A Golden Jubilee of Priestly Service: Fr. Andrzej Glaba

All Saints Roman Catholic Church in Etobicoke, Ont., was filled with joy, gratitude, and the spirit of celebration on Sunday, May 31 as the parish community gathered to honour an extraordinary milestone: the 50th Anniversary of Ordination of their beloved Pastor, Fr. Andrzej Glaba.

Five decades of faithful priestly service, devoted leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Church and to all those entrusted to his care — these are the gifts that were celebrated on this memorable day. Fifty years of being Christ’s hands, Christ’s voice, and Christ’s heart: loving each person unconditionally, and offering himself in service to God’s people without reserve.

The day began with a solemn and joyful Mass of Thanksgiving, graced by the presence of His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo, who served as Homilist. Many clergy came from near and far to share in the celebration with their colleague and dear friend, gathering around the altar in a beautiful expression of priestly brotherhood.

The faithful of All Saints Parish came out in great numbers to celebrate and receive Holy Communion alongside Fr. Andrzej. The All Saints Choir sang with grace and beauty, lifting the hearts of all present in prayer and praise. Twelve altar servers processed with dignity, honoured to serve on such an historic occasion for the community. His Eminence was welcomed at the doors of the church by twelve Knights of Columbus in full regalia — a fitting tribute to a shepherd who has given so much.

His Eminence delivered an inspiring and heartfelt homily, reflecting on what it means to give one’s life entirely to God — to fulfil the promise made at ordination with fidelity, day after day, across 50 years. Cardinal Leo spoke with warmth and admiration of Fr. Andrzej’s journey: his years as a missionary, his dedicated service as a seminary teacher, and his pastoral work across various parishes, culminating in 17 years as Pastor of All Saints.

To Fr. Andrzej’s announcement of retirement, His Eminence offered a characteristic and affectionate response: “We still have work for you — but now it’s without the administrative part.” The assembly responded with knowing laughter and warm applause.

In a moving address, Fr. Andrzej Glaba spoke from the heart, thanking his parishioners for their dedication, their commitment to the community of faith, and above all for their enduring love and support throughout years at All Saints. His words were filled with both profound gratitude and genuine emotion. As he prepares to enter the new chapter of retirement, Fr. Andrzej was at pains to assure his flock that his service to the Lord is far from over. Retirement will bring a change of role, not a change of heart.

The Chair of the parish council spoke on behalf of the entire congregation, offering thanks to Fr. Andrzej for his dedicated service to All Saints Parish — for his leadership, his pastoral guidance, and his deep and evident love for this community. The assembly’s applause was long and warm.

A special word of thanks was also extended to His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo for honouring the parish with his presence. The parishioners were profoundly moved that the Cardinal came to mark this occasion in person — a powerful sign of the unity of the Church and of the esteem in which Fr. Andrzej is held.

The celebrations continued in the auditorium of All Saints School, adjacent to the parish, where parishioners gathered for a reception of refreshments and, most importantly, the warm fellowship of one another’s company. It was an afternoon that reflected everything Fr. Andrzej has built over 50 years: a community that prays together, celebrates together, and cares for one another.