in your faith

Fr. Francesco Giordano, Pastor

Fr. Francesco joined our community at Maria Ausiliatrice in March 2022.

Fr. Francesco is a native Montrealer, and his family is from the Amalfi Coast in Naples, Italy. Following his ordination for the Archdiocese of Montreal in 2008, Fr. Francesco served for three years at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral and one year as pastor for the parish of Ste-Marguerite-Bourgeoys on Nuns’ Island. Between 2012 and 2015, he completed his Licentiate of Canon Law at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Upon his return to Montreal, he was appointed Vice Chancellor, replacing Msgr Gilles Bissonnette in the fall of 2018 as Judicial Vicar and administrator of the Regional Ecclesiastical Tribunal.

We are excited to work with him as a team to grow our Mission at Maria Ausiliatrice!

You can contact Fr. Francesco at [email protected]

Fr. Paranjothi Alacius Thinagaran, H.G.N, Assistant Pastor

Fr. Alacius joined our community at Maria Ausiliatrice in December 2022.  He is a missionary priest from India with the congregation Heralds of Good News (Divine Mercy Province). Ordained in 2005, he recently celebrated 19 years as a priest.

As a priest in India, Fr. Alacius served both in parishes and schools. He also served for 11 years in Italy. 

You can contact Fr. Alacius at [email protected]

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Deacon Peter Biello, Permanent Deacon

Deacon Peter is mandated to our Parish as Pastoral Animator since his ordination.

Permanent Deacons who are married, are considered clergy however do not take a vow of celibacy unlike Priests or Bishops. Hence he can celebrate baptisms, marriages and funerals but he cannot consecrate the Eucharist nor hear confessions. 

Deacon Peter leads our Bible Study group on Tuesday evenings. 

You can contact Deacon Peter at [email protected].

Deacon Peter is married to his wife Rosa.  They have two adult children, Michael and Joseph, and 4 grandchildren.

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Deacon Nick Giampaolo, Permanent Deacon & Parish Catechetical Leader (PCL)

Deacon Nick was ordained on the Feast Day of our Lady, Mary Help of Christians, May 24, 2019. After his ordination, the Archbishop mandated him to our Parish as Pastoral Animator.

Permanent Deacons who are married, are considered clergy however do not take a vow of celibacy unlike Priests or Bishops. Hence he can celebrate baptisms, marriages and funerals but he cannot consecrate the Eucharist nor hear confessions.

In addition, he is the PCL for the children’s catechism program and is responsible for the RCIA Program at our parish (adult preparation for the sacraments) and may be reached at the following email addresses:

[email protected] (for his work as a deacon)

[email protected] (for the RCIA program)

[email protected] (for the Faith and Family Office)

He is also mandated at Hôpital Marie-Clarac and holds a certificate in Pastoral Home Care through the SASMAD program for the Diocese of Montréal.

Deacon Nick is married to his wife Cathy Albano, since August 20, 1983. They have two adult children, Vincenzo and Nadia (Karl).

your faith

Sylvia Coirazza, Assistant Parish Catechetical Leader

Where to begin….. Sylvia has been an active catechist for over 35 years at the parish. She is involved in many of our pastoral activities and is a pillar in our community. Sylvia is part of the group of founders of our parish.

She supports the work of the Faith & Family Office as the Assistant PCL.

You can contact Sylvia at [email protected]

Gina De Luca, Pastoral Assistant

Gina began her work at the parish in 2023 in her new role as Pastoral Assistant.  Gina supports the work of our pastor, associate pastor, and the pastoral team.

Gina has been a parishioner since childhood.  Growing up in our parish, she was actively involved in activities led by the Salesian Sisters and was involved in youth ministry as a young adult.  She was part of the national coordinating team for World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto.

You can contact Gina at [email protected].

Mary Racaniello, Parish Secretary

Mary serves as our parish secretary. 

You can contact Mary at [email protected] or at 514-648-9424.

Carmela Papandrea, Parish Secretary

Carmela serves as our parish secretary. Carmela is part of the group of founders of our parish.

You can contact Carmela at [email protected] or at 514-648-9424.