Article courtesy of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg, originally published on their website, and reprinted with permission.
By Janelle Malkiewicz, Archdiocese of Winnipeg
[Winnipeg} – On April 4, 2025, the Archdiocese of Winnipeg joyfully welcomed Archbishop Murray Chatlain as its eighth archbishop at an installation ceremony at St. Mary Cathedral.
Archbishop Murray Chatlain, is the newly-installed shepherd of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg. (Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
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 (former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations), and representatives of the Manitoba Metis Federation.
Bishops from across Canada enter St. Mary Cathedral in Winnipeg for the installation celebration for Archbishop Murray Chatlain. (Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
The archdiocese also welcomed 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 Rev. Ivan Jurkovič, the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, greeted Archbishop Chatlain, who stood at the cathedral entrance. The assembly then turned to the entrance 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, MB. 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.
Victor Tssessaze and his son, Daylon Tssessaze, from Lac Brochet, MB, sang an honour song for the new archbishop. (Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
Shirley Roulette, an Anishinaabe Elder, welcomed Archbishop Chatlain to the Treaty One territory. (Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
Joan Chartrand Molloy, brought greetings to the new archbishop from the Red River Metis. (Photo courtesy of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
Winston Wuttunee, from the Nêhiyawêwin Nation and a member of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, performed a sweetgrass smudging ceremony, followed by drumming and an honour song for Archbishop Chatlain – a traditional and symbolic gesture of purification and welcome.
Winston Wuttunee, from the Nêhiyawêwin Nation and a member of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, performed a sweetgrass smudging ceremony, followed by drumming and an honour song. (Photo courtesy of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
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.
Archbishop Chatlain blesses the assembly with holy water. (Photo courtesy of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg
Once Archbishop Chatlain reached the Sanctuary, a key moment of the installation ceremony took place: the official reading of the Apostolic Letter from Pope Francis appointing Archbishop Chatlain as the new Archbishop of Winnipeg.
The reading of the Apostolic Letter from Pope Francis appointing Archbishop Chatlain. (Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
Following this, Archbishop Chatlain was led to the Cathedra, and Archbishop Gagnon, 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.
Archbishop Chatlain receives the crozier. (Photo courtesy of of Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
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.
Archdiocesan representatives welcomed the new shepherd. (Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
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 Kathleen Chatlain of Saskatoon, and his sisters, brother and nieces brought forward the bread and wine for the celebration of the Eucharist.
Archbishop Chatlain’s mother Kathleen Chatlain of Saskatoon brings forward the gifts at the installation Mass April 4. (Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
Archbishop Chatlain’s brother and sister bring up gifts at the Offertory. (Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
Archbishop Chatlain with his mother Kathleen Chatlain of Saskatoon during the gift procession. (Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
Archbishop Murray Chatlain’s brother Greg Chatlain of Saskatoon was one of the family members who brought up gifts during the Mass. (Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
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.
The new Archbishop of Winnipeg presides at the celebration of the Eucharist, with bishops from across the country, including Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen (back). (Screen capture image from livestream video, Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
The new Archbishop of Winnipeg expresses thanks. (Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
Greetings during the reception after the installation Mass. (Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
Bishop Bryan Bayda of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada at the reception held after Archbishop Murray Chatlain’s installation Mass April 4 in Winnipeg. (Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Winnipeg)
Archbishop Murray Chatlain with his mother and siblings. (Submitted photo)
Video of the installation Mass:
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