for our Church and the world”, added a young mother of five.

Looking Ahead

Given the success of this inaugural celebration, organizers are already considering plans to make “A Day With Mary” an annual tradition. The event served as a reminder of Mary’s enduring witness of hope—and the joy that comes when we, like her, say “yes” to God’s will. “My soul magnifies the Lord!” (Luke 1:46)

Compiled by Raju Hasmuth.

Related Images: