Northern Catholics' new bishop is a Sudburian

A Sudbury-born Roman Catholic priest said he's looking forward to taking on the challenge of leading the church in the northern dioceses of Hearst and Moosonee, which geographically cover half of Ontario.

Father Robert Bourgon was recently appointed Bishop of Hearst as well as apostolic administrator of Moosonee by Pope Francis. The date of his ordination hasn't yet been set, but Bourgon said it will probably be in April.

He's currently the priest of St. Bartholomew in Levack, St. Stephen in Dowling and St. Francis Xavier in Cartier, as well as judicial vicar, chancellor and vicar general of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie.

Bourgon, who will turn 60 next month, grew up in Creighton Mine, a community near Lively that's now a ghost town.

He attended St. Peter's Seminary in London, and was ordained to the priesthood nearly 35 years ago. He obtained a doctorate in canon law from St. Paul University in Ottawa in 1997.

Bourgon said he's been stationed all over Ontario, but has spent most of his time as a priest in his hometown of Sudbury.

With his new job, he'll be based out of the community of Hearst, which has a population of about 5,000 people. Given he currently lives in Dowling, Bourgon said he's used to living in a small community.

But some of his parishes will only be accessible by bushplane or rail, and that will be a new experience.

“It's going to be the real mission territory some people dream about,” said Bourgon, who's travelling to Hearst this week to discuss his new post with Catholic officials in the area, and to visit some parishes.

“I think that kind of call is really important for the church and will be beneficial for me. It will teach me again the roots of what it is to be Christian, and a Christian priest.

“I hope to have a positive impact and to help bring the great message of our salvation to as many people as possible.”

Bourgon said he'd like to thank his fellow priests and the church communities in the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie that have shaped him so much.

“I ask them to pray for me, as I'll pray for them,” he said.