Father Vito Marziliano will be remembered as a kind hearted priest by thousands

It was devastating news when Father Vito Marziliano was pronounced dead over the weekend. He was accompanied by his secretary her husband and staff at which point he was distressed, and until the paramedics came they did all they could do until his heart gave out and it was too late. 

His most recent church, St. Patrick’s in Brampton where he planned to spend his last years before retiring, the outpouring of grief and love from all levels of social media has been unprecedented and proved to be a testament to how deeply he was loved by his community.

As a young child growing up he wanted to give his life to the church and be a priest, and that has come from a well supported family he had. when he became a priest he was preaching at the St. Margaret Marry Church in the 1980’s, a well known church located in the Woodbridge area near Woodbridge Avenue north of Toronto. from there he moved on to other perishes throughout the city. 

While moving to other perishes he became very influential, not only as a priest but for how intelligent of a man he was. His personality was genuine and he was all heart. His influence brought upon knowing so many people – from the city’s most powerful people to those who needed spiritual sustenance while doing prison time. He married notable couples threw the years and was asked to marry hundreds of couples, officiate at various religious services, asked to visit the dying in early morning hours. He very rarely said no.

His mission was to be with people and be one with the many that needed it the most. Everyone was equal and this was a true definition of character that he was indeed a great shepherd. A shepherd is one who cares for its flock and Father Vito was a loving caring shepherd for everyone he met.

In an email mentioned wrote a member of the Archdiocese of Toronto. “Our priests are shepherds who care for the flock. Father Vito was truly a loving, caring and joyful shepherd for all those he met, He had a profound ability to connect with others. I’ve heard from so many who spoke of their moments of personal encounter with Father Vito. From their most joyful days to moments of significant loss. Father Vito made people feel welcome and loved. He was what a priest should be — the hands and face of Jesus to those they meet, loving and serving others, every day. What a tremendous loss for us all.”

Father Vito was everyone’s friend. He was the go-to, and the priest who had an amazing character for gathering people, and taking care of them. Getting people involved in fundraisers. Holding Passover dinners with members of other religious groups, organizing trips to the Holy Land. One was being planned for this fall.

His heart may have let go, but one can be assured it had been filled by so much love for a sweet, kind priest that will always live on in our memories as a legendary priest who will be so missed.

 

Funerals services are yet to be determined.

 

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