Ottawa – On Friday 1 May 2020, the Catholic Bishops of Canada will consecrate their individual dioceses or eparchies to Mary, Mother of the Church, seeking her protection during the Coronavirus pandemic, similar to what other Episcopal Conferences throughout the world have already done. Along with the Bishops, pastors, families, groups, individuals and other faith communities may likewise choose to join the consecration as part of the global effort to unite in faith and prayer in this most difficult time.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), in fraternal communion with the leadership of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has agreed that this Marian consecration be held on the same day in both countries, making this a most meaningful and powerful intercession throughout North America to the Blessed Mother. The Bishops of Mexico, as well as the other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, consecrated their dioceses and eparchies to Mother Mary this past Easter Sunday. Pope Francis has already offered up a moving Prayer to the Virgin Mary for protection in light of COVID-19 last 11 March 2020.
The first day of May holds particular significance as it marks the beginning an entire month to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary. “May is the month dedicated in a special way to the Mother of Christ. We believe that she is, in a spiritual but real sense, our mother too,” said the Most Reverend Richard Gagnon, Archbishop of Winnipeg and CCCB President. “We turn to her and ask for the help of her powerful and maternal prayers to God for us. To consecrate ourselves to Mary means to be united with her in entrusting our lives entirely to God.”
To assist dioceses and eparchies with the consecration, the CCCB prepared a specific prayer for use during the solemn act of entrustment. It can likewise be incorporated into family or individual prayer at home and used by other groups and faith communities.
Related information will be available on the CCCB website at www.cccb.ca.
Ottawa – Today, more than 80 religious leaders from across Canada issued a common message to all who call Canada home, expressing the need for hope, gratitude and solidarity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Wednesday, 12 February 2020, the 
Ottawa – Today, His Holiness Pope Francis appointed the Father Guy Boulanger Bishop of the Diocese of Rouyn-Noranda. At the time of his appointment, Bishop-elect Boulanger was serving as Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Sherbrooke. Upon his episcopal ordination, he will assume the pastoral governance of the diocese which had been entrusted to the Most Reverend Gilles Lemay, Bishop of the Diocese of Amos, as Apostolic Administrator in June 2019, following the resignation of the former Bishop, the Most Reverend Dorylas Moreau, because of illness. Bishop Moreau died 22 October 2019.
The Coordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land held its annual meeting in the Holy Land, 11 to 16 January 2020. Among the participants were the Most Reverend Richard Gagnon, Archbishop of Winnipeg and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), together with Mr. Carl Hétu, National Director for Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) Canada. As customary, the participating Bishops issued a news release at the conclusion of their annual visit.
From 11 to 16 January 2020, the Most Reverend Richard Gagnon, Archbishop of Winnipeg and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), will participate in the annual meeting of the Coordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land. Archbishop Gagnon will be accompanied by Mr. Carl Hétu, National Director for Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) Canada. This