The Journey to St. Rita at Marylake Long-Term Care Home

His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo was amongst 240 people in attendance at a special fundraising event that raised $1.47 million towards capital costs for the construction of St. Rita at Marylake Long-Term Care Home.

Held at Eaton Hall in King City on May 26, the generosity of the Catholic community was out in full force.

In memory of their beloved mother, Mario and Nick Cortellucci will be donating $1.25 million for the naming of Piazza Nonna Maria Cortellucci. The brothers were guided by the words of St. Augustine: “Find out how much God has given you and take from it what you need; the remainder is needed by others.”

The board was privileged to have Cardinal Leo in attendance. “We are grateful for his enduring leadership and spiritual guidance in our Archdiocese, as well as his support and prayers as we take this important step forward.”

Fr. Anthony Pizzo, OSA, Prior of the Midwest Province of the Augustinians in Chicago was also in attendance. With over four decades of religious life, he has faithfully ministered to the people of God in the Augustinian tradition — grounded in community, compassion and the search for truth.

The St. Rita vision is to build a new monastery with 10 private suites for our Church leaders, and alongside it, Canada’s first Catholic, Augustinian-owned 160 bed long-term care home — a home where the sick, the vulnerable and those in greatest need would receive care infused with the compassion and dignity of Christ himself.

Why choose St. Rita as the namesake? She is a powerful symbol of hope, perseverance and healing. Known as the patron saint of impossible causes, St. Rita lived a life marked by suffering yet never lost faith. She was a wife, a mother, a widow, a peacemaker, and eventually, an Augustinian nun. Through all of life's trials — whether in family conflict or personal illness — she responded not with bitterness, but with prayer, forgiveness and unwavering compassion.

St. Rita at Marylake represents more than just bricks and mortar — it embodies a mission. A mission to offer compassionate, Catholic long-term care in the tradition of St. Augustine, a place where our elders can feel safe, cherished and spiritually nourished.

For more information, please visit https://www.stritaatmarylake.com/.