Recent bishop changes above average, but not ‘a new wave’

The ordination and installation of Kenneth Thorson as bishop of Prince Albert on Aug. 22 completed a series of leadership changes affecting three dioceses. This chain of appointments began after the retirement of Archbishop J. Michael Miller from Vancouver. Following that retirement, Archbishop Richard Smith moved from Edmonton to Vancouver, which led to the appointment of Bishop Stephen Hero to Edmonton this past January. Thorson was then appointed to the vacant Prince Albert see on May 28.

Through Aug. 31, there were 6 permanent bishop appointments, 1 automatic coadjutor succession, and 1 appointment of an apostolic administrator, affecting 12 Canadian dioceses and eparchies. While three episcopal ceremonies occurred within 6 days in late August, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops cautioned against describing the activity as unprecedented.