Origin of the Shrine

The Basilian Marian Shrine of Gratitude is located on the grounds of the Ukrainian Basilian Monastery in Weston (west Toronto). It was built in 2005 in gratitude to the Mother of God for saving Fr. Basil Cembalista’s eye.

On October 4, 2004, as Fr. Basil was clearing some brushwood, his eye was seriously injured by a sharp dry branch. When he uttered the prayer “Mother of God, save my eye,” he noticed that not only was the injured eye not damaged but from that moment his vision improved to the point that he no longer needed to wear glasses.

The erection of the monument grew spontaneouly without planning. By word of mouth, many people were attracted from the surrounding area. Other healings have since been reported at the shrine and many graces have been received through the intercession of Our Lady.

Note: All the speaking events will be held at St. Basil’s School adjacent to the Shrine. There will be a candlelight rosary procession on Saturday evening at the Shrine monument (pictured above).