Etobicoke: St. Benedict Parish Hosts “Pilgrimage of the Angels”

By Bro. Kevin White, SDB

(Etobicoke, ON – October 9) – On Saturday, September 28, the members of St. Benedict’s Parish hosted their walking pilgrimage from their Parish Hall all the way to St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica in downtown Toronto. Soon after the 8:00 a.m. Mass, a group of around 50 pilgrims loaded up on snacks and drinks. Then, they eagerly embarked on their long and arduous journey across Toronto. The route in total was just over 20 km. (about 13 miles)!

The group made multiple stops along the way, including a stop at Malta Bake Shop, which generously donated delicious Maltese pastries and sweets! Each stop included a bit of time to rest and a catechetical moment when the participants were able to pray and learn about the Catholic theology of angels. These stops were moments for the pilgrims to refuel both physically and spiritually. The pilgrims were able to alleviate their physical hunger and thirst and also their spiritual hunger and thirst! They received physical food and drink, and also spiritual food touching both the mind and heart.

The group made it to St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica in perfect timing, at around 4:40 p.m., which was 20 minutes before the 5:00 p.m. Vigil Mass! The homily, preached by Rev. Frank Portelli, the rector of St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, providentially tied in perfectly to the themes of all of the catechetical moments experienced by the pilgrims during the day. The Vigil Mass was a fitting conclusion to the day for all the pilgrims, coming together to share in the heavenly banquet of Christ, where all the angels are present.