Immaculate Conception Parish - Woodbridge, Ontario - Canada

As per tradition the Martyr’s Shrine in Midland was the location of the 26th annual pilgrimage of the Italian community that was held on Sunday June 27, 2010 and is organized by the Italian Pastoral Commission. Approximately three thousand faithful were not stopped by a bit of rain and gathered together in Midland to pray and spend a day together. The event was a huge success with the participation this year of the Archbishop of Toronto, His Grace Thomas Collins. For the occasion, the permanent home of the new statue of the Father Francesco Giuseppe Bressani was blessed. Fr. Bressani was the first Italian priest to serve in Canada, and in November 2009, the statue that was donated by Mario Cortellucci and his family was blessed at Immaculate Conception Parish in Woodbridge. After the blessing of the location, the day’s events unfolded as usual with a Holy Mass in the morning presided by the His Grace, Thomas Collins, followed by the Eucharistic Adoration in the afternoon and a procession. Throughout the day, much emphasis was placed on the importance of the story of Fr. Bressani as he paved the way for many Italian priests to come and serve in Canada.
(Report and pictures by Sabrina Baldesarra)