Voices October 13, 2022
Working with the Archdiocese of Vancouver’s magnificent seven
By Barbara Dowding
Nearly six years have passed since the ordination of Bishop Joseph Nguyen as the Bishop of Kamloops. At the time, we were celebrating the fact that in the previous 14 years the Archdiocese of Vancouver had seen six episcopal ordinations. And now we have seven in 20 years!
When the news broke that our Vicar General, Father Gary Franken, had been named Bishop of the Diocese of St. Paul in Alberta, I was both surprised and delighted. Surprised because I had selfishly thought we were going to keep him to ourselves forever, and delighted because he has so many gifts to offer and share, and the wider Church needs him.
I’ve written before on the experience of being involved first hand in each of the episcopal ordinations dating back to that of Bishop David Monroe in 2002. I had a minor part on that committee but saw firsthand what went into preparing for such an enormous event. Who can forget how Queen Elizabeth Theatre became a beautiful holy place for an ordination? When he chose “Come and See” for his motto, Bishop Monroe was offering a personal invitation to everyone he meets and to this day still does. His evangelizing heart continues to invite.
Little did I know at the time that there would be many more episcopal ordinations to come in which I would be helping organize invitations, coats of arms, and photographs, ordering new attire for the occasion, and supporting the new diocese in any and every way possible. Each one was different, but the same.
Just over two years later, in 2004, then-Vicar General Msgr. Richard Gagnon was named Bishop of Victoria. His ordination and installation took place at St. Andrew’s Cathedral with a very large contingent of well wishers from Vancouver in attendance. Bishop Gagnon’s motto “To Obey is to Serve in Love” has stood him in good stead. He was a big part of the Archdiocesan Synod and initiated the stewardship initiative. Since 2014, he has been Archbishop of Winnipeg, served in many capacities for the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and is an outspoken advocate of Indigenous people. His service continues to be one of love.
Then two years later came the announcement that one of our diocesan pastors was going to become a bishop! Father Gary Gordon, pastor of St. Mary’s in Chilliwack, was named Bishop of Whitehorse. I am sure no one was more surprised than he was, yet he smiled broadly and embraced it all as he was ordained and installed on March 22, 2006. It was cold outside in Whitehorse but the welcome extended by the local people was warm and genuine. “Communion” was his motto, one that I think describes him and his mission perfectly. His love for those on the margins as well and Indigenous people is well known, almost legendary, as he lives his life for others so all may be in a spiritual union. Bishop Gary became the Bishop of Victoria in 2014.
Fast forward to 2013 and came the announcement that Msgr. Stephen Jensen, then Vicar General, was to be the new Bishop of Prince George. It was an exciting time all around as Prince George had been waiting several months for a new bishop to be named. Fortunately April in Prince George can be almost spring-like and the weather was kind for the celebration of his episcopal ordination and installation which took place at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Prince George. Like most of the bishops before him, Bishop Jensen settled on a motto that was already part of his life: “To Prepare his Ways.” Quietly going about his ministry Bishop Jensen proclaims the Good News by his good example and understated witness.
Not many months later in the dead of winter, Father Mark Hagemoen, principal of St. Mark’s and Corpus Christi Colleges and Vicar General in Vancouver from 2004 to 2007, received news that he was to be the new Bishop of Mackenzie-Fort Smith. The northern diocese with its rugged terrain and cold winters was just perfect for this intrepid adventurer and outdoorsman.
Long-distance plans were made that included chartering an airplane to bring the many stout-hearted supportive souls to witness the ordination and installation in the nearly minus-40-degree day on Dec. 15, 2013. Bishop Hagemoen’s motto “Peace, Service and Hope” was well chosen and still guides him. He has been Bishop of Saskatoon since 2017, undertaking many initiatives for Indigenous people among his many commitments to build up the Church in Canada.
June 1, 2016, saw another of our diocesan priests and Vicar General ordained and installed as the Bishop of Kamloops. Often described as a pastor of souls with a pastor’s heart, Bishop Joseph Nguyen continues to serve his people with humility and patience. Hundreds of people from the Lower Mainland made their way to Kamloops to support and celebrate with the new bishop. Throughout his life, Bishop Joseph has held on tightly to what has become his episcopal motto, “Stand firm in the Lord.” Through thick and thin he as always remained steadfast to the Lord and led others to do likewise.
Back to Bishop-elect Gary Franken and pondering the reality of yet another episcopal ordination, my heart is full. Full of gratitude to him for saying yes, for allowing his many gifts and talents to be shared further, and for his sacrifice in so doing.
While there is great sadness knowing a departure like this is final in many ways and things will be forever different, we will all be better because of it. This bishop-elect has a pastor’s heart, a servant’s approach, and deep and genuine love for God and his people. We are blessed to have had him for so long. And his motto – which I’m not at liberty to reveal just yet – suits him perfectly.
These seven good and holy men are examples of faith in action, of service and devotion, of duty and love. It was and still is a testament to the strength of the presbyterate in Vancouver that the leadership of our current and past Archbishops and the overall dedication and commitment of our diocesan priests allows them to be noticed and chosen.
As for me, it’s been an honour and a privilege to play a small part in and witness these important milestones for our archdiocese.
Barb Dowding is former chancellor of the Archdiocese of Vancouver and currently serves as Special Assistant to the Archbishop.
Father Franken will be ordained as the new Bishop of Saint Paul on Monday, Dec. 12, at 2 p.m. MST (1 p.m. PST). For information about transportation from Vancouver email [email protected].
There will also be an archdiocesan celebration for Father Franken at St. Patrick’s Church, Vancouver, Dec. 4. Details to follow.