CORNWALL, Ontario – An interim leader has taken over to helm the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall while a new bishop is sought.
Wednesday the diocese announced Pope Francis has named Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, S.J., Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Ottawa, the apostolic administrator of the local diocesel. As apostolic administrator, he takes over the temporary governance of the diocese.
When Bishop Marcel Damphousse took possession of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie Wednesday morning in a ceremony at North Bay’s Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption, the more than 56,000 Catholics of the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall, which encompasses the counties of Stormont and Glengarry, were officially left without a bishop.
“It’s an honour to serve the clergy, religious and faithful of another local church, respecting the unique characteristics of that church,” said Prendergast. “The coming months will be a time of challenge…as together we reflect on the needs of Alexandria-Cornwall, its pastoral plan for evangelization and renewal and how the future might unfold.
“I thank the Holy Father for the privilege of serving in this way. I ask all in Ottawa and Alexandria-Cornwall to pray for me—to pray for us—in the days ahead.”
Prendergast will meet with the diocesan College of Consultors Thursday afternoon at the diocesan centre located at 220 Montreal Road in Cornwall.
