October 21, 2022

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

            Last October 4th was the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, a saint I have loved since my youth. He has always inspired me and has been present in the highlights of my life.  In fact, the episcopal cross that I carry on me since my ordination as a bishop is the cross of St. Damien, a 12th century cross before which St. Francis felt challenged by Christ himself to « rebuild his Church ». 

            It was on this date, at the same time, that 30 years ago when I celebrated my first Mass as a priest, that I received a call from the Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Ivan Jurkovic, announcing that Pope Francis had chosen me to take up the challenge of becoming the new bishop of the diocese of Nicolet in Quebec. 

             Before this humbling demonstration of trust by the Holy Father towards me and on this day of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, I saw it as a sign from heaven, which I have accepted with humility.  On the other hand, I quickly realized that accepting this new challenge requested by the Holy Father also implied regrets on my part.

            Unfortunately, I will have to leave you after almost 10 years in your midst.  Pope Benedict XVI had given me quite a gift by appointing me as your pastor. I have come to realize its significance even more over the years. This departure will therefore be for me a heartbreak after having lived happily amongst you. We are in fact beings of passage, fundamentally pilgrims, missionaries.

              I will soon find myself in this new diocese of Nicolet among People of God whom I will also come to know and love. Living in a large rural area and in central Quebec, I will find them in three large cities ( one is Victoriaville, where they make the famous hockey sticks) and a multitude of villages. The population is of French origin, and includes more than 222,000 Catholics, practically the current Catholic population of the three French-speaking dioceses of New Brunswick.  For this great mission, I will be able to count on several lay collaborators, about thirty active priests not counting retired priests, religious men, and women from 5 communities as well as twenty permanent deacons and pastoral workers.

            I would like to warmly thank Bishop André Gazaille who, for more than 10 years, has been a caring pastor, loved and appreciated by his people. He has already welcomed me with kindness. I wish him a well-deserved retirement as I will pursue, to the best of my ability ,the mission that Christ has entrusted to us.

            But from Nicolet, ties will continue to unite us. There is a village in this diocese, St. Gregory, which owes its origin to the arrival of many Acadians who settled there on their return from deportation. It was also there that a female religious community, the Sisters of the Assumption, was founded focused on caring for children in schools, especially young girls. You can also visit  a village like the Acadian Village.  And there is a small Abenaki Indian reserve, the St-François-de-Sales mission, dating from at least 1680. 

            During these 10 wonderful years with you, I have learned a lot all over in all areas, including how to shell lobster without splashing my neighbors!  But above all, I have come to know you, to discover your strengths and talents, your lively faith, and your resilience in the face of difficulties.  I am very grateful.  But most of all, I have learned to love the many parishioners I have encountered during liturgical celebrations, the many banquets, picnics, social activities, and my pastoral visits.  That's what enriched me and made me grow.  It is all these moments that have made me happy and that constitute a treasure that I will bring with me.

           Together with lay collaborators, religious communities, diocesan priests, and missionaries, we have done our best to watch over each and every one of you to ensure that the Church of Christ is very much alive and can face the future with confidence and radiate hope. The renovation of the cathedral, the construction of the new church in Bas-Caraquet, the Trift Shop du Sacré-Cœur and the arrival of missionary priests to keep our communities alive, these are all accomplishments that I am proud to have achieved together with you.

            Of course, I’m going to stay with you for a few more weeks until mid-December. Then, a priest will be appointed administrator of the diocese until the arrival of a new bishop who, I am sure, will look after you well.

             Especially, I thank my close collaborators in the bishop house who have enabled me to carry out my mission in Bathurst to the best of my ability.  With regret, we will probably be physically far away, but I will keep you present in my heart. After 10 years with you, I now have a little Acadian tinge that will be found in this new diocese!  I will continue to pray for each one of you, and I hope you will do the same for me.  I will need it for this new mission. Also know that nothing prevents you from visiting... you will always be welcome in Nicolet.  Let us remain united in the Lord who is our good shepherd and who takes good care of us.

 May the Lord bless you
+ Daniel Jodoin

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Nominations

Effective October 5, 2022

After consultation and review of the needs of the parishes and the Diocese, we, Daniel JODOIN, by the Grace of God and the Authority of the Apostolic See, Bishop of Bathurst, decree that :


Mrs Jennifer Pitre is name diocesan coordination for the catechism dossier and the RCIA dossier.

Father Gilbert Rasamimanana is named assistant for catechism and RCIA dossiers.

Father Étienne Ramsès Same is named chaplain for the Tracadie hospital.

Father Jean Bosco Gatera is named chaplain for the Tracadie hospital

Mrs Patricia Dewispelaere is named screening coordinator for employees and volunteers as well as administrative assistant for the cemetery dossier.


+Daniel Jodoin
Bishop of  Bathurst

SYNOD 2021-2023

"For a synodal Church"