Most beautiful mass in Toronto is a streetcar ride away

The most beautiful Mass in Toronto is at Holy Family Church, 1372 King Street West, at 11 o’clock on Sunday mornings. There is not much parking, but on Sundays the streetcar stops right in front of the church. The parish is administered by the Fathers of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri.

When I state that this is the most beautiful Mass in Toronto, I am not saying that it is the dearest Mass in Toronto. Affection is as subjective as appreciation of beauty is objective. Every four year old believes that his own mother is the dearest, most beautiful mother in the world, and indeed he should, if she is good to him.

Ten years ago my favourite Mass was celebrated in the utility room of Regis College — only on Wednesdays, alas — by a rota of professors or ordained students, the congregation facing each other when not half-turned towards the altar on one end, or half-turned towards the ambo on the other.