Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

In the heart of Etobicoke, a beacon of faith stands tall. Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church has witnessed the growth and dreams of a community. Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish wasn’t always a brick-and-mortar reality. It began as a shared desire, a seed planted in the hearts of Slovenian families who had migrated west from Our Lady Help of Christians. In 1959, these families, led by Rev. Janez Kopac, started to envision a spiritual home of their own. They began holding Sunday Masses at Christ the King Church on Lake Shore, their voices echoing the hopes for a dedicated space. By August 1960, a house on Browns Line became the center of their operations, serving as both Rev. Kopac’s residence and the parish’s first tangible foothold. Today, that very spot is occupied by J.E. Krek’s Credit Union, a testament to the parish’s enduring legacy. The official birth of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish came on September 1, 1960, marked by an Archbishop’s decree. The parish’s future home was still an empty lot then, a blank canvas awaiting the strokes of faith and hard work. Architect Peter Dimitroff’s initial designs were unfortunately rejected by the municipality. Alson Fisher stepped in, and his plans were swiftly approved. On November 2, 1960, the groundbreaking ceremony took place, a symbolic moment that solidified the dream into action. Rev. Franc Sodja, assisted by fellow Vincentian Fathers, broke ground, marking the beginning of a new chapter. The parish hall was completed remarkably quickly, opening its doors on February 5, 1961. It served as a temporary chapel, hosting Sunday Masses until the church’s completion. Finally, on May 28, 1961, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church was blessed by Bishop Francis V. Allen, the same day the cornerstone was laid. This auspicious date coincided with the 130th anniversary of Our Lady’s apparition and the revelation of the Miraculous Medal, adding another layer of significance to the occasion. Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church continues to serve its diverse community, a living testament to the faith and dedication of those who dreamt it into being.