On June 19, the SSPX community in Toronto was blessed to be able to celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi with a Solemn High Mass, a procession, and a dinner for the faithful. Over 650 people were in attendance, including many children and young people. This event was held at the Cathedral of the Transfiguration in Markham where we were able to accommodate the large number of attendees.
The Solemn High Mass was celebrated with the pomp and splendor that reflects the deep beauty of our Catholic tradition. Help from the choir from New Hamburg was appreciated, their voice echoing in the large space surrounded by the beautiful Eastern-style iconography that fills the church.
The Blessed Sacrament was then brought out in procession into the streets of Markham. Father Sherry was assisted by Fr. Lillis as a deacon and Fr. MacGillivray as a subdeacon to lead the way, with several priests, a large group of altar boys, and hundreds of parishioners following behind them. A beautiful outdoor altar of repose was set up in a nearby park, where the entire crowd was able to kneel in adoration, pray, and sing hymns.
Then, the procession returned to the Cathedral for the final Benediction. Afterward, everyone was able to share with fellow parishioners a time for conversation and fellowship with one another.
What a blessing to be able to deepen our faith and reverence for the Holy Eucharist, while at the same time having the opportunity to witness Christ to our broader community here in the Greater Toronto Area. We hope that the Holy Ghost may use our procession to open the hearts of our neighbours, and to awaken in them a longing for our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.
We look forward to watching our community grow in the coming years, and we pray for a larger permanent church building of our own where we will be able to continue to hold such memorable and beautiful events.
