On November 1 in Montreal, Canada, the 75th anniversary of the Montreal Gate of Dawn Parish and its choir was solemnly celebrated!
The gathered parishioners and friends of the parish were greeted by the Archbishop of Montreal, Christian Lépine, and other distinguished guests. Jolanta Vitkauskaitė, Counsellor at the Embassy of Lithuania in Canada, conveyed greetings from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kęstutis Budrys.
“Your dedication, unity, and love for Lithuania unite different generations of Canadians of Lithuanian descent, build a strong community, and inspire faith and fellowship. I sincerely thank you for nurturing Lithuanian identity, fostering community spirit, and tirelessly working to preserve our spiritual and cultural values,” — stated the Minister in his letter.
Established in 1950, the Montreal Gate of Dawn Parish has, for more than seven decades, been a symbol of the community—offering a special opportunity for Montreal Lithuanians to cherish Lithuanian traditions together, strengthen their sense of community through faith and love of God. Over the years, the parish has become home to various Lithuanian organizations—from scouts and riflemen to sports groups—and has always served as a vibrant center of community life.
That same year, the Gate of Dawn Parish Choir was founded. As an inseparable symbol of the parish, the choir has for many years adorned Holy Mass with its voices, promoting Lithuanian culture not only in Canada but also beyond its borders.
