A New Shepherd for Winnipeg: Archbishop Murray Chatlain’s Installation

The Archdiocese of Winnipeg has a new Archbishop! On April 4, 2025, we joyfully welcomed Archbishop Murray Chatlain as our eighth Archbishop. The installation ceremony at St. Mary’s Cathedral was a truly special celebration.

The Cathedral was filled with warmth and anticipation, hosting bishops from across Canada, the clergy of our Archdiocese, visiting priests from other dioceses, and distinguished guests, including The Honourable Anita Neville, Mr. Phil Fontaine and representatives of the Manitoba Metis Federation.  We were also pleased to welcome Archbishop Chatlain’s family and friends, along with the faithful of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg, who gathered together to celebrate this important day.

The celebration began with a traditional welcome. Most Reverend Ivan Jurkovič, the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, greeted Archbishop Chatlain, who stood at the Cathedral entrance. The assembly then turned as Fr. Geoffrey Angeles, the Cathedral Rector, welcomed Archbishop Chatlain at his new Cathedral Church, presenting him with a crucifix to reverence.

The welcome included Indigenous drumming and an honour song by Victor Tssessaze and his son, Daylon Tssessaze, from Lac Brochet, Manitoba.  Shirley Roulette, an Anishinaabe Elder, welcomed Archbishop Chatlain to the Treaty One territory, and Joan Chartrand Molloy, brought greetings to the new Archbishop from the Red River Metis. Winston Wuttunee, from the Nêhiyawêwin Nation and a member of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, performed a sweetgrass smudging, followed by drumming and an honour song for Archbishop Chatlain – a traditional and symbolic gesture of purification and welcome.

As the procession moved towards the Cathedra, or Archbishop’s Chair, Archbishop Chatlain blessed the gathered assembly with Holy Water, marking his first pastoral act among his new community.

Once Archbishop Chatlain reached the Sanctuary, a key ceremony moment arrived: the reading of the Apostolic Letter from Pope Francis appointing Archbishop Chatlain as the new Archbishop of Winnipeg.  Following this, Archbishop Chatlain was led to the Cathedra, and Archbishop Gagnon, the Archbishop Emeritus of Winnipeg, presented him with the Crozier or the pastoral staff. The moment was met with joyful applause, followed by an address by Archbishop Jurkovič on behalf of Pope Francis.

The spirit of welcome continued as representatives from the lay faithful, consecrated women and men, and the clergy of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg came forward to greet and welcome their new Archbishop personally. This heartfelt exchange concluded the formal installation ceremony. Afterwards, the Glory to God was sung, and Mass continued.

Following Archbishop Chatlain’s homily, representatives from various parishes within the Archdiocese offered intercessions in various languages, reflecting our community’s diversity. Adding a personal touch, Archbishop Chatlain’s mother, sisters, brother and nieces brought forward the bread and wine for the celebration of the Eucharist.

After Archbishop Chatlain’s homily, intercessions were offered in various languages by representatives of the Archdiocese’s parishes. Archbishop Chatlain’s mother, sisters, brother, and nieces brought forward the gifts.

Archbishop Chatlain offered words of gratitude at the conclusion of the Mass, including for the civil and ecumenical guests, the multi-parish liturgical choir, those who planned and organized the liturgy and all who assembled to celebrate. Refreshments and fellowship followed at the Delta Marriot Hotel.

Please keep Archbishop Chatlain in your prayers as he begins his ministry with us.