‘They destroyed everything’: Rally held to save beloved west end shrine
Posted August 20, 2023 7:27 pm.
The Marian Shrine of Gratitude has been tucked away behind St. Basil-the-Great-College School and the Carmine Stefano Community Centre near Weston Road and Sheppard Avenue for years. The property where this sacred place of worship resides has been sold despite cries from the public for it to be saved. Residents say this has been a place where all are welcome.
“It’s not just Christians that are coming here, it’s different denominations coming here because they feel peace,” said Angela Carboni, a shrine volunteer coordinator for 15 years.
The shrine was being looked after by three priests who have since passed away. Ownership was then transferred over to the Basilian Fathers at the Order of St. Basil the Great of St. Josaphat. A letter was sent out earlier this week advising locals that the shrine would no longer be accessible to the public. The once-open shrine is now behind gates and guarded with security. Trucks have been brought in and workers have been on hand to begin moving some of the sacred articles. Locals have been visibly distraught by the tearing down of the site, including a 96-year-old woman who has been caring for the land.
“For 17 years, I did everything here, I pruned the trees, I planted the flowers, and now they destroyed everything,” said Esterina Colaguori.
CityNews tried to speak to one person who was inside the shrine who residents say is one of the new owners, but no one wanted to comment. Local politicians also came out to support residents and to see if something can be done to preserve the area.
“It is very, very special to thousands of people,” said Tom Rakocevic, MPP for Humber River – Black Creek. “So we hope there is a way forward so people can continue coming here to find spiritual peace.”
“Where this site is located, I believe most if not all of it is located on conservation regulated authority land,” added Ward 7 Humber River – Black Creek councillor Anthony Perruzza. “So we’re going to have to sort these issues out.”
Residents say they are heartbroken about this latest development but hope the new owners will hear their plea and save the shrine for the community.
