On Wednesday, 3 June 2026, in the presence of His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo, Archbishop of Toronto, His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, Archbishop Emeritus of Toronto, His Excellency Archbishop Ivan Jurkowič, Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, the auxiliary Bishops of the Archdiocese of Toronto, a number of other Bishops from across Canada, about 150 priests from the Archdiocese of Toronto, members of religious congregations in the archdiocese and family and friends, a Mass of thanksgiving was held at St. Michael’s Cathedral, Toronto, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Episcopal Ordination of Most Reverend John Boissonneau, auxiliary Bishop of Toronto.
As the main celebrant, His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo, welcomed those who came from far and near to celebrate this wonderful Mass of thanksgiving. He further stressed that this was an occasion for the whole Archdiocese of Toronto to rejoice for the gift of Bishop Boissonneau to the archdiocese and to the Church.
His Excellency Archbishop Ivan Jurkowič, Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, read a statement from the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, congratulating Bishop Boissonneau as he reached this important milestone in his Episcopal life, thanking him for his ministry to the Church and to the Archdiocese of Toronto.
Drawing on his Episcopal motto, which translates as “So that your trust may be in the Lord”, in his homily, Bishop Boissonneau emphasised the word TRUST, which continues to be the foundation of his pastoral ministry. Speaking with humility and conviction, he sees himself as one who was called not to be served but to serve the people of the Archdiocese of Toronto and, for the past twenty-five years, this is how he has lived his ministry and the various responsibilities he has undertaken.
Following the Mass, a reception was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Toronto, a short walk from St. Michael’s Cathedral, where, in a family atmosphere, a wonderful buffet-style meal was enjoyed by all in attendance. Following the meal, a few short reflections were given. His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo thanked Bishop Boissonneau for his untiring dedication to the different responsibilities given to him and for the simple, humble way he lives ministry as a shepherd of the flock within the Archdiocese of Toronto. Bishop Boissonneau thanked all present, especially his family and friends, for their support in his ministry and emphasised, once again, that his ministry is based upon trusting in the Lord.
For the past twenty-five years, Bishop Boissonneau has faithfully served as Auxiliary Bishop initially with responsibility for the Western Pastoral Region until 2022 and currently for the Northern Pastoral Region. In addition to these pastoral responsibilities, he has also served as Vicar for Permanent Deacons, Vicar for Liturgy, Vicar for Christian Education and as Archdiocesan Liaison with the Catholic Faculties of Theology. He is currently the National Director for the Pontifical Mission Societies for English-speaking Canada. Each of these responsibilities, he carries out with a high level of dedication and trust. For Bishop Boissonneau, the Archdiocese of Toronto is not only the place where he is called to carry out his ministry, but the Archdiocese of Toronto is his home, where he is privileged to serve
As he celebrated Twenty-five years of Episcopal Ordination, the outpouring of love on 3 June 2026 was a clear expression of the impact Bishop Boissonneau has had within the Archdiocese of Toronto. He took time during the reception, to meet people at their tables, personally thanking them for their support and prayers. Everything expressed on that day can be summed up using the words found in the Mass program: “…we give thanks for Bishop Boissonneau’s unwavering dedication to the Church. His legacy is one of faithful service, intellectual leadership, and a deep love for the people of God – an enduring testament to a life lived in generous response to Christ’s call…”
