Mary, the Mother of Christ, is the Mother and Model of the Church. She is the faithful disciple who opened her heart to welcome the Word (Luke 1:29). In her, the Word was made Flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). Mary is the bearer of Christ to the world, teaching us to "do what he tells us" (John 2:5). She is the one who remained faithful to God's will and stood beneath the Cross trusting and loving, and welcoming all into her heart as her children: "Woman, behold your son" (John 19:26). Mary is the one around whom the early community gathered, awaiting the gift of the Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 1:14). She continues to be for us a light on the path to the Kingdom, a companion in the journey of faith.

St. Joseph, the "just man" of Nazareth (Matthew 1:19) was chosen by God to be the guardian and protector of the Holy Family. He responded with trust and love to all that was asked of him: in taking Mary as his wife (Mt 1:21), in fleeing away from the danger which the newborn Son of God faced (Mt 2:13) and in providing for Mary and Jesus a home in which the Child could grow in age and wisdom (Luke 2:52). St. Joseph is the guardian of the Universal Church. He is the patron of Canada and of the Christian family. To his intercession we entrust our country, our home, our work, and the last hours of our earthly journey.

St. Michael, prince of the Heavenly Host, is the patron of the Archdiocese of Toronto. We turn to his intercession in our struggle against the adversities of life. We entrust to his care and protection the journey which we have been called to undertake in our vocation of life, work and commitment in building a just society of love and peace.