Bishop visits Rivers

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Published on Wednesday, December 9, 2015

By Liliane Dupuis

Submitted Article

On Nov. 14 the small parish of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church of Rivers and their pastor Father Phillip Malayil welcomed the archbishop of the diocese of Winnipeg, Richard Gagnon. Archbishop Gagnon is the seventh archbishop of the diocese of Winnipeg and was appointed by Pope Francis in October 2013.

Gagnon was born in Lethbridge, Alta. but he and his family moved to British Columbia when he was still a child. Gagnon received a bachelor of arts in history/English from Simon Fraser University in 1973 and received his teaching certification from the province of B. C. in 1975. From 1979 to 1983 he studied at Pontifical Beda College in Rome. He was ordained to the priesthood in Vancouver in 1983. Before being appointed to the archdiocese of Winnipeg, he was bishop of Victoria, which included all of Vancouver Island.

Archbishop Gagnon co-celebrated mass with Father Phillip. After mass, the parishioners enjoyed a wonderful meal, catered by the members of St. James’ Anglican Church in Rivers. Continuing with the centennial celebration of the archdiocese, the hall was decorated in a centennial theme; the archbishop was asked to cut the centennial cake. As a thank gift, he was presented with dainties and a monetary gift.

When thanking the parish for his gifts, Gagnon said he had received three “sweet” gifts during his visit to Rivers. The first were the dainties he’d just received, the second was meeting the parishioners and the third was having the delicious meal, prepared and served by the Anglicans.

The Archdiocese of Winnipeg has 90 parishes/missions, all of which Archbishop Gagnon has visited since his appointment. The parishioners of Immaculate Conception were happy to receive his visit and we are grateful to the St. James’ members who made and served such a wonderful meal. You certainly added much to the celebration!