The story of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish began in 1945 – a time when Toronto’s Catholic community was welcoming many new families, particularly immigrants seeking a new life after the Second World War.

As the new parish was established, Archbishop James C. McGuigan observed the spiritual needs of the community and envisioned a parish dedicated to Mary under her glorious Assumption into heaven.

Fast-forward to modern-day: On Aug. 31, Frank Cardinal Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, joined the parish community as part of celebrations for the 75^th anniversary of the parish.

In light of this historic milestone, here are some highlights from over the years, as the parish laid down its roots as a place of faith, culture and community – a Marian parish at the heart of Toronto.

- In 1950, Archbishop McGuigan entrusted the new parish to the Redemptorists (who guided the parish for nearly half a century until 1995). Following its canonical establishment, the parish needed a permanent church to accommodate its growing congregation in the Bathurst-Lawrence area of North Toronto. During these early years, Sunday Masses were celebrated in a local movie theatre.

- By 1952, construction on the church was complete – laying the groundwork as a permanent home for liturgical celebrations, Marian devotion and community life.

- In 1998, the Missionaries of Africa took over pastoral leadership of the parish. Their missionary spirit included a new focus on welcoming and ministering to Toronto’s growing African and Caribbean Catholic communities.

- In 2008, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish was formally designated as the home of the Archdiocesan Filipino Catholic Mission. This recognized both the growing number of Filipino Catholics in Toronto and the parish’s capacity to serve as their spiritual centre.

- The Mission revitalized parish life with strong family participation, Marian devotion and vibrant liturgical celebrations enriched by Filipino faith traditions. In 2021, the parish hosted the Archdiocesan Closing Mass for the 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines, a historic celebration for Toronto’s Filipino community.

Today, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish stands as a living witness to God’s providence and the enduring intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The parish celebrates multiple weekend Masses in English and Tagalog, and continues to serve both its local neighbourhood and the wider Filipino community across the Greater Toronto Area.