Cardinal Leo Presides at Missioning of Unity Health Toronto CEO
His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, presided at a Service of Missioning on June 23 for Altaf Stationwala, Chief Executive Officer of Unity Health Toronto, a network of hospitals that include St. Michael's Hospital, St. Joseph's Health Centre, and Providence Healthcare.
The service brought together members of the Unity Health Toronto Board of Directors and executive leadership team, representatives of the Catholic Health Sponsors of Ontario, and other invited guests in prayer and thanksgiving for the ministry of Catholic health care and the leadership entrusted to those who serve within it.
In his reflection, Cardinal Leo spoke of Catholic health care as a vital expression of the Church's healing mission, rooted in service to human dignity, the common good, and compassionate care for those most in need. During the Missioning Rite, Altaf affirmed his commitment to lead with integrity and humility, to advance and respect the Catholic mission and ethical foundations of the organization, and to steward responsibly the people and resources entrusted to his care. The service also included the presentation of an icon of the Hospitality of Abraham by Meaghan Sharp, Chief Executive Officer of the Sponsor, symbolizing the values of hospitality, service, and reverence for every person.
Among those present were Sister Georgette of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto, the Congregational leader of founding religious sisters of Unity’s health care ministry. She participated in the service by reading the scripture passages. Also present was outgoing Board Chair Nora Aufrieter, who presented Unity’s CEO to His Eminence. Members of the Sponsor, and representatives of the Catholic Health Sponsors of Ontario were also in attendance.
Following the service, Altaf expressed his gratitude for the support and encouragement of Cardinal Leo, the Sponsor, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto, the Board, and the broader Catholic health-care community as he continues his leadership of Unity Health Toronto.
