St. Lawrence the Martyr Catholic Church

Hidden within Scarborough, St. Lawrence the Martyr Catholic Church has a story waiting to be discovered. It all began in 1959. A group of determined Catholics, spearheaded by several women, petitioned the Archbishop of Toronto. They desperately needed a church in their community. Their prayers were answered. The Archbishop granted their request and appointed Father William (Bill) W. Breen as the first pastor of St. Lawrence the Martyr Catholic Church. Before the church was built, the land served as a playground for St. Lawrence Catholic Elementary School. Sunday masses were initially held in the high school across the street. The faithful gathered there until the church’s basement was completed in 1961. Then, on May 21, 1961, a milestone was reached. James Cardinal McGuigan celebrated the first mass within the newly built church. St. Lawrence the Martyr Catholic Church wasn’t just a building. It became a vibrant hub for a diverse community. Initially, the parish consisted mostly of European descendants. Over the years, it transformed into a truly cosmopolitan congregation, welcoming people from all corners of the world. By 2006, the church boasted nearly 7,000 members. Attached to St. Lawrence the Martyr Catholic Church is a friary, a home for Franciscan priests and seminarians. This friary became an integral part of the church’s identity in 1983 when the parish was entrusted to the Order of Friars Minor by Gerald Emmett Cardinal Carter. Father Ambrose DeLuca became the first Franciscan pastor, followed by others who continued to shape the church’s legacy. One notable figure is Father Ralph Paonessa. He oversaw extensive renovations, transforming the interior of the church, hall, and friary. He also enhanced the church grounds with beautiful landscaping. His efforts even included installing an elevator and a new HVAC system, along with the addition of 39 stunning stained-glass windows. St. Lawrence the Martyr Catholic Church stands as a testament to the dedication and vision of those who brought it to life.