Newly Installed Archbishop of Toronto Visits with Retired Basilians

One of Archbishop Francis Leo’s first stops as Archbishop of Toronto included a visit to the distinctive worship community of Presentation Manor. Presentation Manor is a seniors residence for religious men and women as well as lay people, including retired Basilians who live in Toronto. The newly installed Archbishop celebrated Mass on Saturday, April 15 during the Octave of Easter. The on-site chapel was packed as Archbishop Leo thanked the religious and lay people for their lifetime of dedication to their vocations during his homily. Many of the lay residents were joined by family members who also wanted to meet the new Archbishop.

Afterwards, a lunch was served in the dining room and the Archbishop took the opportunity to greet each person individually. He also visited the ‘Becoming Neighbours’ office, which is located on the premises. The program matches immigrants and refugees with religious men and women to provide companionship as friends, guides and mentors as the newcomers adjust to living in Toronto.

Archbishop Leo spent time on the assisted living floor where he visited with the very ill and bed-ridden residents and Alzheimer patients. As he visited each unit on the floor, he often knelt next to the brothers or sisters and asked for them to bless him. Along the way he met with staff members, stopping to take selfies and offer handshakes and hugs, and was able to converse with some in Tagalog.

Pope Francis named him Archbishop of Toronto on Saturday, February 11 and he was installed as archbishop on Saturday, March 25.

Presentation Manor is named for the story in Luke’s Gospel of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem. In addition to the Basilian Fathers, many other religious communities are represented among the residents including Presentation of Mary Brothers, De La Salle Christian Brothers, Loretto Sisters, the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame, Sisters of Service and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto, Good Shepherd Sisters, Our Lady’s Missionaries, Irish Christian Brothers, Faithful Companions of Jesus, Scarboro Foreign Missions and diocesan priests.