New Bishop Ordained for Saskatoon Mar.24th, 2010

On Thursday evening, March 24th, Don Bolen from the Archdiocese of Regina was ordained the new bishop of Saskatoon. I had first met him during my first Ad Limina visit to Rome with the Western Bishops, where he was serving as part of the Congregation on Ecumenism. A strong and articulate advocate of ecumenism, the ordination was preceded the evening before by an ecumenical service that packed St. Paul's Cathedral in Saskatoon. The new nuncio to Canada, Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana, shared a message. This was his first such event since his arrival in Canada. Archbishop Daniel Bohan of Regina was the main consecrating bishop. The music ministry was a blend of singers and musicians from both dioceses. With his experience in Rome and his international connections, as well as his focus on ecumenism, Bishop Donald will be a good fit for the diocese of Saskatoon.


A crowd of over 1600 chosen from all the parishes along with other guests crowded St. Patrick's Church for the great event. In the foreground are the ecumenical and inter-faith representatives from other churches, including some Jewish rabbis.


The newly ordained bishop greets a representative from one of his parishes after the long but beautiful ceremony.

Chrism Mass The Pas March 16 2010

Because of the size of our archdiocese, the Chrism mass is celebrated earlier than usual. The celebration this year saw over 84 persons from across the archdiocese participate. Here Fr. Mark Blom OMI, the MC, and Fr. Bart Burke, the oldest priest present, are seated with Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie OMI. This is one of two events during the year that seeks to gathers the clergy and pastoral ministers ( the other is our Study Days) along with faithful from across the archdiocese. Note: the homily on the occasion of this chrism mass can be found under the heading of homilies on our website.


Sr. Andrea Dumont and Sr. Carmen Catellier either enjoying a lighter moment in the liturgy, or singing or praying.


The priest concelebrants of the archdiocese gather around Archbishop Sylvain for the blessing of the chrism.


Representatives from the parishes and missions brought up the gifts.


The clergy and pastoral ministers present posed with the archbishop. From left to right, Fr. Bart Burke, Sr. Carmen Catellier, SNJM; Sr. Andrea Dumont, CSJ; Fr. Noel Boulanger OMI, Sr. Mary Assenmacher OP; Fr. Eugene Whyte OMI; Sr. Ethel Detz OP; Fr. Bill Stang OMI; Fr. John Zunti OMI; Fr. Mark Blom OMI; Fr. Bob Leblanc; Sr. Mary Kastens OP; Fr. Susai Jesu OMI; Fr. Calixtus Fernando; Sr. Iva Gregory OP; Fr. Wendelin Rolheiser OMI and Fr. Louis Legare OMI.


A large crowd came from Sandy Bay and Pelican Narrows in Saskatchewan and posed for pictures with the bishop after along with their pastor, Fr. Susai Jesu OMI, in the background.


Most of those who attended enjoyed a catered supper after the event in Guy Hall before heading home.