Invitation from Cardinal Leo - Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Martyrs’ Shrine - August 24, 2025

13 June 2025

To the Catholic Community throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

May Jesus and Mary be in your soul.

As you know, we are celebrating a Year of Jubilee drawing on the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope”. Already this year, there have been an abundance of blessings through our time together in prayer and pilgrimage and we continue to look for opportunities to gather, celebrate our faith and draw closer to Our Lord. In this spirit, I would like to extend an invitation for the Catholic community to come together once again.

On Sunday, August 24, 2025 we will have a special Archdiocese of Toronto Jubilee Pilgrimage to the Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland, Ontario. The National Shrine, opened in 1926, almost 100 years ago, serves as a place of history, prayer and reflection. Among the relics of the Canadian Martyrs, we will have the opportunity to join together and recall the profound witness of the eight Jesuit missionaries from France who were martyred in the 17th century. Their faith journey represents a nearly 400-year-old story of love, faith, and discovery that inspired and influenced the formation of Canada.

The pilgrimage will provide an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Holy Mass, a Rosary Procession, Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction along with fellowship among our Catholic community. I encourage families, parish groups and lay movements/organizations along with clergy and religious to join us for this special pilgrimage. Please see additional details.

During this Holy Year, may we continue our spiritual renewal as Pilgrims of Hope. We invite the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, to guide and accompany us on the journey. May God continue to bless you in abundance now and always.

Sincerely Yours in Jesus with Mary,

Frank Cardinal Leo
Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto