Until a new bishop is appointed by Pope Francis, the Diocese of Charlottetown will be administered by Island priest Rev. Brian MacDougall.
A body of local priests, called the College of Consultors met in Charlottetown this week and elected MacDougall to oversee the diocese until a new bishop is installed.
The election of an administrator was set in motion by the resignation of Bishop Richard Grecco last week. The news that Pope Francis accepted his resignation came March 4, the date of Grecco’s 75th birthday, when canon law requires all bishops to retire.
The resignation letter was published in all parish church bulletins on the weekend.
MacDougall is pastor of St. Teresa the Little Flower Parish in Morell, St. Peter’s Parish in St. Peter’s Bay and St. Lawrence O’Toole Parish in Green Meadows. He is also provincial chaplain for the Catholic Women’s League and most recently served as vicar general for Grecco.
MacDougall will retain his pastoral duties while serving as administrator.
“It is an honour to be asked to serve as diocesan administrator,” said MacDougall.
“I acknowledge that this is a substantial responsibility, and in a prayerful manner I will do my utmost to fulfil this role effectively.”
At a glance
- Rev. Brian MacDougall was ordained to the priesthood in June of 1982 at St. Dunstan’s Basilica in Charlottetown and has been a priest of the diocese for more 38 years.
- During this time, he has served as pastor in a variety of parishes, such as Holy Redeemer in Charlottetown, Scared Heart parish in Alberton and at St. Paul’s in Summerside.
- MacDougall holds a BA from the University of Prince Edward Island, a bachelor of theology from St. Paul’s University in Ottawa and has participated in the Institute for Continuing Theological Education at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.
Grecco had served as the 13th bishop of Charlottetown since his installation in September 2009. His resignation came just over a week after it was revealed he has been experiencing health issues since before Christmas.
A letter posted by diocesan chancellor Gerald Gabriel on Feb. 24 announced that Grecco had just completed radiation, with other treatments pending. The letter asked Islanders for prayers for the bishop’s recovery.
Grecco expressed confidence that he will recover from his health challenges.
“By coincidence or by providence, today on the occasion of my 75th birthday, I begin a four-month program of chemotherapy,” the bishop wrote last week.
“This follows a week-long radiation program which helped the painful symptoms considerably. With confidence in your prayers and the medical information that a high percentage of patients achieve remission, I hope to be able to resume ministry as a retired bishop.”
Grecco said he had been looking forward to celebrating his 75th birthday and retirement with eucharistic celebrations throughout the diocese to offer farewells.
“This would have happened in compliance with the public health regulations. …. Perhaps, if my chemo works well and the pandemic restrictions are relaxed, I may be able to join with you in welcoming back our social freedom and a new opportunity to participate in the sacred liturgy.”
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