Cardinal Leo’s pastoral letter, That Blessed Upper Room, invites Toronto Catholics to deepen faith through reflections on the Upper Room’s sacred events.
Newsroom, June 19, 2025, Gaudium Press – Cardinal Francis Leo, Archbishop of Toronto, has issued a heartfelt invitation to Catholics across the archdiocese to strengthen their faith and devotion through a new pastoral letter titled That Blessed Upper Room. Released on June 17, the 31-page document encourages reflection on the spiritual significance of the Upper Room, the sacred site in Jerusalem associated with pivotal moments in the life of Jesus and the early Church.
In his introduction, Cardinal Leo writes, “I wish for us to reflect together on the place and significance of The Upper Room in our lives, our families, and in our communities of faith.” The Upper Room, located on Mount Zion and traditionally situated above the Tomb of King David, is revered as the setting of the Last Supper, the institution of the Eucharist, and the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
The letter describes the Upper Room as “an array of grace-filled events” and “an anointed sign of God’s redeeming love.” Leo emphasizes its role in shaping the Christian community through “turning moments” that reveal God’s plan for salvation. He presents nine dimensions of Catholic life, each explored in a dedicated chapter: The Institution of the Eucharist, The Gift of the Priesthood, The Example and Commandment to Live in Humble Service, The Resurrection, The Arrival of the Holy Spirit, The Disciples Gathered in Communion, The Importance of Prayer, Missionary Zeal, and The Gift of Mary as Mother.
Each chapter is structured in three parts: a theological and spiritual reflection, anecdotal stories illustrating the theme, and questions to inspire personal and communal growth. “I pray that this small contribution will help readers and faithful come to a more profound sense of faith,” Leo writes, offering the letter as “tasty and nourishing manna” for the journey toward holiness.
Cardinal Leo underscores the “non-negotiable” aspects of discipleship, urging Catholics to surrender their hearts to Christ and deepen their relationship with Him. “This reflection on the Upper Room provides the opportunity to take a long, honest look at our walk with the Lord,” he notes, highlighting the victory of Christ over sin and death and the Holy Spirit’s transformative presence.
In this Jubilee year, Leo encourages the faithful to “ponder with Mother Mary” the lessons of the Upper Room, fostering a mature faith and a transformative experience of grace. Quoting Pope Leo XIV, he concludes with a call to unity: “Let us move forward, without fear, together, hand in hand with God and with one another.”
This is Cardinal Leo’s second pastoral letter since becoming Archbishop of Toronto and his first since his elevation to the College of Cardinals six months ago. His previous letter explored the theme of the Kingdom of God active in the world.
The letter is available to the faithful of the Archdiocese of Toronto and beyond, serving as a guide for personal and communal reflection.
Raju Hasmukh with files from
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Archdiocese of Toronto, That Blessed Upper Room, Pastoral Letter by Cardinal Francis Leo, June 17, 2025.
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