New Medical Clinic for Homeless Opens in Toronto

On October 2, 2026, Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlap, the first Canadian to lead the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, opened Toronto’s Good Shepherd Clinic, a new health unit for the homeless. Presiding over the ribbon-cutting ceremony and participating in the blessing, the ceremony was also attended by His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo, Chaplain of the Order of Malta, and leaders of the Canadian Association as well as institutional, religious and community medical representatives. In the afternoon, Holy Mass was held in St. Paul’s Basilica, followed by an official reception.

The facility was born from the collaboration between the Order of Malta’s Canadian Association and the Good Shepherd Ministries, and will be run by the Hospital Order of St. John of God, with the aim of offering healthcare to people in conditions of poverty and marginalization.

Located in a reception centre, the clinic is designed to facilitate access to primary care for homeless people by providing medical assessments, treatments and links to community health services. The project was implemented thanks to philanthropic funds, equipment donations from local hospitals and contributions from volunteer medical staff.

“Our service must always remain personal,” Grand Master Dunlap stressed. “The Order was founded on the encounter with those who are sick, poor or vulnerable, and nothing can replace that direct human contact. But our responsibility goes further. We must also build works and institutions capable of making that service lasting and reaching more people.”

Grand Master Dunlap's journey continued to Midland, Ont., with the traditional annual pilgrimage to the Canadian Martyrs’ Shrine. In this place of intense spirituality, he shared moments of prayer, recollection, and closeness with members, volunteers, and numerous sick pilgrims, participating in the Eucharistic celebration and the rite of the Anointing of the Sick.