The Diocese of St. Paul received an early Christmas gift last week, as Bishop Paul Terrio was ordained in front of a cathedral filled with parishioners, clergy from across the province and many visiting Catholics from outside the area.
The ceremony took place on Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. Buses filled with Catholics from the Edmonton area made their way to St. Paul for the event, along with a number of bishops and priests from near and far. St. Paul’s previous Bishop Luc Bouchard, who left the area when he was named bishop of Trois-Rivieres, Que. in February of this year, was also in attendance, along with Archbishop of Edmonton Richard Smith, who led the event.
Following the entrance of the clergy, Smith addressed the church. He said it was “a day of great joy” where members of the diocese could welcome their “new shepherd.” He added that although the Diocese of St. Paul has been waiting for nearly a year for a new bishop, “this is well worth the wait.” His comments received loud applause.
Smith later said that although the Archdiocese of Edmonton is sorry to lose Terrio as a priest, they rejoice in his new position as bishop. Terrio has an ability to gather people in a single vision, “God’s own vision, God’s plan for the world,” said Smith.
“We who know you are full of confidence,” said Smith to Terrio, as he thanked Terrio for his generous response in accepting his new role.
Following the spiritual ceremony, Terrio addressed the church.
He offered a thank you to all those who attended and helped with the event and a special thanks to Bouchard for making the trip to St. Paul to take part in the ordination. Although Terrio has only been in St. Paul for a couple of months, he has already seen the work done by Bouchard in the previous bishop’s time here.
Terrio also voiced his appreciation for Smith, saying, “He has been such a steady support.” Terrio was touched by the attendance of many of his family members, who travelled from Nova Scotia, Oregon, and Calgary to be present at the ordination.
Terrio said of the ordination, “You know in your heart it’s not just about me,” but said the event was a testament to the faith of everyone in attendance.
Terrio was named as bishop elect of the Diocese of St. Paul in October. He was born in Montreal and was ordained into the priesthood on May 23, 1970. Most recently, he was pastor at Holy Trinity Parish from 2002 to 2012.
He will oversee the 53 parishes that make up the Diocese of St. Paul.
