Beneath that dome rests a story of faith and community. We are standing before Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church. It is a beacon of hope in downtown Toronto.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church began in 1879. The area was then known as St. John’s Grove. It was the Archbishop of Toronto’s summer residence. In 1885, the clergy gifted this church to Archbishop John Joseph Lynch. This honored his 25th anniversary of episcopal ordination.
Frederick Charles Law designed Our Lady of Lourdes Church. He drew inspiration from the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome. The Romanesque Revival style gives Our Lady of Lourdes its unique charm. The archbishop’s summer residence still exists. It forms part of the parish hall. The church officially opened on October 28, 1886.
Look up. Notice the dome. Our Lady of Lourdes was Toronto’s first church with a dome. It is made of wood and clad with Muntz metal. Eight windows pierce the dome. A skylight and cross top it off.
In 1910, Our Lady of Lourdes Church expanded. A nave was added. The original church became the sanctuary. The former residence became part of the hall.
Over time, St. James Town transformed. It welcomed immigrants and international students. The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul originally ran the church. In 1969, the Jesuits took over.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church embraces diversity. It welcomes people from all walks of life. The church hosts an “All Inclusive Ministry”. This is a Catholic community for LGBTQ+ people. The parish welcomes everyone. This includes all races, nationalities, and orientations. Our Lady of Lourdes strives to live out Christian values. It builds a community of peace, love, and justice.
The church has multiple Sunday Masses. They even offer a Mass in Tamil.
Our Lady of Lourdes became a focal point for the Filipino community. The Silayan Community Centre started here. It helped Filipino newcomers adjust to Canadian life.
In June 1933, lightning struck the dome. A fire broke out. Firefighters rushed to the scene. Tragedy struck when a ladder broke. One firefighter died, and others were injured. The fire was soon under control.
Today, Our Lady of Lourdes continues to serve. It offers in-person and live-streamed Masses. The Jesuits administer the parish.
The story of Our Lady of Lourdes goes back further. In 1858, in Lourdes, France, Bernadette Soubirous saw apparitions of the Virgin Mary. Mary appeared in blue and white. She made the sign of the cross. Bernadette was canonized as Saint Bernadette in 1933. Lourdes, France, is now a famous healing shrine.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church received heritage status in 1973. The rectory received its designation in 1990.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church stands as a testament to faith. It is a welcoming home for all. Its history reflects the changing face of Toronto. It embraces its diverse community. Remember the dome and remember the story. It is a story of faith, community, and welcome.