Archdiocese Honours Saint Michael Award Recipients

On September 27, 2026, more than 1,000 members of the Catholic community  gathered at Saint Michael’s Cathedral Basilica for a celebration marking the Solemnity of Saint Michael, patron saint of the Archdiocese of Toronto. The liturgy, celebrated by Frank Cardinal Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, also recognized the recipients of the third annual Saint Michael Award, honouring exemplary lay leadership, faithful service and Christian witness throughout the archdiocese.

Established in 2024, the Saint Michael Award recognizes individuals and couples whose lives exemplify the Gospel through service to the Church, their communities and those in need.  This year’s winners collectively represent centuries of dedicated service, offering a powerful testament to the vitality of lay ministry throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto.

The following recipients of the 2026 Saint Michael Award were honoured at the archdiocesan celebration:

Central Pastoral Region

Bonnie Beverley – St. Bonaventure, Don Mills

Carlos & Colette Carreiro – St. Ann, Toronto

Northern Pastoral Region

Andrew Ligama – St. Joseph the Worker, Thornhill

Geoffrey & Elizabeth Tan – St. Paul the Apostle, Alliston

Eastern Pastoral Region

Renato Baldari – Epiphany of Our Lord, Scarborough

Paul John Butka – St. Gregory the Great, Oshawa

Western Pastoral Region

Ursula Matthews – Our Lady of Sorrows, Etobicoke

Dr. Andrew & the late Joan Simone – Our Lady of Sorrows, Etobicoke

Learn more about this year’s Saint Michael Award recipients

Among those honoured in 2026 were parish leaders, catechists, liturgical ministers, volunteers, charitable workers and community builders whose contributions have strengthened parish life, supported outreach initiatives and inspired countless others to live their faith more fully.

In his homily, Cardinal Leo reflected on the role of angels who constantly live in God’s presence, are messengers of truth, beauty and goodness and serve both God and others. Pointing to this year’s Saint Michael Award recipients, he praised their example saying, “ They have made this call their very own and have brought the message, the love and the service of Christ to others. “

Saint Michael Award recipients provide a compelling reminder that holiness is expressed not only through grand feats, but also through years of steadfast service, sacrificial love and fidelity to the Gospel. Their witness reflects the many ways ordinary people respond to God's call through extraordinary acts of generosity, commitment and love.

For more information about the Saint Michael Awards, visit www.archtoronto.org/awards