The Archdiocese of Toronto celebrates the announcement of the 2025 Saint Michael Award recipients, recognizing distinguished and faithful service by members of the Catholic community in the Greater Toronto Area. In 2025, two awards for each pastoral region of the archdiocese (Central, North, East and West), will be presented to an individual or couple nominated by their local pastor. Nomination packages, which included letters of support and references, were reviewed by an archdiocesan committee before the final recipients were selected.

Saint Michael is the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Toronto. The 2025 award recipients will be honoured as part of a special celebration at the Noon Mass on Sunday, September 28, 2025 (Solemnity of Saint Michael) at Saint Michael’s Cathedral Basilica in downtown Toronto.

Frank Cardinal Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, commented on this year’s recipients:

“In this Holy Year of Jubilee, drawing on the theme, ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, I am delighted to honour those who have enkindled hope in others through their generous and loving example. Their selfless commitment reminds us that true holiness is found not in power or acclaim, but in faithful service to others. May the witness of these men and women inspire us all to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with our Lord.” (Micah 6:8)

The following are the 2025 recipients of the Saint Michael Award:

Central Pastoral Region

• Heung-Sook Therese Park, St. Andrew Kim Parish, North York – an active member of the parish Women’s Group and Prayer Group, for close to 20 years, Heung-Sook Therese Park has helped her parish partner with the Trinity Commmunity Hub Programs, supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and others in need. She coordinates clothing drives and faithfully delivers items collected to a downtown community hub. Heug-Sook Therese Park has also mobilized social outreach efforts among Korean parishioners in both Toronto and Hamilton to respond to urgent needs in support of the poor and  marginalized. Over the past 15 years, she has prepared and delivered meals to elderly parishioners living alone as well as visiting nursing homes in the community.
  
• James and Elfreida Soans, St. Bonaventure’s Parish, Don Mills – parishioners since 1996, shortly after their arrival in Canada, James has served as a member of the Knights of Columbus for 25 years, currently as Deputy Grand Knight. For 15 years, he has been a member of the Board of the Community Share Food Bank. Elfreida has held numerous roles with the parish Catholic Women’s League, including president, organizing many events, including the Annual Flea Market while also serving as a sponsor for canddidates for Confirmation and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). As a couple, James and Elfreida serve the broader community bringing Holy Communion to the homebound, strengthening the bond between parish and the Don Mills Retirement Residence. 

Eastern Pastoral Region

• Sue Kanemy – Holy Family Parish, Whitby – a parishioner for more than 35 years, Sue has been a driving force behind the revitalization and organization of programs including: Family Ministry, Children’s Liturgy, First Communion Preparation and Small Groups, creating specialized content and nurturing these programs to expand and inspire many new members in a spirit of joy and love of faith. She has volunteered as Parent Representative for St. Bernard’s School since the early 2000’s and helped organize activities connecting the school and parish including ShareLife and other fundraising initiatives. Sue has also given generously of her time as a volunteer cook at St. Vincent’s Kitchen, Holy Family Outreach Mission and Youth Ministry LifeTeen nights.
  
  
• Hans Maier – St. Joseph’s Parish, Beaverton – a motivator who brings people together to focus on a common goal, Hans came to Canada from Germany in 1959 and has been involved with the Church since his arrival. He is well known in the community for organizing regular dinners, inviting active members for fellowship to celebrate milestones and build community throughout the year and also a special Christmas dinner for parishioners. He encourages others to support him in his “Hans Maier Ultra Marathon Run”, a 100 km single-day run to raise valuable funds for the parish. At 88 years young, he continues to inspire others and is usually the first to arrive with his wife in the front pew for Sunday Mass. He has also assisted the parish through his generous support of restoration work in recent years, ensuring that St. Joseph’s Parish can welcome the faithful and maintain beautiful sacred space.   

Western Pastoral Region

• Mary Ann Leon – Our Lady of Peace Parish, Etobicoke – a devoted member of the parish since 1991, Mary Ann has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the spiritual and communal life of the parish and beyond. She has faithfully served on numerous parish committees: Pastoral Council, Refugee Sponsorship, Volunteer Screening and Children’s Liturgy. As a Chartered Professional Accountant, Mary Ann has been able to instill responsible stewardship to both the parish and a broad spectrum of Catholic organizations including the Mary Centre, The Shepherds’ Trust, Catholic Charities, Vocations Canada, Scarboro Foreign Mission Society, Canadian Jesuits International, University of St. Michael’s College and the Loretto Sisters among others. In this Year of Jubilee, Mary Ann is also an active member of the Archdiocesan Jubilee Committee while also serving on the Archdiocesan Investment Advisory Committee.
  
  
• Frank Maccarone – All Saints Parish, Etobicoke – a parishioner since 2003, Frank has been active within the parish in numerous ministries including Usher, Social Committee, Parish Pastoral Council and the Knights of Columbus. He has been instrumental in building the bridge of stewardship between the parish and three elementary parish schools, establishing a “hot lunch” program called, “Cooking for Kids” to provide 100 hot lunches weekly for students who may otherwise go without a meal. Frank has also developed a special ministry to care for children with special needs, with cooking classes and flower decorating sessions to support young people in their development. He continues to inspire others through his selfless example of faith in action.

Northern Pastoral Region

• John & Ruth Doris – Our Lady of Grace Parish, Aurora – since 2011, John and Ruth have devoted themselves to serving the parish in countless ways. The couple started the “Gardening Angels” initiative to revive and care for church grounds while also serving on the decorating committee and helping as altar servers for funerals. John personally volunteers countless hours to help maintain the church and its facilities, from painting to plumbing and many other maintenance projects. For the past 10 years, Ruth has sewn baptismal bibs for the 10-15 baptisms taking place each month. The couple has also generously opened their home to parishioners requiring housing in a time of transition while also nurturing a community partnership with other Aurora churches called “Welcoming Arms”, preparing and serving 150 meals monthly for those in need.
  
  
• Stella Bruni – St. André Bessette Parish, Maple – a dedicated member of an outreach program for the poor and homeless, Stella works tirelessly to serve the less fortunate. Whether distributing food or simply being present for those who are often forgotten, Stella gives generously of her time and talents. An active member of the Our Lady of Good Counsel Women’s Group, her faith and leadership continue to inspire others. Her witness is made even more powerful by her personal journey as a cancer survivor. Stella leads by example and embodies the spirit of Christian charity in service to others.

The Archdiocese of Toronto gives thanks for the 2025 Saint Michael Award recipients and all those who were nominated by their pastor for consideration. Additional information regarding the awards can be found by visiting: www.archtoronto.org/awards.