Isabel Correa, communications director for the Archdiocese of Montreal, reports on the joyful return of Cardinal Frank Leo to his hometown and home parish in late March. 

On March 22, Mary Queen of the World Cathedral vibrated to the rhythm of a multilingual celebration in French, English and Italian. The diversity of the participants bore witness to the impact of Cardinal Leo through his ministry. The Mass was marked by great joy, as friends, colleagues, former parishioners and family members gathered to express their gratitude.

The next day, March 23, the parish of Notre-Dame-de-la-Consolata, where the Cardinal grew up, received his sacraments and served as a priest, opened its doors for two celebrations. The morning Mass, in Italian, paid tribute to the Cardinal's roots and the profound contribution of the Italian community to the Church of Montreal. In the afternoon, a Mass in English allowed other members of the diocesan community to join in the celebration.

Wherever he went, the warmth and gratitude were palpable. Among the crowd were his former history teacher, classmates, parishioners and even his high school chaplain, Father David. Father David, with a smile on his face, recalled with emotion the young Frank, faithfully serving mass every morning.

Children presented the Cardinal with colorful drawings, expressing with simplicity their joy at meeting one of their own who had become a Cardinal. The queues to have their photo taken with him lasted for hours, but the enthusiasm never flagged. For many, it was a unique opportunity to show their affection and gratitude.

In his homily, Cardinal Leo recalled the joy of God's love and our mission to open our hearts to Christ. “A Cardinal is like a hinge, opening doors,” he explained. He encouraged everyone not to be afraid to bear witness to their faith and to be an instrument of hope.

With humility, he asked the faithful to pray for him, emphasizing how essential communion in prayer is. “May we remain united in the Lord,” he concluded to warm applause.

Cardinal Leo also made a stirring appeal for priestly vocations. “The world needs Jesus, and therefore the world needs priests,” he said. He invited families to encourage and support young people in their discernment, recalling the beauty of giving oneself in the service of the Church.

Father Pierangelo Paternieri, Episcopal Vicar for Cultural and Ritual Communities, emotionally emphasized the significant contribution of the Italian community to the Montreal clergy. During his speech, he declared:

“Today, we are gathered in the parish of Notre-Dame-de-la-Consolata to celebrate Cardinal Frank Leo, a native of this parish, a return home, to the family, where so many people know and appreciate him. 

 It is an honor and a privilege for the Italian community of the Archdiocese of Montreal to have given a cardinal to the Holy Roman Church. I would like to remind you that the Italian community has given several priests, many of whom have already returned to the Father.  

I would also like to mention that the Italian community has given the Church bishops and archbishops. The first is Monsignor Paul Bruchesi, Archbishop of Montreal, whose grandfather was originally from the Campania region of Italy. Monsignor Bruchesi established the first Italian parish in Canada, Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, in 1905. Then there was Monsignor Andrea Maria Cimichella, auxiliary bishop of Montreal, known for his closeness to the people and his great pastoral heart. Then there was Monsignor Antonio Mancini, auxiliary bishop of Montreal and later archbishop of Halifax. And finally, Cardinal Frank Leo, whose appointment is a source of pride for us all.

I would like to encourage the Italian community to talk to their children and grandchildren about the priesthood. Having a son who is a priest is not a misfortune, but a blessing. Let us return to our Christian roots.”

Cardinal Leo's return was much more than a visit; it was a moment when the Church of Montreal celebrated the faithfulness of a son of the diocese, a witness to the love of God.

And as Archbishop Lépine so aptly put it:

“We welcome one of our own with joy and pride. We give thanks to God for the gift of his vocation and pray that he will continue to be a living sign of the love of Christ.”

Cardinal Leo, with simplicity and affection, recalled the very essence of the Christian mission: to open the door of the heart to Christ and never be afraid to bear witness.

May his testimony continue to inspire and guide the faithful of Montreal and elsewhere