Archdiocesan-Wide Consecration of the Blessed Virgin Mary

On the Solemnity of the Annunciation of Our Lord (April 8), parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto took the opportunity to participate in the archdiocesan-wide Consecration of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Annunciation of Our Lord is usually celebrated annually on March 25 however, for 2024 it was transferred to April 8 due to the date of Easter.

Many parishes utilized the resources provided by the Office of Formation for Discipleship which included a document to aid parishioners in preparing for the consecration over the three-days leading up to the solemnity. On the day of the solemnity itself, some parishes held processions and pilgrimages while others consecrated themselves to Mary during solemn prayers and by lifting their voices through the singing of Marian hymns.

At St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica in downtown Toronto, the Most Reverend Francis Leo, Archbishop of Toronto celebrated Mass and in his homily, His Grace spoke of how we can model our lives after Mary, “She is a role model of faith and trust in God; she is  a role model of humility; talk about a generous heart: Mary is the role model of the ultimate spiritual availability to God. What a role model for every person. Finally, a role model of joy. Our Lady was a joyful person because she knew upon whom she built her life.”

At the conclusion of Mass, His Grace presided over the ritual of consecration, “Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, I consecrate to you myself together with all the faithful of the Church.”

At St. Edward the Confessor parish in North York, the congregation gathered at the outdoor Grotto as Msgr. Pat O’Dea led the ritual of consecration with the assistance of Deacon David Quail.

“We lift up to you, O Mother of the Word Incarnate, all our families, and all of those brothers and sisters of Your Son, who need your maternal care and intercession,” prayed Msgr. O’Dea. 

“With a mother’s heart, welcome our petitions and show forth your great compassion and love to those who have become your children entrusted to your motherly care by the Crucified Redeemer.”

In the west-end of the archdiocese, Cristo Rei parish in Mississauga held a beautiful and powerful candlelight procession before Mass and the ritual of consecration.

Parishioners carried a large statue of Mary through the church, before placing the statue on its base next to the pulpit and illuminating it with lights.

In Markham, at St. Patrick’s parish, the faithful participated in the consecration ritual at the conclusion of Mass on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of Our Lord.

Fr. Janil Joseph Chakkiath, Associate Pastor at St. Patrick’s parish, spoke about Mary and the importance of mothers in our lives.

“There is so much power in the love of a mother,” he exclaimed.

And during the consecration, Fr. Chakkiath prayed, “By your merciful gaze, look upon all those who are persecuted for their faith, the victims of war and abuse, those who are afflicted by addictions, those who despair and have lost all hope.”

“You who are the gift whom our loving Lord gave to us on Calvary, graciously receive our prayer and deny us not the graces we humble implore from you.”