Thank you to everyone who joined us and volunteered on Sunday, July 26, as we celebrated the Feast of our patron saint, St. James, and the blessing of the Emancipation Plaque.
Why do we celebrate St. James, the Apostle?
Our patron saint, James the Apostle, was one of Jesus’s first disciples and one of the 3 disciples at the Transfiguration. Legend says that his remains were discovered in Spain, miraculously covered in scallop shells. This is why the shell is a symbol of St. James. The feast day of a community’s patron saint is an occasion for special celebration in Anglican parishes, as we honour the enduring legacy of the saint’s life and ministry.
Why do we commemorate Emancipation Day?
Emancipation Day commemorates the abolition of slavery in the British Empire, which took effect on August 1, 1834. St. James has a longstanding connection to this history through commemorative services first held by Toronto’s African-Canadian community. Emancipation Day honours the resilience and contributions of Black communities in Canada.
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