CFN-Recently we reported that the Pope had named a bishop-elect for the local Catholic diocese. Rev. Marcel Damphousse is here in the diocese to meet with his staff and members of the press prior to returning to Manitoba late in the day on Tuesday. During our interview with Rev. Marcel today at Nativity Co-Cathedral, we inquired as to the timeline for his pending ordination. The people of Alexandria-Cornwall might wish to circle the afternoon of Sunday, September 2 on their calendars. Rev. Marcel will be ordained to the Episcopate at St. Finnan’s Cathedral in Alexandria on the Sunday of the 2012 Labour Day long weekend. He anticipates having wrapped up loose ends in his present assignment by August 23, at which point he’ll be here full time. The bishop-elect is very much looking forward to spending the next year getting to know the people of the diocese and their needs.
Unfortunately because of his tight schedule, Rev. Marcel will be unable to experience the annual Journey to the Father high school age youth conference in St. Raphael’s this coming weekend, but ministry to the youth is high among his priorities. Archbishops Prendergast and O’Brien are scheduled to participate in the 13th annual conference, which draws hundreds of youth from across Ontario and beyond. More than 400 volunteers work to ensure a smooth-flowing weekend. As always, the public is invited to join in for the closing Mass beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday in the main tent on the parish grounds.
Thank you to our viewers who submitted questions. Similar questions were rolled into one and asked during our video interview which appears below and includes words of welcome from interim Diocesan Administrator, Fr. Kelvin Maloney.
We received official word that the ordination will take place at 2pm on Sunday, September 2nd at St. Finnan’s Cathedral in Alexandria. Archbishop Brendan O’Brien (Kingston) will preside and Archbishops Paul-Andre Durocher (Gatineau) and Albert LeGatt (St. Boniface) will be the co-consecraters.
Hi Don,
I just had a chance to view the interview. It’s great! Thanks for giving me this opportunity to make myself known to the people of Alexandria-Cornwall. Keep up the good work.
+Marcel Damphousse
Bishop-Elect
Thank you both, Rev. Marcel and Don, for this fine interview!
Congratulations to the Bishop-Elect on this beautiful nomination! The faithful of Alexandria-Cornwall are very blessed to receive into their midst this man of great faith, experience and love of God!