By Ayesha Khan
Hidden behind the North York community centre lies a cherished haven for Christian believers – the Marian Shrine of Gratitude. For nearly two decades, devoted volunteers have lovingly tended to this sacred place, fearing that its existence is now hanging by a thread.
Over seven decades, this corner at Weston Rd. and Sheppard Ave. has welcomed the local community with open arms. Initially, it was the home of St. Basil-the-Great Secondary School. When the school moved, the site transformed into the Carmine Stefano Community Centre, with the priest’s house evolving into a shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary, nestled behind the Tudor-style home, previously known as the Gardiner Cottage.
But this isn’t just any piece of land. Legends of miraculous events surround it. Stories circulate of a priest who miraculously healed his seemingly irreparable eye injury here, sparking tales of inexplicable healings that have astounded countless visitors. Some even speak of cancer-stricken family members who found themselves miraculously cancer-free after visiting the shrine.
This hidden gem sits atop a hill, embraced by the protected lands of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, along with a soccer field. Public facilities, such as the Community Centre and the field, operate on this privately owned land thanks to a 99-year lease signed between the City of Toronto and the Ukrainian Basilian Monastery Order, which expires in 2024. However, complications have arisen, as the order has decided to sell the land to a local developer.
As news of the sale reverberated through the close-knit worshipper community, a passionate group of protestors sprung into action. Their Change.org petition has already amassed over 18,000 signatures. Tensions have escalated, and clashes persist at the shrine, but Angie Carboni, founder of the St. Bernadette’s Family Resource Centre, is determined to find a peaceful resolution. She has organized nightly masses in protest next to the shrine, urging the new buyers to understand the profound significance of this site.
Local City Councillor Anthony Perruzza and Member of Provincial Parliament Tom Rakocevic have thrown their support behind the shrine. They’re using their political clout to navigate heritage designation processes at city and provincial levels, advocating fiercely for the shrine’s preservation.
Councillor Perruzza presented a petition with more than 1,000 signatures at City Hall on September 6, 2023. Despite the early hour, more than 20 dedicated shrine-goers joined him, witnessing the moment when Perruzza moved a motion to prioritize 3100 Weston Road for heritage consideration. The motion passed unanimously, igniting a wave of applause in the usually hushed observation gallery.
“The Marian Shrine is a place of peace that should be open to all for prayer and spiritual reflection,” Perruzza said, on the importance of keeping the shrine accessible to the community.
MPP Tom Rakocevic penned a letter to MPP Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, and MPP Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport, emphasizing the shrine’s profound cultural significance and grassroots history. He’s also drafted a petition to be presented in the legislature when it reconvenes in the fall of 2023.
“Many in our community were distraught at the news of the Shrine’s closure and ongoing removal, and have been hoping for it to be protected, preserved and remain accessible as it has been for many years,” said Rakocevic.
But the hurdles are not yet cleared. A heritage designation, while offering protection against demolition, is still contingent upon the rigorous standards set by the Ontario Heritage Act. The shrine’s future is further complicated by its location adjacent to a TRCA-protected slope, which will inevitably evolve due to erosion. Nevertheless, worshippers hold onto hope.
Information flows effortlessly through a dedicated Facebook group called “Save the Marian Shrine of Gratitude.” It boasts over 1,000 members who share pictures, words of encouragement, and updates on nightly protests at the shrine.
On a memorable Wednesday, September 13, an impressive procession of around 300 devotees assembled on the soccer field for a spirited protest march. Local Councillor Perruzza and MPP Rakocevic were joined by Deputy Mayor Mike Colle, who passionately voiced his support for the Marian Shrine. Lit by the ambient glow of altar candles and the radiant hope of worshippers, Colle thundered, “We will protect this sacred land!”